About Jess Expertise I can answer questions about most species of rodents. I will answer any questions about health, husbandry and welfare. I can also give advise about behaviour problems, how to overcome these and ways of enriching the life of your pet. I can help with those wanting advice about house rabbits.
Experience I have experience with rabbits, guinea pigs, rats, gerbils, hamsters and chincillas.
Education/Credentials I am qualified in animal management, I work as a veterinary nurse.
Question Hi, i have two male rats who have been living together since i got them two months ago. Last week they became aggressive with each other by chasing and wrestling until i seperated them. When i placed them back together they started doing the same again, with one taking a nip to his hind leg. I removed the aggressor for a day and when i placed him back he became the one being chased and bullied. I then parted them for a few days and having introduced them back together the fighting started again. Is there anything i can do to stop this or will they have to live seperatley?
Thanks for your time
Answer Hi there, usually most male rats can live together for their whole lives. It's sometimes hard to tell when they fight if its serious or not as they will play fight a lot. What happened could have just been play fighting that has gotten out of control. Seperating them will make matters worse as it will be like introducing 2 rats that don't know each other and this could lead to more fighting. If the wound on the hind leg looks swollen then maybe some antibiotics would be a good idea. Keep an eye on them for any more wounds. It could be that their hormones are getting out of control and castrating them would solve the aggression problems. For most rats, its not necessary but there are some males that either become aggressive with other rats or with humans. Castration may seem drastic but its not really that big a deal. It's a straight forward op as long as you have a good vet that deals with rodents and your rats are young and healthy. I think this would be a better option than seperating them as lone rats live miserable lives and spend most of their time hiding or being bored. Human company just isn't the same and we can't be there 24 hours a day to wash, cuddle up to and play with the rat. It's best if rats have a companion. Hope this helps and that your able to get this sorted. If you need any more help I'm here.
