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Can you provide a solution to my VERY aggressive rat?

Hello! I currently have 4 awesome loving rats. I had 2 when I first got my rats, over time I adopted 2 more. After my original 2 rats I got a baby dumbo rat, Gizmo. One of my rats named Pinky absolutely despises Gizmo. Pinky is great with the other 2 rats and I but constantly tries to dominant Gizmo and push him to a corner of the cage. They have gotten in brutal fights to the point where I separate them for a few days. The thing is, when I go to bed at night with all 4 in the same cage, I wake up to see Pinky and Gizmo cuddled together like nothing happened. I have tried putting vanilla essence on the base of their tails and tried positive reinforcement. I am to the point where I am contemplating to surrender Gizmo or to get Pinky fixed. Would you think fixing Pinky would have a great effect of aggression, or would he just continue?

Thank you for reading xx

In picture: Pinky is the Albino Fancy Rat and Gizmo is the Siamese Dumbo Rat

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1 Answer

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  • 6 years ago
    Favorite Answer

    Cute rats! No, I would not suggest getting pinky fixed unless it is entirely necessary as surgery can be dangerous, and i also wouldnt suggest getting rid of gizmo, as this can be very stressful for a rat. Did you introduce them properly? if not, then maybe you should try re-introducing them by separating them for a few days and then placing them both in 'neutral ground' (a space that neither rat is dominant over) like an empty bathtub or an empty room. You could also get a blanket Gizmo has slept in and put it in Pinky's favorite spot to snooze with some treats on, this will help pinky associate Gizmo's smell with good things. Really there isnt too much else you can do except maybe wait until gizmo is a little older. Or, if you are entirely aware of the dangers, and ready for the chance of a loss, I suppose getting pinky fixed may help.

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