I have two; they're both adults, as is my cousin's rat. Is there any safe way to see if they would get along?
2007-07-07 09:36:15 · 11 answers · asked by Dr Fernando 4 in Pets ➔ Rodents
Uhh....I'm pretty sure they're not gay....lol.
2007-07-07 09:42:09 · update #1
Even a healthy looking rat may be carrying a potential virus or a parasite like mites, which are too small to see.
Most, if not all, rat experts say a new rat should be quarantined for at least 2 weeks. Most of the time nothing would go wrong, but it's better to be safe than sorry.
You would hate to have your ratties come down with something, or your cousin's rat to become ill.
If he is staying with you for a long time, then after 2 weeks you could consider it.
If they are all males they would most likely fight and maybe hurt each other.
If they are all girls, they might get along.
If there are boys and girls both, think about how much time you would have to give to a litter of rittins.
So it seems there is nothing to be gained by letting them get together, and something bad could happen.
I read recently of a breeder whose whole mischief got sick from out breeding one rat. I can only assume it had been quarantined or was generally thought to be healthy.
They wont feel unhappy if they don't meet.
2007-07-07 10:41:36 · answer #1 · answered by bintrikkin 4 · 3⤊ 0⤋
I would try putting the strange rat in an exercise ball while your own are in a pet pen or otherwise safe area. Watch them carefully. Make sure that the territory is completely neutral before they are openly exposed to one another, it is better to simply have them in separate cages where they can see each other for a period of time. They should see and smell but not touch until it is clear that there won't be any hostility. Rats can shred each other quickly and their fights are vicious.
2007-07-07 09:43:54 · answer #2 · answered by madamewitch1106 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
If you're going to introduce them, check with your cousin and see if its ok, and be sure they're the same gender. Female rats can get knocked up in only 3 seconds of intercourse. Introduce them in a neutral territory and under constant supervision.
2007-07-07 15:03:01 · answer #3 · answered by nepherym 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If they're all the same sex you could try it but they might fight and you do risk spreading disease from one rat to the others. If it does turn out ok then you'll have to separate them again and then your cousins rat will be sad.
Tell your cousin he should get his rat a friend though. Rats need company.
2007-07-07 10:41:53 · answer #4 · answered by sproggie14 2 · 2⤊ 0⤋
No don't do it unless you wan't ot go to loads of diffrernt pet shops looking for the same looking rat if you want do it gradually but theres no piont if hes only gone for say i week by the time they get used to eachother the rat well ave to go just keep it in it's own cage
good luck
2007-07-07 09:42:45 · answer #5 · answered by Animal_mad_jake 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
No, not a good idea. Rats can carry upper respiratory viruses, and his could make yours sick or the other way around. Also, if they got into a fight and hurt each other, would you be able to afford vet care?
2007-07-07 09:44:11 · answer #6 · answered by KimbeeJ 7 · 3⤊ 0⤋
No. Your cousin is counting on you to take good, responsible care of his rat, so don't try to introduce your rats. They may fight and hurt one another.
Remember, rats can kill one another.
The VERY BEST hing to do is to ask your cousin he next time you talk to him, if he would be interested in introducing his rat to yours.
I hope they are all spayed or neutered.
2007-07-07 14:38:59 · answer #7 · answered by aattura 6 · 1⤊ 1⤋
as long as you are sure that the other rat isn't ill there should be no harm in letting them play together, that is as long as they are all the same gender.
2007-07-07 10:44:31 · answer #8 · answered by MommyCaleb 5 · 0⤊ 1⤋
u can put them each in one of those "balls" that they roll around in to check their temperment towards each other - yu want to be sure one of them doesnt try to dominate causing a fight....also if they are the same sex ....if not that could be a problem as well...if your are male/female and your cuz's is male your male may get in fight mode!!
2007-07-07 09:46:06 · answer #9 · answered by cutiepetey77 1 · 1⤊ 0⤋
probably, no. they mite fight till the death
2007-07-07 10:53:38 · answer #10 · answered by Animal Lover 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋