Double post. Super quick update -- I adopted two absolutely perfect boys a long while back. They're maybe about a year-and-a-half old and I love them to bits (I'll have to post some pictures in the registry). Introductions were frighteningly easy and they've been living in peace for months.
But, on another topic, and the reason for my double post -- I have another quick question. I've been intentionally bitten by a rat for the first time in nearly three years of having rats! And it wasn't someone I would have ever expected to bite me. He's my oldest guy -- going on 2 years and 9 months on June 1st. When he was younger, he was the definite troublemaker (but always in a curious, good-natured way). He's always been super social (and he's the only guy who hasn't peed on me -- unbelievable, I know). He's my absolute best buddy and I love him to pieces. Anyway, onto the incident. He's a very cuddly boy and I love it. He had been napping next to me and I was gently stroking him. Suddenly, he just nipped at my finger. It wasn't hard but he did sort of break a tiny bit of skin. It wasn't long -- a very short and sudden nip. He immediately went back to sleep right after (he's still cuddled up against my leg napping as I type).
I was just hoping for some insight from more experienced rat caretakers! I don't know whether this may be just him acting out something from a dream or if it's something that could be indicative of some underlying health concern causing him discomfort. This is the only time in his entire life when he's acted sort of aggressive (I'm hesitant to label it "aggression" when he seemed to be pretty much asleep for most of it).
UPDATE: he just woke up. He's grooming my hand very gently (as always). I love him so much.
