Social Life
How Many Rats Should I Keep?
Rats are very social animals. No matter how much time
you can spend with your rat, it probably isn't enough.
To solve this problem, you have the option of adopting
another rat. Two to five rats (of the same gender) is
a good number, depending on the cage size. I have two rats.
I hope to have more soon. Daria and Noel love to cuddle
in their little house. They play with each other by
arguing, chasing each other around, jumping on the other's back,
or even grooming each other.
Lone rats tend to be more depressed and lonely.
They are also not as healthy and active.
Two (or more) rats are definately more amusing
to watch than one!!!
How Do I Introduce My New Rat To The Old One?
Most rats can be introduced and live happily.
Some will never be able to live together because they
simply dislike other rats. The way your rats will get
along depends on their individual personalities. This
can make the introduction process short and easy, long
and stressful, or simply impossible. *L*
1. Begin by keeping the rats in separate cages side
by side. This will allow them to see, smell, and hear
each other without being able to touch or invade the others
privacy. It also lets them know they are not the only
rat in the house any more, which may take some time to get
used to. Do this for a week or so, really how ever long you
see is necessary.
2. Next, you can give them supervised play time.
The bath tub is a great place, as long as they can't fit
down the drain. You can stop it up with a wash cloth, if you
need to. Do not be suprised if they fight. Only serious fights
(lots of biting, lots of jumping around and yelling)need
to be broken up. Do not break up a fight with your
bare hands. This could be dangerous with two sets of
sharp teethe and claws going at it. Try using a small but
thick towel to separate them, and then placing them back
in their separate homes. Don't give up, they may
stop fighting as soon as they get to know each other
a little better.
Also try feeding them together in the bath tub
to see how they get along sharing food. Thsi will bond them, and
also help prepare them for when they finally become
'room-mates'.
3. When you see that they are getting along well
in their supervised play times, you can try letting them
live together. Choose which care you will use. It must
be completely cleaned to remove the scent of the prior rat.
Fill with new bedding, adding a bit of each of the old beddings.
This will make them both feel more comfortable and 'at home'.
Do not rush your rats through this procedure or
just throw them together. They need to adapt slowly
to sharing their space.
How Much Out Of Cage Playtime Does My Rat Need?
An hour per day (atleast) is a good amount of time,
especially if it is a single rat. A rat-proofed room
is helpful if you can't volunteer an hour daily -- it can
play alone in a bigger area than its cage. Interaction
with it's mommy/daddy (you!) is really important though.
Scurry Back To The Main Rats Nest
This Little Piggy Ran All The Way Home -- Back to
Daphne's Domain
