My Intros

[mehganxo]

Ok, so I have followed the intro rules. The first one went very well, with just a bit of boxing stance between Ellie and Honey B. Tonight I tried in a familiar area, and that was pretty good as well, except for a tiny little squabble between Ellie and Honey again. Well, later on I hear a noise. I went into the rat room and somehow the ramp between two cages were down. Luckily I had a little house underneath so no one was squished. I went to open the doors to get the right ratties back in their right areas of the cage, but they just seemed to be exploring. Ellie started following Panda (the biggest/oldest of the group) around. Panda didn't seem to really care. And then Ellie started trying to get up on panda's side. It almost looked like she as spitting on her. Maybe trying to groom her but now licking. It was very strange. She just kept following panda. At one point Ellie had panda pinned down. There was little to no squeaking, no biting, nothing like that. Afterwards panda had Ellie pinned. Same deal. Neither one really seemed scared or anything. This happened only around 2-3 times.

So is this just their way or establishing dominance in the group? I mean, I'd never think that Ellie, my tiny , little frightened 3 months old would be the one trying to be in charge. Is this all normal? Should I restart intros?


Thanks!

 

[jorats]

That's normal, I wouldn't restart intros, in fact, it sounds like they might be ready to move in together now.

 

[temblabamomo]

It does sound like things are going well. If they were to move in together now or soon, I'm sure all the following around would stop after the first hour or so together. The pinning is something that may continue all their lives together. My boys who have lived together all their lives frequently pounce, pin and groom one another, all in good sport.

 

[mehganxo]

They're all moved in together. You were both right.

 

[jorats]

Very sweet!