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beth911 · Jan 30, 2008, 08:31 PM

I have a few questions.
I have 2 female rats. I keep them in separate cages. The oldest one is about 10 - 11 months and the other one is maybe 4 months. I would like to be able to have them around each other if that can be possible. But I'm afraid of them fighting. Ive had them by each other a time or two but the big one almost tried to go at the little one. Or at least it looked that way. Any suggestions?

Also, My oldest rat always tries to bite off my nails? And sometimes won't let go. Is their away to prevdent that? I'm afraid of her eating them and getting sick.

beth911 · Jan 30, 2008, 08:35 PM

I forgot to mention that she always crawls up to my shoulder and bites my ears.
Other than that they are both really sweet rats.

Fr_Chuck · Jan 30, 2008, 08:39 PM

OK, we are talking mice, not "rats" and sorry the term nice, pet and rat just go tother.

But have you tried putting them iin a cage with a glass divider to see if they try to interact? But in general normally if they are mice, they should be social animals. ** my kids had some when they were young

beth911 · Jan 30, 2008, 08:55 PM

I don't quite undertsand what that first sentence says.

Wondergirl · Jan 30, 2008, 08:59 PM

He thinks you have mice.

bushg · Jan 30, 2008, 09:03 PM

Call the pet store they should be able to tell you.
If you are worried get a screen or a plastic mesh maybe the petstore has one and let them observe each other through it. Of course you will need to be in the room I am quite sure they could chew through it. I have seen rats in stores all in 1 cage... but that could have been for mating purposes.

IMavis10 · Feb 3, 2008, 03:44 AM

Rats are very social animals and unless you are able to take them out and play with them every day they need a playmate. Put them together and observe them for a while. Rats have a hierchy like dogs, they have an alpha and beta. The bigger rat might be trying to show the little one that she's the boss. When she tries to chew on your fingernails give her something else to chew on. Good luck.

beth911 · Feb 3, 2008, 10:26 PM

Originally Posted by bushg

Call the pet store they should be able to tell you.
If you are worried get a screen or a plastic mesh maybe the petstore has one and let them observe each other thru it. Ofcourse you will need to be in the room I am quite sure they could chew thru it. I have seen rats in stores all in 1 cage...but that could have been for mating purposes.

Yeah I know what you mean. But they also may have been together when they were really young. And one of mine hasn't been around any other rats since she was really litte. And the little one hasn't been around any bigger rats

abbisnews · Feb 21, 2010, 01:24 PM

Ha ha ha that's so funny! Sorry. Ok, I have two rats, too! And they are a good 3 or 4 weeks apart by age. They do fight and bite each other! That's how they play! That usually means that they're bored. My rats bite my mom's nails, too. They won't eat them. If they do, then take it away from them, or wear gloves or mittens or something when you play with them! Good luck! :D