blood

[aqualaureena]

I've had my 2 boys for about 3 months now which would make them nearly a year old. When I first got them they were really chilled and lovely and got on really well. Now however, Pie, the smaller less dominant 1 has scabs on his back and today had a very bloody tail. I'm certain its Mash, the dominant one who's doing it as at night when I'm asleep they wake me cause Pie is screaming bloody murder! I'm sure hes not caught himself on anything either as I've started checking him before I let him out. I let them out plenty and feed them well so I doubt its stress or anything and now Pie is reacting really badly when I pick him up cause he appears really nervous. Also he has loads of buck grease, dont know whether thats relevant or not! Also unless I feed them seperately Mash wont let Pie eat! I guess what I'm asking is do I split them up or not?

[Stace87]

Are the scabs around the back of the neck area? If so, perhaps he could have mites. Could it be porphyrin on his tail opposed to blood? You could maybe put two food bowls in the cage. Some rats are quite vocal drama queens - Gizmo makes a right fuss sometimes and he's only being groomed.