Help! My rat May is suffering from domestic abuse. Mean old April (my rat, not my human friend) chews on May and pulls out her hair. She also tries to keep May from getting any of the good food, even if she herself has plenty at the moment. Well, actually, all rats do that and it is really hilarious. You hand one rat some food and she puts it in her mouth and then rushes over and tries to grab the food you are handing to the other rat. If successful, the rat tries to stuff the newly stolen food in her mouth but finds it is already full. This is particular funny with chocolate covered peanuts. This food thievery is only a problem for these two since the fat and robust April easily dominates skinny sickly May (mycoplasma, the scourge of rathood...)

I tried separating them, but rats are like people. They don't necessarily get along well with others, but they don't want to be alone, either. So, when I put them in separate cages, they look bored and sad. And then when I open both cages and let them roam at their pleasure, April goes to sit in May's cage for awhile while May walks around the table. Eventually they both end up going to the same cage to snuggle up for a nap. So then, they look so cute and happy that I hate to return them to their separate cages. I never see April actually beat up May, but something must be going on for May to have those sores. Me and the cats didn't do it and I don't think that May can bite herself on the back on her neck. Hmm, the cats. Last night Elsa did swipe May off the dining room table! A terrible assault on a sickly and weak creature. Elsa does have a mean streak... I yelled at Elsa extensively so hopefully she won't do it again. Luckily, May's indomitable spirit prevailed. When I put her back on the table she quickly waddled back over to the edge where Elsa swatted her off. I am surrounded by weirdos...