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what is my rat doing

1502 Views 3 Replies 2 Participants Last post by  lilspaz68, 
L
My male hairless rat gets very hyperactive and excited when he is on my bed, he runs up and down jumping bouncing. I understand that hes a happy boy but he stops and rubs his sides on my pillows, my legs and jumpers. He is more interested rubbing on fabrics, is he scent marking? or does he have a skin irritation? He often scratches his side as well during this little jump and rub ritual?

ive noticed his skin on his flanks has a yellow tinge in some areas which i think is buck grease (this is my first male) but when i've washed or wiped him this yellow colour doesn't come off at all. could this be a skin irritation or is he just marking my bed for his territory?
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L
How old is your boy? Sounds like he definitely is marking, and becoming territorial. The yellow is the buckgrease which is natural, but if it becomes too much you can gently wash just his back with Dawn dish soap...I also use Aveeno lotion (no menthol) on my nakies to keep their skin from drying out.

IF your boy is acting funny, do not let him mount your hand or arm and start scratching at you...this can lead into a frenzy of biting. With intact boys acting like this, I just don't let them do it...if they hug onto your arm (not trying to get up) remove them quickly.
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L
he's about 7 months now i guess, he is due to get neutered a bit worried cos i have left it quite late :/. He's never tried mounting my hand or arm, however he does nip my feet though and gets quite persistent with that.
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liz_14 said:
he's about 7 months now i guess, he is due to get neutered a bit worried cos i have left it quite late :/. He's never tried mounting my hand or arm, however he does nip my feet though and gets quite persistent with that.
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Feet nipping (with socks ) is a normal ratty behaviour. he may not need a neuter, just watch his behaviours carefully so you don't get hurt. he may just have teen angst...6-8 months is a normal time for the hormones to kick in, its definitely not late for a neuter LOL
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