Why is my young male rat biting and acting aggressive? Is it hormones?

Question

Hi, we have 2 male rats (aged 4/5mon) and one of them has been behaving strangely recently. 3 days ago he was very skittish and actually bit me (not super deep). We then noticed he was grooming himself a lot so we thought he had mites and treated them both. Now this morning he was normal again, he's never been cuddly but he also isn't scared of us but he bit my partner's inner thigh for no reason. We were thinking maybe testosterone but it seems strange that he seems so skittish around nighttime. Pet's info: Small Animal | Rat | Male | unneutered | 250 lbs

Todd Cecil · Accepted Answer

Thanks for reaching out about Dobby. Sexual maturity, competition and dominance are all controlled by testosterone levels. Castration is a fairly simple procedure (for a veterinarian with rodent experience) and will likely have a calming effect. Not all castrated males calm down though, but the earlier in the maturation process, the better the outcome. Good luck.

Why is my young male rat biting and acting aggressive? Is it hormones?

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