Skittish & Aggressive Rats

Behavioral problems may either be a result of bad genetics or learned behavior and imprinting. In most cases it comes down to bad breeding and / or the lack of socialization.

HORMONAL AGGRESSION

Hormonal aggression is an in inherited (genetic) trait. In males it usually shows up at 7-10 months and in females when they are pregnant or raising pups, although it can show up in both genders much earlier. When new lines are evaluated, breeders usually breed animals as late as possible to evaluate temperament (and health). Hormonal aggressive rats and their offspring should NOT be used for breeding. By breeding an aggressive line to another without aggression will only mask the behavior and it will show up again in the generations to follow.

Some rats may become so aggressive that they attack both people and other rats. The only way to improve on such an animal’s behavior is to have it neutered or spayed. In some cases these rats need to be homed on their own. It is irresponsible to deliberately breed pets that HAVE to be spayed / neutered later on in their lives due to hormonal aggression.

IMPRINTING AND LEARNED BEHAVIOR

There are three stages in a rat’s development where its behavior may be altered:

STAGE 1 – Before a pup leaves the nest it is “programmed” by its mother to prepare it for the world it’s going to live in. Calm mothers that spend lots of time with the babies and have an abundance of food, programs it into knowing that life is easy and there is little to no competition. These pups are calmer, more trusting and more playful while growing up. Nervous moms and moms leaving the nest for longer periods may program their pups to be more aggressive to survive as they might have to compete for food and nesting space.

STAGE 2 – After a pup leaves the nest it imprints on older rats’ behaviour. If the older rat is accepting of a situation or subject, the smaller rat will accept it as well. Young rats going to a home with no adult rats may sometimes become skittish as they are insecure and have no adult rats’ example to follow. They usually calm down as they build confidence.

STAGE 3 – Personal experiences during its life, for example living in a stressful environment or if abused, may lead to behavioral problems.

SEE BLOG ARTICLE ON TRUST TRAINING

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