I was recently given a rescue rat, about 1 year old. He was abused and lived with a nasty cat, so he is naturally quite fearful. We are working on overcoming his fear and occaisional aggression. I'm very fond of him already, poor guy, and have high hopes. Everything I read suggests having more than one rat, and I wonder if it would help or hinder the process if he had a buddy. Additionally, I am considering neutering, and wonder if it's best to wait until after he loses his other "little buddies" before introducing another rat (maybe even a ladyfriend?). I think we are doing well with the socialization, lots of little victories, and he is very meticulous about housekeeping, which he never did in the shelter (he huffed and bit and scratched the staff, and consequently was never handled there, either), so I think he is doing great. But is not having friends causing him distress? Would it help our bonding if there were another little guy in there, getting played with and handled?
2006-10-18 03:31:49 · 14 answers · asked by Medusa 4 in Pets ➔ Other - Pets
Before neutering him, get the vet to give you something called Tardak. It has the same effects as neutering(apart from the sterile bit). If that doesnt work, neutering wont work. To have surgery he will need to have been fully healthy for a few weeks before. If your vet doesnt mention health in the previous few weeks be cautious. A rat may appear healthy at the pre-op visit but still be recovering from a breathing problem which would be disastrous.
As for getting him a friend, I'd get another couple of boys, or girls if neutered. That way if he wont accept the newcomer you wont have to deal with another lone rat. Be warned though, if you get him neutered it will be at least 4 weeks before he can go with the girls as it takes that long for the sperm to die. Rats need company, we cant be with them 24/7 or do things for them that other rats would do, plus theres nothing like watching them play and all cuddles up together. Done properly its rare that males dont get on. I've never had a problem mixing boys and I've had over 20 males. At times my cage has been full of non siblings and they got on fine.
As bonding with you, its a load of rubbish that one rat bonds more than two. I've got four little boys who have all bonded fine with me, in fact they've bonded better than when I've got pairs.
If you get a couple of friends, spend as much time with them as you before you do any intros. The friendlier the new boys are the better for your rescue boy. He will learn from them. If you let them mix too early, he will pass on his fear to them. I did this with my baby boys. When I got them I was given a female as she was a biter. I had her neutered and have put her in with the babies(after doing intros). It was so hard waiting, but I didnt want them to learn her bad habits. Its amazing how quick she has changed. In less than 24 hours she learnt how to drink from a water bottle and is now fine with me, she is no longer scared and loves being stroked.
2006-10-19 11:37:05 · answer #1 · answered by kiffie 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I would definatly get him a playmate. If he is really agressive, it may be best to wait until he is neutered. Neutering a rat will change some of his behaviors, but it can take some time. In the meantime, continue what you are doing. Take a look at trust-training, and if you want, get the new rat and after the 2 week quarantine, put their cages close to each other so they can smell each other. Then work on allowing them to play together. It may take some time, but it will be well worth it.
I've had rescues in the past, and have found that they do benefit from having a buddy, as they are very social creatures. Only once did I have a rat who prefered to be alone. He at first was a biter and eventualy became the best shoulder rider we ever had and very sweet!
Good luck to you and thank you for rescuing him. I am sure he is very thankful for you!
2006-10-18 07:57:43 · answer #2 · answered by Cyndi B 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Rats are social animals, and are best kept in pairs or groups. Rats can be kept in same-sex groups to avoid undesired reproduction. Rats need peer stimulation to express natural, healthy behavior patterns. Solitary rats may become depressed and nervous, and may also develop behavioral problems.
Some people believe that a rat kept by itself will be more devoted to its human owners than a rat who has rat companions. However, behavorial research disproves this assumption conclusively, and major fancy rat organizations believe that it is cruel to keep a rat in a cage alone. Regular, intensive attention and stimulation from humans will lessen the negative effects of keeping solitary rats, however there is no substitute for peer company.
If you get another rat just put the other rat in another cage where they can see and smell each other. I had several rats (all males) and never had a problem with fighting when introducing a new rattie to the mix.
They are great pets!
Thanks for rescuing the little guy!
If you want to read more go here:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fancy_rat
2006-10-18 03:45:22 · answer #3 · answered by msnite1969 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
One rat is absolutely fine. A rat will bond more to its human carer if it is on its own. This is provided that you are prepared to spend a lot of time with him.
However, if you get a friend for him this may or may not work out. You see often once a rat is established, particularly if it is a male, they can become territorial and fight with a new companion.
I have 13 rats and the only ones who are willing to live together are the ones who were with each other from a very young age.
I have been successful putting two adults together but this is not common.
If you do get another rat, start them off in separate cages where they can see each other and get them out to play together for short periods when you are supervising. Continue this way for a while. You will then need to thoroughly clean out the female's cage and put new bedding in before allowing them both together.
(This is to clean away any scent that says who the cage belongs to)
Even at this point you will need to watch their behaviour to make sure one is not grabbing all the food or bullying the other.
Rats, as I'm sure you know are lovely, intelligent and friendly little creatures.
Good luck!
2006-10-18 04:20:02 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 2⤋
I believe a playmate would help a lot, as rats are very social creatures. Don't rely on the other rat 100%! Keep doing what you're doing and he'll be great!
2006-10-18 06:12:34 · answer #5 · answered by KL 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Males will not fight anymore than females do. That's a myth. Also, males are more laid back. You want more active get a female. As far as the vet bill goes, get pet insurance. I have them on all my rats and it has been well worth it. I have females who are very very active.
2016-05-21 23:26:36 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Rats are very sociable creatures, even ones like your little man! I'm sure he would appreciate a friend. I know mine totally changed once we got her a play mate! You should neuter him if you are getting a female friend unless you want lots of baby rats!
2006-10-18 03:34:21 · answer #7 · answered by claire 5 · 0⤊ 1⤋
I think it wouldn't hurt to get the poor little guy a friend. Maybe keep them seperate for a while and introduce them to each other. Good luck :)
2006-10-18 03:40:33 · answer #8 · answered by MIA 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
We had two, but found one dead one day and never replaced him. We just played with the remaining one more. She didn't seem all that depressed about losing her friend.
2006-10-18 03:41:41 · answer #9 · answered by Pumpkin Head 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
just about all living critters need company and will be happier and live better lives when there is 2 or more.
2006-10-18 03:36:14 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋