turkeyspit
New Member
My wife and I adopted 3 Rats about a month ago. All 3 are about 1 year old (we are celebrating their B-Day on Monday :happydance: ), 2 of which are Litter mates while the 3rd was from the same breeder, different Mom. They have all adapted very well to our home, and are probably getting spoiled by all the attention our 2 children (12 and 10yrs) afford them.
But sadly, with 3 Rats and 4 members of the family, someone was left Rat-less..which was 'yours truly'. So against my better judgement, while browsing in a local pet store, we decided to add a 4th Rat to our home (plenty of room in the cage). The new guy is about 8 weeks old, and very very excited to be around the larger (dare I say 'Giant') Rats. The big boys are very excited at the new addition...but maybe too excited?
One thing that has me concerned is that while all 3 of the older Rats go into spasm-excitement mode around the new guy, one of them in particular seems to be almost harrassing the youngling. He is constantly sniffing his butt, which as I understand it, is a perferctly normal way for them to get to know each other. The problem though is the little guy is constantly 'squeaking' at the older Rat, leaving me to wonder if he isn't getting hurt by this behaviour.
We have a smaller cage for the new guy, but we would like to introduce him into the main cage with his 3 Rat Brothers. We have a small shelter for him (into which on he can fit) so he would have a 'hidey hole' if needed, but should I be concerned that the other Rats might unintensionally harm him in their excitement? Or is this just normal behaviour and I shouldn't fuss?
But sadly, with 3 Rats and 4 members of the family, someone was left Rat-less..which was 'yours truly'. So against my better judgement, while browsing in a local pet store, we decided to add a 4th Rat to our home (plenty of room in the cage). The new guy is about 8 weeks old, and very very excited to be around the larger (dare I say 'Giant') Rats. The big boys are very excited at the new addition...but maybe too excited?
One thing that has me concerned is that while all 3 of the older Rats go into spasm-excitement mode around the new guy, one of them in particular seems to be almost harrassing the youngling. He is constantly sniffing his butt, which as I understand it, is a perferctly normal way for them to get to know each other. The problem though is the little guy is constantly 'squeaking' at the older Rat, leaving me to wonder if he isn't getting hurt by this behaviour.
We have a smaller cage for the new guy, but we would like to introduce him into the main cage with his 3 Rat Brothers. We have a small shelter for him (into which on he can fit) so he would have a 'hidey hole' if needed, but should I be concerned that the other Rats might unintensionally harm him in their excitement? Or is this just normal behaviour and I shouldn't fuss?