G'day, I have two female rats one is 5-6 months old and the other i got from the pet shop 2 days ago and she is 5-6 weeks old. I am having trouble introducing them, At first i put them together and they where ok for about 3 mins then the older rat made her sqeek by either holding her down to sniff her or scratching her, so i told the older rat off and put her in the small cage(time out) The same thing has happed the last 4 times i introduce them to each other, I have read alot of questions and things on the internet and to my knowledge did everything right eg: cleaned cage scrubbed down, sprayed vanila essence over everything and ea of the rats, tryed perfume still no good, gave them peanuts and they bowth wernt intrested in them but just ea other. The small rat is still not showing any sign of being scared as she will walk straight to it i'v had the small cage with the new rat inside my BIG cage for the time that i'v had them and the older rat keeps trying to get in and hissing at the smaller rats cage. Now i wont let the older rat touch her as i think she might kill her, i softly hold the older rat so she cant grab the smaller one and keep them at a smelling distance. I have tryed many diffrent approaches and still looking for more suggestions...also i have been over nice to my older rat and never you'sd an angry voice before and i have noticed she ignores me and if i put my hand out she wont climb me exept when thier is no where else to go or if i temp her with treats, i don't think she is scared of me as she will still sit on my lap and shoulder but not for long also she will never stop mooving and is always trying to escape when ever out of her cage.(ow and she has been grinding her teeth on the bars of her cage since i first got her 6 months ago (she has plenty of chew toys and things to do. she has been like this for a while. i can't teach her a thing either and i think thats why she is not a very smart rat eg: she finds it difficult to find food enless i lirtally put it right in front of her face. she doesn't rember where i put the food but she remebers exactly how to get off my bed and other places to escape. I think most of this has to do with me smuthring her and treating her like a queen since i got her even when it comes to loud noises like doors slamming n loud music i cover her ears n things. Lol so thats most of my rattty story if any one has any suggestions on any of this i would appretiate it. Sorry for the long type..! :) PS: I got this new rat becuase i will be away for a course going till 9-3 5 days a week for 6 weeks and she needs more attention. also i find the new rat to be very taimed like the pet shop owner said she would be. also i am getting very annoyed with the older rats behavor and now am being more aggresove to show her i am not just for granted when ever she shows aggrosing or hisses at the cage i yell at her and push her of. (keep in mind i would never hurt them, just trying to do whats best for them liek with a child you can't just let it run around and kick and scream or they will get worse)...please help
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