Malia didn't want to be in a cage a the time, so Ryan played with her. I observed Tierna while she sniffed to find Malia. She explored Malia's cage and finally settled down when she realized she was the only rat in the cage. She started mawing down on Malia's little Nylabone! (Tierna's probably part pig).

So, the next step in the introducing two rats part is bringing them to a neutral setting and let them interact. This way, there are no favoritisms or territorial issues. The website suggests putting them in the bathtub or taking them for a car-ride in a neutral carrier. (Since the second isn't really an option, being that Malia could get out the sides of Maxine's carrier, that wouldn't work very well).

Here's how it played out:
Tierna, being somewhat afraid of the bathtub, had ruffled fur to begin with. Malia and Tierna immediately sniffed each other, but Tierna wasn't interested in Malia. She was interested in finding a way out of the tub.

Malia was practically running laps around Tierna just because she wanted to play. Tierna, on the other hand was scared and didn't want to be in the tub. She probably took that nervousness out on Malia because there was a little squeak and then I picked up Tierna because she was displaying the signs of aggression. (Ruffled fur, standing up on her hind legs - ever so slightly, but that could have been because Malia kept running near her and Tierna wanted to get out of the way).

After Tierna was out of the tub for awhile, Malia started to get anxious to be out too. She kept jumping at the walls of the tub, so I grabbed her too and took her to her cage. She wasn't done playing though, so she ran up her ladder and ran around the rim of her cage. I had to give her attention instead of calming Tierna.

After Tierna had settled down in her own cage and had a few banana chips as a reward, I thought that the bed with a towel down would be more appropriate for the two of them to get to know each other.

This time, Tierna didn't want to be bothered. She just wanted to hide under some folds of the blanket. Then Malia forced her out by running under and over her a few times. It was amusing, but I could tell that Tierna didn't see the humor in it.

Tierna sniffed Malia a bit, then walked away. I figured that was fine behavior. Malia ran around a bit, while Tierna waddled to be away from her.

Then... Tierna bit Malia on her back after doing that same sniffing thing. I freaked out, but Malia just stood next to Tierna afterwards. I wanted to separate them, but Tierna's fur wasn't all ruffled and she had no other signs of aggression. The website says that there will be nips to let the other rat know who's dominant. It also says not to separate them unless there are the signs of aggression. (Each step should last 30 minutes successfully before you can move on to the next step).

Tierna waddled away to a spot where I couldn't reach her. Malia followed like a little puppy. It happened so fast, but looking back now, I think was a very cute thing for Malia to do. Malia wants a playmate so desperately, so she's trying to buddy up. I didn't want them that far away in case anything happened, so I moved them near me and then Tierna said to me that she'd had enough for today.

I felt sorry for Tierna, but then again, I got the cuddle buddy for Tierna. Tierna just hasn't seen that side of Malia yet. I don't know if I'll be able to have this stage last 30 minutes, because Tierna doesn't usually get to be out of her cage that long without hiding. (That's not something I want her to do because Malia might follow and then there could be some major problems).

I honored Tierna's decision, so I put her and Malia back in their cages. Tierna seemed sick of Malia's energy quite quickly.

Malia is missing a tiny chunk of fur on her back now. I inspected the area as best as I could with a squirming little one in my hands. It's red from where the fur was tugged out so quickly, but other than that, I think it's fine. I might put Neosporin on it if she scratches at it. Neosporin is okay to use on rats! That's pretty neat.

I will try this towel on the bed interaction again when Ryan is around so he can help keep them in sight and keep them from getting too far away. I'm excited for them to live together, but I don't want to push it too quickly.

Carisa