Cheek biting

Question
Hello! I actually have two questions about my rats but because they are not related I'll split them up into two posts.

First, my 2 boys are brothers who we bought at the same time in March 08, they were approx 7 weeks at the time. Which makes them approx 9 months old now.

In the last few weeks Garu has started aggressively biting his brother Ratatouille on the cheeks, just under his eyes, on both sides. Touillie's cheeks are frequently scabbed or actively bleeding now so Garu is pretty consistant with the biting. I use Neosporin when I get them out each night for their play-time which seems to help or at least minimizes the chance of infection. They still sleep together and tussle like I expect from male rats. At first I thought Garu was the aggressor then I researched more about rat interactions and have since realized that Touille is the aggressor most of the time because he bites Garu's on the back. I also understand that face biting is a defensive action.

However, Garu bites Touille's face when they are just calmly hanging out, not play-fighting or in direct retaliation to Ratatouille biting on his back. So, what should I do? I say "no!" sharply or clap my hands, or remove Garu from the cage for a little while when I do catch him at it, but it's only a quick fix. I'm not sure how to effectively retrain him and was hoping you would have advice. I have looked through all the rat articles I can find but none directly address cheek biting...

Thank you!

Answer
You hit the nail on the head. your rats are going through puberty, which occurs between 7 and 9 months old. What happens is one of the lead rats becomes assertive in his role as the alpha rat. Even in a mischief of 2 rats, one needs to lead the duo and sometimes the other rat decides he also wants role as commander and chief, and they duke it out.

You cant be around all the time, but when you witness this, get a squirt bottle and mist them with one gentle squirt and this may be enough for them to relate something they dislike to the biting. Or not.  LOL
I know a few people that said the rats like it!  

It should be something that is outgrown, to be honest. Continue with the neosporin and if this continues on for a long time, perhaps neutering may be the next step.