Is this aggressive behavior? (fancy dumbo rats)?

H

Hanna

New member
I recently adopted two rats, Jellybean and Penelope. They're sweethearts, and have been getting along very well with me and my other rat Bianca. But recently Penelope has started nipping at my fingers!

I sometimes stick them into their cage and scratch behind their ears. Jellybean will usually sniff at my finger and then ask to be petted, and Penelope used to do that too. But now she is nipping at my fingers, not very hard, but not the way they nibble at you to check out your hand. She isn't grooming me either, she's purposefully nipping.

Is she being playful, asserting dominance? So far I've been sharply tapping her nose when she does it (like you would with a nipping dog), and she stops, but the next time she continues. Is this an aggression issue?

Thank you very much for you help!

Also, I've noticed that Yahoo! Answers has recently been overrun by trolls, if you would be so kind as to leave my question alone, I would highly appreciate it. I'm looking for serious answers from experienced people.
She certainly isn't hungry, I recently fed her, and they still have food in their cage.

I've had her for four days, and the problem only came up today.
 
That might not me feed and they are hungry or its new living with other rats before because they might lived my them selfs or with not that much thety could be shy too
 
I have had many many rats in the past few years and when my last 3 died of old age i didnt get anymore. But yes, mine would nip at my fingers all the time. It can form a habit. I didnt mind it but some people do. I also knew my rats and knew they wouldnt bite or i could tell when they didnt want to messed with but they were usually always begging for attention! I think it would be totally up to you to determine whether or not she is being aggressive. Mine never bit me from just nibbling. There were usually checking out whats on my fingers and rats do like the salt that we produce on our skin. Give them a mineral or salt wheel. I hope this helps. I know its not a lot of advise but its what i have experienced.
 
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