Rat Behavior Question: Will I have to separate Noah from the other two?

[I Love Brian, Forever <3]

Lately Chester and AJ have been 'tackling' Noah, getting him on his back, causing Noah to scream. Well, today I found a scratch on the base of Chester's tail, not infected, new and red. I've also noticed that Noah isn't as active as the other two. He still eats and drinks and comes and sees me and whatnot. I'm wondering if I'll have to separate Noah from Chester and AJ?

Please respond ASAP, so I can take action immediately. Thanks in advance!!!! :) :D

[CathyBogart]

Erf, please forgive my spazziness, but what kind of critter are they?

If you're talking ratties, it sounds like what they're doing is force-grooming him, and the screaming isn't an unheard-of reaction. My Zylle will periodically 'attack' one of my two smallest girls, and thus ensues what sounds like a bloodbath but never ends up as such.

I think they'll be fine.

As for the scratch, a dab of Neosporin (Without pain relief) on the cut should help it out. I've had a few minor nicks and cuts on the girls and nothing's ever come of it. (Though I'm WAY paranoid about abcesses, so I check any cuts a lot!)

Edit: Durr....It says rats in the title...

[wolfsoul]

It sounds like power grooming to me too. :) They should be fine, they are just showing Noah who is boss. The rule is: No blood, no foul. Unless they are attacking him and trying to kill him, I think they are fine. Most rats scream when they are being power groomed. Mine scream when I give them baths. :p