how to distinguish rat aggression?

[melissa35246]

The title basically says it all. I've had my two male rats for several months and I still can't tell whether they are just play-fighting or if they are really getting into fights. Also, it's hard to tell which one is dominant. Any ideas?

[Luhren]

It's normal for rats to get into fights once in a while. They'll argue over toys and treats but at the end of the day, they'll still snuggle together in the hammock. After several months, there should be a more dominant rat. He might be bigger and win play fights more often. Sometimes one rat will "mount" the other to show dominance. If you don't notice which one is more dominant, they might just be really good cage mates. If you really want to find out who's dominant, watch their play fights. The one that wins more is usually the one in charge.
Aggression becomes an issue when the rat is not only aggressive to his cage mate, but also you. He will bite you and other rats unprovoked and draw blood in fights. If you think one of your rats is just too aggressive, neutering usually solves the problem. But it's a very serious surgery and should only be used as a last resort. I'm sure your rats are great buddies though

[Amethyst_ice]

Echo the above, also, they are still very young with hormones racing, rule of thumb, if no blood drawn just leave them too it, don't break up scraps xxx

[melissa35246]

Alright good. They never draw any blood that I see but I will occasionally see scratches on Remmy, who I actually think is the dominant one. But it's not very often so it may just be accidental or from something else entirely.

[Bailey]

I've kept up to five males together throughout their entire lives. They would occasionally have brief "arguments", but this is typical of rats. No one ever got hurt in any way, but, like yours, I would see minor scratches once in awhile. I kept their cage door open so if someone wanted to leave the cage and run along the table and take a break from his brothers, he could do so. And they rarely jumped down from the table. (the females would though, but that's another story!) Mostly, the boys just wanted to snuggle up with each other in their hammocks. I would not worry. Best of luck and photos would be great! Rats are awesome!

[Amethyst_ice]

The odd scab from a scrap is nothing to worry about, ive had bitten feet, ears, backs, bellies but all ok. you will KNOW if its a blood fight trust me. Hopefully you never will.

Keep an eye out for scabs to not get muddled up as fight injuries. Mites are common in ratties, usually appear in the folds, behind ears, under chin, under arms etc

and agreed, pics of your mischief (the name for a group of rats hehe) would be lovely xxx

[melissa35246]

I will post a thread of my pets as soon as I get all my pictures on my computer! (:

[melissa35246]

Okay, here are pics. Remmy (my baby) is the albino and the hooded is Jasper. I will have to get some more pics when I get a chance.