gkelly
New Member
Hi, we are introducing our 1.5yr old Mac to our group of three rats (9months to 1year old) (all male) after his cage mate died. We have been using the carrier method and the first stage seemed to go well as this morning they were all snuggled up together after some aggression from Ted (one of the younger but probably the biggest and "alpha") of the original group, we went up to a hamster size cage and Mac seems really scared, he's chosen a corner that he'll sit or lie in and wont move much from there. Ted is bothering him every few hours for a little scuffle that we break up and he's drawn a small bit of blood once on Macs arm, but also seems to be presenting himself to Mac for grooming which Mac wont reciprocate.
Unsure how to proceed at this point, we've thought of either;
- continuing in this cage until eventually they settle (slightly worried when we sleep theyll be a bad fight we dont break up in time)
- go down a level and remove all but Mac and Ted to force them to bond
- use the neutral space method in our bathtub or bed to see if that changes anything.
I'd be greatful for any advice thanks.
Greg
EDIT: none of the rats have been neutered
Unsure how to proceed at this point, we've thought of either;
- continuing in this cage until eventually they settle (slightly worried when we sleep theyll be a bad fight we dont break up in time)
- go down a level and remove all but Mac and Ted to force them to bond
- use the neutral space method in our bathtub or bed to see if that changes anything.
I'd be greatful for any advice thanks.
Greg
EDIT: none of the rats have been neutered
