Pet Forum / Mammals / Rats / December 2006

I've noticed the past week or so, Pepper has become more and more
aggressive towards his cagemate, Pippin.

They seem to be boxing more and more and Pepper has started the
"crabwalk" which I understand from reading on the internet is ratspeak
for "I'm going to kick your a.s".

Anyway, it seemed to come to a head this evening.

They got into a pretty big brawl in their cage, and I had to reach in
and seperate them for about ten minutes.  When I tried to put them back
in the cage, Pepper went right in, but Pippin would do everything he
could do to get outta there.  He fought me tooth and nail to not go back
in the cage.

Anyway, they seemed to settle down a bit and after watching them for a
bit I decided to go to bed.  Not more than 10 minutes later I hear this
horrible screeching and thumping.  I go into their room just in time to
see Pepper bite Pippin on the leg, drawing blood.  I also notice that
Pepper has a would on his shoulder.

They are now in separate cages.

They have always been best buds until only recently.  Pepper is about 9
months old and Pippin is about 8 months old.

Also, I recently got two new baby rats who are in their own cage, but on
the same counter as Pepper and Pippin.  It was my idea to eventually do
a introduction on neutral ground once they got used to each other's smell.

So, I have a few questions.

Is Pepper just pissed because the new rats are there and he's taking it
out on poor Pippin? (although Pepper started showing aggressive
behavior, (crabwalking, etc) even before I got the two new rats).
I was also careful to eliminate as much of Pepper and Pippin's smell
from their cage as I could and the cage the two new rats are in is brand
new.

Does it sound like I need to get one/both of them neutered?

If so, how do I know for sure which one to neuter?  It sure looks to me
as if Pepper is being the prick, but what if Pippin is doing something
I'm not seeing to cause Pepper to act that way?  I'd hate to neuter the
wrong rat.

Any suggestions for a good rat vet to do the surgery?  I have a list of
rat vets, but havn't had to use them before.

Any other suggestions?

Best Regards,

--Hank Stalica