Older rats fighting.

Bunny · Apr 4, 2015

I'm looking for some advice on what to do with two older rats who keep hurting each other. One is a spayed girl, 1 1/2 years old, and the other is s boy, about the same age. They have always fought since they were young but recently it is getting out of hand. The girl is the aggressor and she has his whole back and neck area covered in bite wounds and scabs, he fights back but usually never breaks her skin until recently. The violence increased these past two months an I have no idea why. They are so sweet to me and other humans though.

When they are not fighting they do snuggle so I don't think they hate each other, they have lived together a long time. There is a third rat in the cage who is a boy and partially paralyzed, neither fight with him though.
Ism thinking about moving one of them in with my two new younger boys, but I am afraid they would hurt them since they are so small and probably too playful for older rats. Any advice is appreciated!!

smilez_n_hugs · Apr 4, 2015

Have you treated them for mites? Sometimes it can be as simple as a treatment of revolution to get rid of the bugs and restore order to your cage.

LittleKoshka · Apr 4, 2015

I agree, treat for mites just in case. Try to get more free roam/play time in too, as it will help tire them out. More toys and things to climb around on/in may also help keep their little minds occupied

Bunny · Apr 4, 2015

Thank for the tips, I'll treat them to see if they have mites, I had them tested by a vet about a year ago and they were mite free, but maybe the new rats brought some in. I hope that will solve it!!

I don't think its s boredom issue because when I give them free roam time all they want to do is fight!! I give the an hour and a half free time each day, not including personal time with me on sofa.

LittleKoshka · Apr 4, 2015

Best of luck then! I hope your boys just become snuggly potatoes

jorats · Apr 5, 2015

The skin scrapings always come back negative for mites. You should give them Revolution no matter what. 99% of the time when there are scabs it's always mites or lice.
Also, mites/lice always make rats super grumpy.

Bunny · Apr 6, 2015

Thanks jorats, I've mad a vet appointment so I can get them some revolution. I wish I had known about the skin scrapings earlier, I could have saved the money! I have two hairless also, but in another area, should I treat them as well? The two fighting are both furry.