Introducing new rats

[MaddyMarlee]

I've had Maddy for almost 2 months- she is probably about 6 months old. I know that rats are best in pairs, so I got Marlee on Friday. She is probably about 4 months. I have put their cages near each other and switched them into each other's cages a few times to get the scent. There have been promising signs of getting along- they will play together on my lap or on my bed, they have groomed each other and have even snuggled in their little hut when put in the same cage. I have not left them in the same cage for prolonged periods of time yet. While I know maddy needs to establish her dominance, the last time I left them in the cage she went after Marlee, who laid on her back in a paralysis type state and stayed there for 3-4 minutes. She then went back and continued to go after her with jabs. Marlee was very vocal during the process and although no blood was drawn, I separated them. Is this paralysis type behavior normal, or is she terrified of maddy to the point where she needs to be separated? Should I keep letting it happen?

 

[jorats]

Hi, I'm sorry, I didn't see this post until now. Yes, the behaviour is very normal. But I wouldn't put her in the cage together unless the cage has been completely scrubbed down. Rats can be territorial. But continue your intros and when you feel comfortable, wash down the cage and move things around so it's unrecognizable and add the girls.