i want to get 2 rats because i dont want the other one to get lonely but i wan't them both be affectionate and i was also wondering would they do ok in the garage if i get them a good size cage and put them on a shelf or somewhere stable
2007-08-26 22:39:54 · 5 answers · asked by Anonymous in Pets ➔ Rodents
Rats are social animals, and should always be kept in same sex pairs or groups. It is a commonly heard myth that lone rats are more affectionate - but that's all it is - a myth, if you handle your rats daily and give them plenty of love, they will be just as affectionate in a pair or group.
Having said this, I dont think you should get rats if you're going to keep them in the garage - but as you've asked that on three questions now, you've already had some sensible answers to that question.
Lastly though I want to address this point:
"Do not try to place a new rat into a cage where another rat currently lives. They will fight for territory."
This is not completely accurate. You may have more trouble introducing two adult rats, but it's certainly not impossible. I've kept a group of 15 at one point - ranging in ages. I currently have 4 rats in one cage, 2 pairs from different litters with roughly 5-6 weeks age difference. I have introduced babies to 6 month old rats with no problems. You may have more problems generally with adult males, females will usually accept kittens easily - and other older females with some introductions. So will many males, but adult male to adult male intros are generally harder work and take more time. Male hormones kick in between 6 and 8 months, if you intro before then they will usually readily accept youngsters.
So for best chances of a pair getting along it is probably best to get from the same litter, but as long as the rats are young, intros usually aren't a problem.
Of course, you cant just chuck in a new rat into an established one's (or groups) cage - you should always introduce on neutral territory. Having said that, if they're young babies - and I mean under 4 months - you generally shouldn't have a problem putting them straight into the cage, as long as you clean it thoroughly and rearrange hammocks/accessories.
Always make sure your cage is big enough first though - so many rats kept in hamster cages or similarly unsuitable cages - check out the link below for a cage calculator.
2007-08-27 05:04:53 · answer #1 · answered by groovygreys 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Having 2 rats of the same sex is best. They get very lonely and require the companionship. The best situation would be to get 2 babies of the same sex so there won't be any fighting. Do not try to place a new rat into a cage where another rat currently lives. They will fight for territory.
More importantly though is your idea of housing them in your garage.... no, that will not work. They will not do ok in your garage. The extreme variance in temperatures will be very harmful.
Please do not adopt any animal unless you are able to house them properly.
2007-08-26 22:59:39 · answer #2 · answered by LaurelAquatic 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Two rats won't become any less affectionate than one rat. It just means double the affection and happier rats :).
The garage isn't the best idea, though--the temperature changes could be stressful, and it'd be harder for you to play with your rats if you had to visit the garage every day.
2007-08-27 03:45:48 · answer #3 · answered by Rattiefuzz 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
It's definately best to get 2 rats of the same sex. yes, they'll be just as affectionate towards you & you'll enjoy watching them play together, too.
Please don't keep them in the garage, they'll be much safer & happier indoors with you.
2007-08-27 04:35:05 · answer #4 · answered by Catkin 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
2 rats is a great idea to keep each other company whilst your not there. I have 8 girls and 3 boys and they are all effectionate and give me kisses and cuddles.
2007-08-27 08:31:12 · answer #5 · answered by A C 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋