Introduction Question

[ema-leigh]

Hi Everyone,

I have experience with intros, but just wanted to know the best way to go about it with regards to combining my two groups of unaltered boys. Any input would be appreciated.

The first group consists of:

1. Buck, Almost one year one largest male. Alpha. Oliver and Finnigans Sire.

Well socialized with other rats. Ive had him since he was 6 weeks, he is the type of rat I can do anything with. He does like to pin and groom the other boys, but hes not too rough.

2. Oliver, 5 months almost taking over Buck in size. Bucks son, Finnigans brother.

He is well socialized, very laid back temperament. He is the lowest ranking male, yet by far the chunkiest.

3. Finnigan, 5 months just a touch smaller than Oliver. Bucks son, Olivers brother.

He is well socialized and even tempered. Sweet yet bold boy.

4. Mojo, 3 months old. Approx same size as Whiskey + Kahula (brothers) Finnigan and Olivers nephew. Only recently been added to this group, about 3 weeks ago.

Calm temperament. Well socialized with other young rats.

5. Scotch 3 months old (1 week older than Mojo and Whiskey) Was raised with Mojo, Kahula and Whiskey, and they were all only recently added to this group, about 3 weeks ago.

He was a rescue. His parents and siblings all have awesome temperaments. Very people orientated, and he is great with other rats. Very mellow. Well socialized with other young rats.

6. Kahula 3 months old. Approx same size as Mojo and Whiskey (brothers) Finnigan and Olivers nephew. Only recently added to this group, about 3 weeks ago.

The second group consists of:

1. Monroe, 6 months old. Smaller in frame than all the boys in group one but largest male in group 2. Not related to any of my other rats, his bloodline is from the UK. He has been well socialized with young males only. I am not 100% sure if he is the alpha, but I assume so.

I think he is the one that would cause problems as he has never met a larger male and new situations can stress him out. He was well handled, but never experienced much outside of his rat room.


2. Higgins, 3 months old. Not related to any of my other rats. Very people orientated rat, loves to be taken out and about. Good with other rats. The pic is his baby one, hes twice the size now.

3. Whiskey 3 months old. Approx same size as Mojo + Kahula from group 1 (brothers) Finnigan and Olivers nephew. Has been in this group for almost two months now.

Calm temperament. Well socialized with other rats.

 

[lilspaz68]

Ema, just wait until Jorats gets home from work this evening, she is the Intro Queen...we all beg her for her special magic Intro dust. :laugh4:

There is an intro's thread in Behaviour you might want to check out in the meantime.

 

[Rachael]

If they are happy in two separate groups just curious why you're introducing?

With two groups mine usually play in an area that no rats have been before, just 10 minutes each day for a week or whenever you think works, give them food and cuddles during that time, and put them in an either new, or completely washed and everything moved around cage.

 

[ema-leigh]

Hehe I need some of that magic intro dust. I'll wait and see what she says! Thanks Lilspaz

The reason Im trying to mingle the two groups is so that all the boys can have a whole double Critter Nation to themselves. I know how to do intros just not entirely sure if it would be best to put the alpha from group 1 in group 2 and let them establish heirachy, then put the rest of the boys from group 1 in. Or visa versa or what. Monroe is the one I think might caught problems, purely because hes never seen a larger male. Not sure wether to just put Monroe in group 1, but Im worried that the bigger boys would gang up on him if he got fiesty. Whiskey I know I wont have any problems with, as he used to play with group 1 whilst they were growing up. Higgins is a sweetheart, nothing phases him so he wont be a hassle either.

I just want to know the safest way to go about it.

Thanks for your comments guys! much appriciated.

 

[jorats]

Ok, so you want to put 6 intact males with 3 intact males all over the age of 2 months and anyone can at any point in time become hormonal and it doesn't matter what background they have. But still doable.
You need to find completely neutral ground and I would intro all nine at once so there's a whole bunch of newbies and no one should be singled out and picked on. Do one of these and observe all the body language and then you'll know how to proceed from there.

 

[ema-leigh]

I was thinking that, but what if all hell broke loose. I dont think I could break up that many rats quick enough - seen as I would be doing it by myself. Since we've just moved house we have alot of neutral space and an XXL bathtub.

 

[jorats]

There will be one or two trouble makers, you should be able to spot them right away. I'm going to guess the 5 months old are the ones to watch. Keep a towel handy and all you have to do is throw it on them and do a quick push away.

 

[ema-leigh]

Okay thanks so much Jorats. Now I know which direction to go in. I'll keep you all updated.