Neuter or not to neuter?

nightmarevamp · Jul 27, 2011

Hello all , back again with some general questions about my boys.

I have three rats, all males one is over a year and the two brothers are about 6-7 months. As of late my favorite little guy Sneezers is becoming a little aggresive towards the other rats and is also peeing like it's going out of style.

He is so sweet but now when he gets to excited he seems to not want to let go of the aggression. It's not a huge problem but defintly a behviour change that I'm worried might get worse?

How long does this stage last for? When is Neturing a good idea? He is wrecking everything in sight so now they have a closed off room, which was a major change and possible factor.

Any help like always is appreciated.

jorats · Jul 27, 2011

Is he hurting his buddies?
Neutering is beneficial at any age in my opinion. I have noticed big changes in my neutered males.

nightmarevamp · Jul 27, 2011

Umm not hurting per say, bullying a little. And today was the first day he wouldn't let up on Theif and i heard a big squeal and separated them.

jorats · Jul 27, 2011

I would recommend a neuter. It's always a good thing to remove stress.
But... He might be acting this way because the other boys are coming of age and probably challenging him for the alpha position. He needs to retain control. You can let this play out or you can intervene. But be aware, neutering this boy might only end up having another boy take over the leadership role and you are back to square one.
If there is no blood being drawn, then you could just let them work it out.
Or you could set up a " time out age". Put the aggressor in a tiny empty cage for 10 minutes each time he bullies. The cage must be empty. No food, no water. The rat should not be in there for longer than 10 minutes.

nightmarevamp · Jul 27, 2011

Sounds like good advice. Well one is past the age and is gentle, the other has always been skittish and not aggressive, but your right he might do the same. I actually had to put him away from the other guys due to the fights. No blood just big squabbles.

Sighs. lol