Why do my rats lightly bite each other?

Question

I have had one rat for about 6 or 7 months, she's now about a year old. I just got a new rat two days ago, they "wrestled at first" but now they sleep together and are usually always around each other. Today i woke up and saw them sleeping together, but later it looked as if the older one, Penelope, was grooming the younger one, Delilah. But i heard a spueak from Delilah. So i took Penelope out and give them both a little resting time, but then about 30 minutes later (i keep the cage door open so they can walk around the cage *it's barred* also i have a shelf above it they like to lay on.) I then saw Penelope lightly bite Delilah on the neck. Then near the butt. Then a few minutes later Delilah bit Penelope on the neck and arm a few times. I don't under stand what's going on? Should i sepatate them?

Answer 1

its perfectly normal to see that. theyre not hurting each other. its normal for rats t squeak while being groomed, and it looks like biting but theyre just getting stuff out of each other's fur

Answer 2

she is just grooming her but sometimes it is a little bit too hard!

good luck! ☺♥♥☺

Answer 3

Do not separate them. The general rule with rats is "no blood, no foul". If no one is being injured it's either play, grooming, or dominance squabbling.

Safe signs: Squeaking, wrestling, light biting/nipping (no blood drawn), powergrooming, humping.

Bad signs: Hissing, puffing up, tail lashing, biting with intent to injure (blood drawn and wounds made), screaming and shrieking

Answer 4

no don't seperating them will make them lonely and/or depressed.

your older rat needs time to get used of the younger one being in the cage. he has been on his own  for 6 -7 months and then suddenly something gets put in to his cage. she also might pin your younger one up to the wall of the cage. they will not hurt each other. (=  

Answer 5

no font separate if your worried dont be! rats like to play... or there grooming eachother

Answer 6

No it's like "power grooming"

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