Intros with my intact boys - Advice and Analysis needed!

[megan123]

I have a prescription for a nasal spray from the doc, just have to find it and go pick it up.
AND starting allergy shots soon
Over the counter allergy meds don't generally help though

 

[jorats]

Singulair is prescription and it helps with allergy symptoms including respiratory issues.

 

[megan123]

The boys are now having ~30 minute intros. I don't supervise them super closely anymore...I stay close by to listen for squeaks and I pop my head in to see how things are going.
So far as I know, there have been no issues and the boys just sit in there and eat food the whole time. If they don't have food they try to escape and succeed, mostly. I received the lovely surprise of the three boys running back into my room in a line when they were supposed to be in the neutral zone. They also seem to be conspiring with each other in the break outs The reason the max has been capped at 30 minutes is that they get bored and escape from the zone.

When should I move to the next step, and what is that step? Play time in a semi-neutral zone? Do you think we're ready?

 

[jorats]

LOL sounds like they are doing great. Since you need to keep deterring them from escaping all the time, I'd move the intros to the main play area but remove all toys.

 

[megan123]

My normal play area is in my bedroom, and their cages are on the floor. Should I block off the area around their cages or just leave the doors to them closed?

 

[megan123]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tBuIQc6 ... ature=plcp

Today's play time was in my bedroom. It was almost 2 hours long.

 

[jorats]

Wow, your room is huge! Nice!
Looks like it went very well. I love how you had them follow you. That's really great, a good distraction and fun physical and mental stimulation for the rats. It's going fantastic.
I would have answered yes to blocking off the cage but it looks like just leaving the door close worked out. Awesome!

 

[megan123]

Thank you! Sam was a bit puffy at first but he got distracted and forgot about it!

I have a basement room, that's why it's so big! I do love it, lots of room for animal play time