Playing Rough or i it agression?

[amanda1472]

Hi guys, i have two young male rats and i was wondering if they are playing rough r if it early sings of aggression.

The first video Bambi tries to steal food from Thumper (Im assuming this is normal though?)
http://youtu.be/BC_5_HH88Us

Second video is myself playing with Bambi & Thumper who soon start wrestling with them selves.
http://youtu.be/ddO1I_zkL8Y

They do make a lot of noise at night. I hear thumping, running, tumbling, squeaks, and sometimes they get so loud i think they broke down their house, but when i wake up everything is in its place and no one is hurt.

 

[EDK]

Aww but these guys are babies! They like 6weeks old? Very cute! lol I think they are just very hyper and boys will be boys in that regard. In my opinion it's more like really rough play fighting, for when the fighting when they become more mature which is around 5months of age, that they establish pecking orders. I think thats what they are doing right now, practicing to establish pecking orders.

My 3 boys are all matured now, and occassionally, though not as bouncy or fast as your kiddies lol, they will tackle each other and 'rough groom' from what i can tell in the vid is what they were doing as well. Its a domiance/disciplinary trait to let the other rat know who's in charge. The thing I was told to watch out for would be lunging, or chasing and resulting to aggressive biting. If that happends you need to break it up best way you can, throwing a blanket on them would help. And if that were to continue then neutering the trouble maker would probably help to sort them out. I wouldn't worry just yet though, they are just babies and still in the hyper stage. The squeaking is merely protesting, it's also a sign to the other rat that "ouch your being too rough!" it's the only way they learn hehe.

 

[amanda1472]

Aw, thank you. I was a little worried since i have heard that squeaking could be bad and that it could mean one rat is being to aggressive. I though it could be the whole pecking order since they are so young. Thank you for setting my mind at ease.

 

[Aida]

Usually we just go by the "no blood, no worry" rule.

 

[amanda1472]

Thank you too

 

[Dahlas]

Sweet babies....having lots of fun wrestling and playing..

 

[amanda1472]

Thanks everyone, as a new rat owner i didnt know how far was too far, glad to hear they are just being normal.

 

[jorats]

I love the second video... so awesome to see them play hard and run hard like that. Happy rats!!

 

[amanda1472]

Thank you so much. I have only had them a day and a week and they are mostly comfortable with me, Thumper even comes up to the cage and wants out, but Bambi sometimes still reezes or hides. But i think im doing good.

 

[lilspaz68]

We created a post in Reference just for this sort of question. :mrgreen: Adorable babies you have!

viewtopic.php?f=26&t=28714

 

[amanda1472]

Thank you, i will take a look at it now.