What is Poodah doing?

[AneesasMuse]

Hi Everyone!
Poodah is growing up now...



This is Poodah the day after I rescued him from becoming "food" (4June06)




And this is him just a week ago (13Aug06) "dancing" on the keyboard


He has recently started a new behavior with me and I am not exactly sure what he is doing. I let him play on the desk while I work and he likes to climb on my resting hands (on the keyboard), hug my hand and "wiggle". What is he doing? I would say he is approaching 14 weeks now, so he is a big boy. I'm just curious to know what he is gesturing to me with this particular behavior.

He's quite the talented 'shoulder jockey' and he takes verbal prompts and 'commands' (if you will) very well. I'm also looking for a companion or two for him. I would like 2 females, but younger ones that will not try to hurt him and vice versa. Everyone will be spayed/neutered by my Exotics Vet when they are old enough. I think Poodah is approaching the appropriate age now actually.

Thanks!

Aminah & Poodah

[Marybelle]

Is he mounting you?  That's certainly what it sounds like from what you describe.  It coule be that he's just a bit hormonal, either that, or he's trying to tell you he wants to be the boss... hehe

[AneesasMuse]

Thanks Marybelle. Should I do anything in particular? I feel a little embarassed now 

[scout]

When my guy did this, I would roll him on his back and hold him for a second or two, just to remind him that I'm the alpha rat. Between rats, the behavior is to show dominiance over the other rat. Turning a rat belly up does the same thing.

[AneesasMuse]

Thanks Scout
So I guess giving Poodah a good razzzberry, which he just loves, is not the same as showing him who's alpha?
I'll try to remember to gently roll him over and hold him... he'll probably think I learned a new wrestling move for our daily matches