Strange Behaviors?

[Slapdash]

Well probably not that strange I just don't understand it. Petunia, one of my fosters who we will probably end up keeping has been pushing into the sides of the couch and my arms and legs during out time. I know rats will sidle, and push their sides into other rats when they are trying to assert themselves or dominate but I don't think it's like that. She doesn't arch her back at all or look puffy or anything; in fact she almost turn her body a little sideways and leans into my leg and walks along it, for example while she's out on the couch then she'll go about her business? I've had her for more than two months now and I don't see why she'd look at me as a threat or anything? She was very scared and timid when we rescued her from a snake breeder but has come such a long way. We've made so much progress and I really do think she trusts me and she's been so friendly for the past couple of weeks so this really confuses me? Any ideas?

I had another question too about my oldest rat Ralphie. Just curious, don't think it's anything serious but he's really been slowing down a lot lately. He's just over a year now and he was the first rat I ever got so I don't really have any experience with them aging. He seems to be almost depressed at times and doesn't want to run around or come out during out time. I can't figure out if it's his weight, age, or health or maybe all three? He's a bit overweight so I've been separating him during feeding time and limiting his consumption but I feel like he's too young to be slowing down so much already. Lately, I've been pulling their FN up to the arm of the couch, open the bottom door, cover the couch with toys and fleece and sit with them, so they can run in and out of their cage as they please. I also set up a playpen with a ladder going to the floor from the couch so they can go in there as well, but he wants no part of any of it. Everyone else will come out and he'll just sit in his cage sleeping or staring out at me? Last night I picked him up and put him on the couch and he just ran back in his cage? I want him to get some exercise and stimulation but he just seems almost depressed? Am I over reacting? Is this about the age males slow down? Should I take him out and move the cage so he has to stay out? Thanks everyone!

 

[xxchelle]

With Petunia, it's a dominance behavior, she's marking her territory. Does it seem like when a cat would rub itself up against something?

 

[jorats]

I agree, Petunia is claiming whatever she is rubbing up against, with bunnies they chin things.
As for your boy,he's too young to slowing down but. He's going through a phase and feeling down could be it, give him some kmore time.

 

[Slapdash]

Oh I see, we have a bunny so I know all about the chinning lol Then it's a good thing that she's rubbing against me most of the time? I hope lol Yes it is much like a cat :cheeky:

As for Ralphie I'm going to keep a close eye on him for the next few days and hopefully he'll perk up soon :heart: Thanks

 

[jorats]

It's good and bad. I don't allow my rats to claim me because this could start a fight. So say Petunia has claimed you, then another rat goes to climb you, Petunia might bully the other one badly.

 

[xxchelle]

I too push my rats away when they do this. I used to not stop Clod when he did this, and I really think this contributed to him not tolerating ANY other boys, because the other boys would mark me and he would go ballistic.

 

[Slapdash]

Ok good to know, I won't let her do that anymore. Thank everyone!