In a colony there is always a chain of command. The alpha, usually the big male will rule the roost. Some are fierce and a bully while others are forceful yet gentle. I’ve seen all kinds of alpha from neurotic to very gentle.
One alpha was Tripp. He took care of his buddies and would butt in if he figured it was time too. The other rats respected him and the colony lived very happily with him as their leader. The time came when I needed to intro Tripp’s group with 3 older rats. Chase, a young neutered neurotic rat was having a hard time accepting the new buddies. He especially didn’t like old man Lex. One one occasion, during an intro Chase had cornered Lex into a box. Lex had nowhere to go and Chase was slowly approaching him, mouth open… along comes Tripp. Tripp pushes Chase aside and goes to lie down next to Lex. Chase immediately realizes that Tripp was telling him that Lex was an ok guy and welcome into their colony. Intros went smoothly because Tripp was definitely the good alpha.
February 2nd, 2010 at 6:54 AM
One of the unexpected but best things ive found about keeping rats is watching their social interactions especially as they sort out who is alpha. Tripp sounds like a fab rat I only hope Gamling (the alpha of my little group) will be as good, hes only just really started being in charge.
March 1st, 2010 at 7:29 PM
That sounds like my 2 rats. Rutherford and Mable are brothers. Mable’s the alpha and bullies Rutherford around even though Rutherford is HUGE compared to Mable.