AngelRats
Well-Known Member
Hey everyone! So I have successfully completed intros and my hairless and adult furred ratties are now FINALLY living together! They have been together in the same cage for about 26 hours now and I thoroughly cleaned off all previous scents.What I have noticed is that each time my little baby(Maybel :heart: ) climbs on my big female(Annie :heart: ), Annie squeaks real loud leaving Maybel and Ann still for a few seconds then she resumes nudging and trying to go underneath Annie's fur. Is this a test of dominance, aggression, or is this Annie telling Maybel to get off?? I really don't see how just climbing on top of her or underneath her an cause her to squeak each time.? She also runs away from Maybel after squeaking and Maybel 3/4of the time runs after Annie trying to climb on her and nestle her head under her. I don't think Annie is too fond of her at the moment as one is sleeping by herself in the top unit while the other, on the bottom. Just a while ago, they had an argument(unfortunately I wasn't there to see the details) and Annie ended up giving two long slice marks along Maybels back (an open wound :gaah: ). I am not sure if it is because her nails are just too sharp(she hates when I clip them so I have given up..any ideas on how to file them down?..would a regular nail file work if I keep at it?..) or if she meant to draw blood as I came running when I heard the shrill squeaks..(almost like a cat fight for 10 seconds)
So..that's the update with my concerns :wallbang:
Is this normal behavior for the first couple of days until they get their hierarchy levels sorted out? And is it typical for lots of squeaks from one..each time Maybel climbs on her :lol2: ?THANKS!
So..that's the update with my concerns :wallbang:
Is this normal behavior for the first couple of days until they get their hierarchy levels sorted out? And is it typical for lots of squeaks from one..each time Maybel climbs on her :lol2: ?THANKS!
I am so pleased it is all over with and they are happily sleeping and sharing their favorite hammock together!