Rat Behaviour Change
Discussion
Up until last week we had 2 pet rats, unfortunately Rocco had to be PTS last week.
Now his brother Rado is still going fine but his behaviour has changed a bit in the last week.
They have always been together for the 2 1/2 years we have had them, now he is on his own.
When I go to pet him or get him out of his cage he bites me, he never used to do this, he was fine being handled. They aren't playful bites either, he has drawn blood twice now.
But he is fine when my wife picks him up, not bothered one bit when its her.
Ive read online that rats get depressed when something changes in their life, and that he is probably just mourning the loss of his friend.
Does this sound right?
Do I need to start from the beginning again, getting him used to me all over again?
Thanks for any help.
Now his brother Rado is still going fine but his behaviour has changed a bit in the last week.
They have always been together for the 2 1/2 years we have had them, now he is on his own.
When I go to pet him or get him out of his cage he bites me, he never used to do this, he was fine being handled. They aren't playful bites either, he has drawn blood twice now.
But he is fine when my wife picks him up, not bothered one bit when its her.
Ive read online that rats get depressed when something changes in their life, and that he is probably just mourning the loss of his friend.
Does this sound right?
Do I need to start from the beginning again, getting him used to me all over again?
Thanks for any help.
Hi Adz, well that does sound strange behaviour, I have on a few occasions had one of a pair die and been left with one rat and not had any problems, perhaps he is feeling a bit uneasy and got his confidence from his fellow rat, but then again the fact he lets your partner handle him makes that not really ring true!!!
I'd take it slow and perhaps have one of your partners worn clothing to handle him with and use as a "glove" to pick him up? real bites bloody hurt, I've only really had one biter years ago, and the odd nip from a scared rat but as you know blood drawn he means business!
Don't really know what else to suggest, Are you getting him a cage mate? or not because of his age? I've had elderly males live quite happily alone once cage mates die, these squidgey old boys like a quiet life don't they!
maybe try washing your hands just before handling him too, I know he should be used to your smell, but it might confuse his nose as to who you are and if it is "your smell" he has decided he doesn't like!
R.I.P Rocco x
I'd take it slow and perhaps have one of your partners worn clothing to handle him with and use as a "glove" to pick him up? real bites bloody hurt, I've only really had one biter years ago, and the odd nip from a scared rat but as you know blood drawn he means business!
Don't really know what else to suggest, Are you getting him a cage mate? or not because of his age? I've had elderly males live quite happily alone once cage mates die, these squidgey old boys like a quiet life don't they!
maybe try washing your hands just before handling him too, I know he should be used to your smell, but it might confuse his nose as to who you are and if it is "your smell" he has decided he doesn't like!
R.I.P Rocco x
Yes they do hurt! It shocked me more than anything as I didn't expect it from him.
He will happily take food off me, I am trying to just put my hands near him and let him sniff me and make his own mind up about letting me closer, its just weird how he lets Emma pick him up and pet him no problem.
The only thing I can think of is on the day we took Rocco to the vets, Rado knew he wasn't well (Rocco lost the use of his back legs and overnight just went from happy to couldn't even lift his head) and was lying next to him, protecting him. I moved him and let him say bye, then he never saw him again. Im wondering if he now associates me with Rocco disappearing??
We aren't replacing Rocco so want Rado to be happy as he can be on his own, giving him loads of interaction.
He will happily take food off me, I am trying to just put my hands near him and let him sniff me and make his own mind up about letting me closer, its just weird how he lets Emma pick him up and pet him no problem.
The only thing I can think of is on the day we took Rocco to the vets, Rado knew he wasn't well (Rocco lost the use of his back legs and overnight just went from happy to couldn't even lift his head) and was lying next to him, protecting him. I moved him and let him say bye, then he never saw him again. Im wondering if he now associates me with Rocco disappearing??
We aren't replacing Rocco so want Rado to be happy as he can be on his own, giving him loads of interaction.
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