Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I have 2 female rats. I noticed one of them has what I really think are bite marks from the other rat. They are in a cage together that is about 2 ft long, 2.5ft. high, and 1.5ft wide (I am estimating)... I know that they do not fight all of the time, because they don't when I am around, although I have heard them 'scuffle'. The other one is just fine. The one that is injured acts just fine, but the other day I noticed a 'fresh bite'. It was a little bit wet looking, and there was some blood. I am hoping it is not some strange skin infection- I am pretty confident that they are bites.

(I probably will run her to the vet to be sure)

What should I do if they are actually bites??? (I have had both of them for about 5 months- they have lived together the whole time, and I got them both at the same time- one from a Petco, and one from a Petsmart)

If I were to get rid of one it would be the one that is doing the biting since she is not very social with people. But then I am concerned that she would not go to a good home... would a bigger cage solve the problem??? (The strange thing is that they still sleep together- and the one that is injured isn't showing any fear of the other one)

I was just reading some other posts... maybe they are not bites... she has some scabs on her body that I thought were bites... Maybe it is from mites??? But wouldn't my other one have them also??? She has been scratching alot... can someone please tell me what my problem sounds like???

Thanks

It is possible that they are mites or another skin conditon, so a trip the the vet is a good idea. In my experience persistently fighting rats would squeal and would fight even when I was looking. The damage tended to be on the ars with them, sometimes the shoulders. Providing more cover and separate nesting/eating areas helped them work it out.

Also, how long have you had this pair of females? I know some rats are allergic to certain foods like peanuts, fatty foods etc. Neosporin applied a couple of times a day will stop the itch and also heal her scabs. Be on the look out for mites and lice as well. Lice are the most common cause of scabs. Hope this helps. ~C

Well, I took my injured rat to the vet and they were bite marks. I am unable to get another cage to use to seperate them, so I had to get rid of one of my rats. I got rid of the one that was doing the biting. She is a really cute white rat with black markings. I took her to the Shelter on Gaines Street. If anyone in the San Diego area wants to adopt her- ask for Kuda. I hope someone takes her home and gives her a good home. It was really hard for me to do- but since I am living back at home with my parents I just can't have more than 1 cage- and it is unfair to the other one to keep them together.

She is only 8 months old and she LOVES to run on her wheel.

Thanks