Boy behavioural issues

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roseanna

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In the summer I decided to get 3 male rats - Delphi, Ruki and Reo (brothers). In their home they all seemed friendly with each other, similar size and well-bonded. Since then obviously they have grown a lot since being babies, but I've noticed that Reo is noticeably smaller than the other two.

I am also very concerned that he is being picked on by the other two - I often hear squeaking and 9 times out of 10 it's one of the other two seemingly bullying him? He also seems very shy; again with Delphi and Ruki I seem to have bonded fine, whereas Reo seems very reserved and incredibly unsure of me even after 6months of being here.

I have considered splitting them up but I am a full-time student who does not have the facilities or support to do this. Also, I couldn't leave Reo by himself and again it wouldn't be possible for me to go through the bonding stage for the aforementioned reason. I considered neutering, but I've heard this doesn't necessarily change behaviour.

I really am at a loss on what to do - I've owned rats for 5 years now but never had an issue like this, and it does make me feel like I've failed them, but the reality is that I love them all so much.
Any advice would be greatly appreciated!
 
Have the boys been neutered?

No - I have put it as an option, but I've been told it doesn't guarantee anything will change in terms of their behaviour. Obviously it's also costly, and I've also been told there's a higher risk when they're under anaesthetic because they're small animals
 
It doesn't sound like much of a concern to me. I would let them be unless you see blood drawn. Some rats are naturally small, some rats don't bond with their buddies and that's all normal. There will always be scuffles with males and even females... think of you and your siblings if you have any, there's always bickering at some point. Well, there is with me and my sister. lol
 
You are certainly right about the risks of neutering, and not just from the anaesthesia. I was reminded of this fact last summer when I lost a lovely 3-month old boy several hours after his neuter operation. The vet - a seasoned and well-respected exotics specialist - was never able to determine what went wrong; the operation seemed to go well and all the usual post-op precautions were taken. I've probably put close to 25 boys though the operation and this was my first disaster - but it goes to show that worst outcomes, however rare, can and do happen.
 
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