Teddy - Neuologic/Territorial Behaviour?

For the past couple of weeks Teddy has gotten into the habbit of nipping at just me ..whenever I go to pet him while he is in the cage (not through the bars) ..just a little nip and a pull.
But he is fine when he is out.
He never used to do it with my bf through.
Today, he bit my finger and drew blood ..about an hour later he did it again.
My boyfriend tried to pick him up out of the cage and he latched onto him and hung on his finger ..its pretty bad!

He is fine with his cages mates.

Anyone have any suggestions?

I also don't feed through the cage bars!

 

[xxchelle]

I find with sudden changes in behavior like that, it could indicate something neurological, or sometimes pain.

 

I find with sudden changes in behavior like that, it could indicate something neurological, or sometimes pain.

But he acts fine, eats fine, drinks fine.
His balance is good.

He only does this when he is in his cage.

Could it be territorial ?

 

[Moon]

how old is he?

 

18 months.

Edit: Well 18 months on the 17th of this month.

 

[xxchelle]

I suppose it could be territorial, though all your boys are neutered, right? So he shouldn't really be showing signs of aggression.... hmmm...

Unfortunately I think around 18 months is when neurological issues can start popping up. But if he doesn't have any other symptoms, then that's strange too.

 

I suppose it could be territorial, though all your boys are neutered, right? So he shouldn't really be showing signs of aggression.... hmmm...

Unfortunately I think around 18 months is when neurological issues can start popping up. But if he doesn't have any other symptoms, then that's strange too.

Yes, he is neutered.
Scamp has recently moved into the cage, BUT he was nipping before he joined the crew.

Like I said before, he is fine outside the cage ..you can manhandle him and he is fine.
He has good balance and he is not eating any differently, has lots of energy and is not drinking more than usual.

 

[Moon]

Could be as simple as you need to make your hands in the cage a good, normal thing. If every time you enter the cage you're adding food, changing bedding, removing rats, etc, he may be associating with something he doesn't like. You might need to spend some time with your hands in cage petting or just relaxing but not actually changing anything

 

[jorats]

It could be what Moon has suggested but keep a close eye on any other behavioural changes. At his age and being neutered... I'd be worried it's neurological as well.

 

Could be as simple as you need to make your hands in the cage a good, normal thing. If every time you enter the cage you're adding food, changing bedding, removing rats, etc, he may be associating with something he doesn't like. You might need to spend some time with your hands in cage petting or just relaxing but not actually changing anything

I'll try that!

& that's all I ever do when I enter the cage ..is add food, clean or remove rats!

 

[Moon]

If, after a couple of weeks of making your hands "neutral" you're still experiencing this (anything more than a minor nibble or grab and pull like some rats like to do to "invite" you in) then I'd start looking at other options. His grabbing on to your BF and really causing damage is concerning but may not be a huge issue.. time will tell.

 

If, after a couple of weeks of making your hands "neutral" you're still experiencing this (anything more than a minor nibble or grab and pull like some rats like to do to "invite" you in) then I'd start looking at other options. His grabbing on to your BF and really causing damage is concerning but may not be a huge issue.. time will tell.

It started off as a pull a few weeks ago (just towards me) ..then tonight was grabby towards me (drew blood on me, but nothing serious) and the bf ..but the bf got the worst end.