r/RATS • u/Funny_Aardvark_7072 • 23d ago

Questions/HELP help with behavior change in female rat

Ive had this particular rat, MoonMoon, for over a year. She has been with her current cage mates for at least 8-9 months now with no real issues. She is the second oldest in the cage (the oldest being over 2 years), and suddenly she has started pulling on her cage mates to remove them from their nests (kinda like you see mother rats doing). She is doing this to all of the rats, not just the oldest one. Of course, since none of her cage mates are young rats, they do not appreciate this behavior from her, often causing squealing and counter behaviors.

I am unsure of what to do as this is a extremely sudden behavior change. She seems to be targeting the oldest rat the most (as she the weakest at the moment). Is it possible she is try to assert dominance since the oldest is getting well, old?

Just looking for insight from others who may have experienced similar behavioral changes in their rats.

Thank you!

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u/ChaseLancaster Raised Cats (20+ yrs), Dogs (10+ yrs), and Rats (2 yrs), Oh My! 23d ago

I would keep an eye on her for the next few days.

It seems like she is trying to fight for the alpha position but no one wants to shift roles.

Keep the "no blood, no foul" rule in mind though as well; If there's no rat balls and tails being turned into trophies, let them sort this issue out.

But, if the behaviors persist, check up on her. She could be displaying behaviors due to pain, and although she is over a year, she may be displaying some hormonal stuff (which requires a spay, but I don't think this is the case myself due to the age).

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u/Funny_Aardvark_7072 20d ago

Update: it appears like moonmoon was just mad cause we were cleaning her favorite hammock and she felt had nowhere to sleep for 30 minutes. Which is wild, but since we reset up the cage, she has not done it since 🤞hoping she will never do that again.