Normal introduction behavior or should I seperate them tonight?

[dell126]

When I introduced her to Marceline and Science, Marceline my obvious alpha female keeps rolling her onto her back and pinning her down which I know is a sign of dominance. Then she grooms her and cuddles with her for awhile and then it starts all over all while baby PB carried her tail up high and curled over her body. Is this all normal? Marceline is doing some puffing up of her fur but is not hurting her just pinning her. Should I seperate them tonight or should they be okay?

 

[lilspaz68]

When I introduced her to Marceline and Science, Marceline my obvious alpha female keeps rolling her onto her back and pinning her down which I know is a sign of dominance. Then she grooms her and cuddles with her for awhile and then it starts all over all while baby PB carried her tail up high and curled over her body. Is this all normal? Marceline is doing some puffing up of her fur but is not hurting her just pinning her. Should I seperate them tonight or should they be okay?

The baby is tiny and sick right? I would advise pulling her out and jsut consider this intro 1. It sounds like it went well...as long as it was straight pinning, with the head held high...no huffing or threatening to bite. I would put this wee one in with them while you can watch and intervene if necessary.

 

[dell126]

She's not sick. Just smaller than my fatties. She's only a month or two old where my fatties are 11 and 12 months.

 

[lilspaz68]

She's not sick. Just smaller than my fatties. She's only a month or two old where my fatties are 11 and 12 months.

Oh sorry, mixed up my posts LOL

If she's 4-5 weeks old, take your time, if she's 6-8 weeks you can go a bit faster, but still better to do intros while you are watching.

 

[dell126]

Put her back in this morning and all three immediately climbed into bed and are curled up together. That must be a good thing! lol

 

[jorats]

It is. Sounds like they've welcomed her in.

 

[dell126]

I think so too! No more pinning. Science my cage aggressive girl is being loving and she isn't biting me when I put my hand in the cage. I can't wait until after Christmas and I can get them a new home.

 

[dell126]

I lied. Science just bit me so hard she drew blood. smh

 

[jorats]

I lied. Science just bit me so hard she drew blood. smh

Some rats get spooked easily. Make sure you are always announce yourself and maybe even have a toy like a foam block to give her, to block her access to you when you go in the cage. I've had sharks like that in the past. It's no fun.