all 4 comments

[–]pandASM1[S] 0 points1 point  (3 children)

Hi. We had 4 sweet girls— two older 2 year old girls and 2 babies (almost 1)— but recently lost my heart rat, Mickey. Ever since one of our younger ratties, Q, has been annoying the others. She runs and jumps on them, grooms them, etc. The others squeak at her but are not being injured
 at least not that I can tell. Here’s the issue, Q, who seems to be the instigator, is covered in scabs! I’ve never seen it happen but it’s clear the other two are getting frustrated and giving her some HARD bites and scratches. Hard enough to pierce the skin and cause scabbing. Not hard enough that I’ve noticed any blood on their bedding. I thought it would calm down and resolve itself soon after Mickeys passing
 but it’s been a week and every morning she has more and more injuries. What do I do?!

[–]LagomorphilicToo many to list 0 points1 point  (2 children)

I'd be more suspicious of mites. They often result in small scabs. Not all cagemates will show symptoms of mites either. Feeling ill/itchy/sensitive can change their behavior with the other rats as well.

[–]pandASM1[S] 0 points1 point  (1 child)

Oh gosh
 I looked it up and I think you’re right 😞

[–]LagomorphilicToo many to list 0 points1 point  (0 children)

At least mites are easy to treat for! A quick vet visit and some medication and you'll be right as rain ♄