I've had my rat for about 4 or 5 months now, and I'm finally getting her a buddy. She's fairly young, but I wasn't sure if I should get a rat closer to her age, or if I should get one that's about the same age she was when I bought her. And I'm kind of short on money for another cage, so how fast can I do the introduction?
Getting a new female rat. Introduction?
- Thread starter Zerrin
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- female introduction rat
myownpavement
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- Dec 26, 2009
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Good for you for getting her a friend. But you need to do some research, so please google rat quarantine and rat introductions. There is plenty to know, and plenty to go wrong.
Firstly, it is actually best to introduce adult females to adult females. Females can sometimes take advantage of new youngsters, and literally bully them. It isn't unheard that adult females will chase young ones away from food, water and shelter, which puts immense stress on the young, and can deteriorate her health. Choose an adult female, one capable of standing up for herself. When they meet, they will spend a while fighting to sort out dominance, so brawn is useful.
Check kijiji.com or craigslist.com for older rats looking for homes, as well as petfider.com for shelter rats near you.
Prior introductions, it is recommended that you have a quarantine period. These should last a minimum of 2 weeks. This is precautionary, and simply to let you determine that the new rat is healthy and does not exhibit any symptoms you may have missed when you picked her out. The sole purpose of this is to prevent infecting your current rat if the new one does have a contagious illness, which is best for both their health as well as your wallet - one vet bill is cheaper than two.
The actual introduction should take around a week. You will need a spare, temporary cage. During the introduction, you can place their cages next to one another (with some space between though), while taking them out daily to meet on a neutral surface. This gives them some basis before they meet again on the old rat's territory.
The second cage is only temporary, so it doesn't need to be fancy. Try looking for a used cage in classified sites and thrift stores. Just make sure it is large enough. Worst case senario, you can buy a large, clear rubbermaid container, cut a large chunk out of the lid, and attach chickenn wire in place. You can even just tape it from the outside, just make sure it is secure.
Also, if the rat's case is large enough, consider getting a pair of new rats rather than just one. They will settle in together much quicker when there is more than two, I have noticed from experience. Two rats will also comfort each other in a new environment, so they endure less stress. And don't worry about them "ganging up" on your current rat or anything, that simply does not happen
Firstly, it is actually best to introduce adult females to adult females. Females can sometimes take advantage of new youngsters, and literally bully them. It isn't unheard that adult females will chase young ones away from food, water and shelter, which puts immense stress on the young, and can deteriorate her health. Choose an adult female, one capable of standing up for herself. When they meet, they will spend a while fighting to sort out dominance, so brawn is useful.
Check kijiji.com or craigslist.com for older rats looking for homes, as well as petfider.com for shelter rats near you.
Prior introductions, it is recommended that you have a quarantine period. These should last a minimum of 2 weeks. This is precautionary, and simply to let you determine that the new rat is healthy and does not exhibit any symptoms you may have missed when you picked her out. The sole purpose of this is to prevent infecting your current rat if the new one does have a contagious illness, which is best for both their health as well as your wallet - one vet bill is cheaper than two.
The actual introduction should take around a week. You will need a spare, temporary cage. During the introduction, you can place their cages next to one another (with some space between though), while taking them out daily to meet on a neutral surface. This gives them some basis before they meet again on the old rat's territory.
The second cage is only temporary, so it doesn't need to be fancy. Try looking for a used cage in classified sites and thrift stores. Just make sure it is large enough. Worst case senario, you can buy a large, clear rubbermaid container, cut a large chunk out of the lid, and attach chickenn wire in place. You can even just tape it from the outside, just make sure it is secure.
Also, if the rat's case is large enough, consider getting a pair of new rats rather than just one. They will settle in together much quicker when there is more than two, I have noticed from experience. Two rats will also comfort each other in a new environment, so they endure less stress. And don't worry about them "ganging up" on your current rat or anything, that simply does not happen
killedbyapenny
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- Dec 11, 2009
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A younger one would be best and you need a new cage, or something to house them in. New ratties should be quarantined for 10-20 days to monitor illnesses, you wouldn't want to introduce a ratty who could have underlying health problems, as well as it helps with the introduction process. Make sure you have neutral turf, and after the quarantine is over start your intro, a bathroom floor I find works great, allow them out for a few hours each day to play and keep the cages close together. Best method I find that works is when you feel comfortable introducing them together clean the big cage they will be housed in and add some of your new ratties bedding, toys and hammocks so she has a scent, put her in first, wait a few minutes then place your older rat in and watch. Your older rat should check her out and the bedding and do a dominance dance, generally she will sideways walk with her back arched towards your young girl, there will be squeaking noises and some standing tall show offs, and perhaps some swatting, make sure no nips or scratches occur and they should sort out dominance pretty quick as young rats tend to submit faster then older ones.
See if someone has a cage they can loan you, or try craigslist.com or kijiji.com for someone either giving a cage away or selling it cheap, be sure to completely clean it down !
See if someone has a cage they can loan you, or try craigslist.com or kijiji.com for someone either giving a cage away or selling it cheap, be sure to completely clean it down !