introducing male rats to eachother?

[vance]

I have one male rat right now in a 10 gal tank with an extension above it. I am thinking of getting another or possibly two more rats, i will have a backup cage and if i get two more rats i will get a bigger cage

(http://www.petco.com/product/106171/PETCO-Rat-Manor-Habitat.aspx?CoreCat=RatHPCagesHabitats)

but if i get another rat i will probally stick with my 10gal with extension tank depending on how much money i get for christmas.

(http://s777.photobucket.com/albums/yy52/MisterBubbles/?action=view&current=1130092156.jpg&newest=1)

Is the 10 gallon tank enough for two male rats or will they fight.
i know how to introduce them iv had a lot of mice and their similar for what iv heard.

1 Will my rat like me less or anything like that if i get another or two more rats?

2 will i be able to have two male rats in the 10 gal i dont have any problem with getting the bigger cage im just wondering.?

3 Can i get younger or smaller rats than my rat hes about normal adult size like the large male rats at petco will he eat or mess around with them?

4 will his behavior change towards people?

5 will the other rats get jelous when i take him out or he gets more attention?

6 will it be harder to tame the other rats because i have more than one or will they remain untamed?

 

[Rachael]

The 10 gallon tank is not a proper setup for one rat. Rats can get upper respiratory infections so easily that they should not be stored in any type of aquarium. Instead, go out and buy a specialized rat cage. Sometimes you can find them cheap on craigslist.

1- Rats are very social animals, and love to have company. I would suggest getting both males nuetered before introducing. More than likely they will fight.

2- No, a 10 gallon aquarium is not acceptable for any rat.

3- This depends on the temperment of both rats, but i would suggest trying to adopt before you buy. If you would like to know how to bond two rats, email me.

4- No, his behavior will not change, he will be happier with a cage mate.

5- I have never had a rat get jealous of me holding one and not the other. Eventually, once they are both tame they will both sit on your shoulder and you wont have this problem.

6- As long as you spend time with your rats, they will be tame.