Should I introduce my rats?

M

Maura

Member
I got two rats about two weeks ago, but before them I had two other ones that got sick. So I took them back to the pet store and they said they would cure them. Well they called and said that one of them died and the other one was ok but he was alone. I fell bad and I would like to take him back but I'm afraid that if I take him the other rats won't like him. Is it a bad idea if I take him back and keep him in the same cage as the others.
Other details you may want to know: I am unsure of their age and from what I can remember the one that got sick is a little bit bigger than the others. And they are all boys.
 
T

travis

Member
your rat is a boy so its harder to get him a new male friend. since you just got him maybe the store still has his brothers. he will most likely like them if you are sure he is of the same litter bring your proof of purchase papers and show them the papers. they will be able to know. sorry for your loss
 
Aks

Aks

Member
As long as you go through the proper introduction process, almost any rats will be able to get along with each other and live together happily. Adult males (6 months and over) may be a little bit harder to introduce, but as long as you take it slow it should work out fine. Especially if they were all together at some point they might remember each other a bit and get along more quickly.

You will need a separate cage for a little bit, so if you don't have 2 cages you will not be able to get him. Anything will work since it's just temporary, even a cheap hamster cage or one made out of a storage bin.

Here's the introduction process:
http://www.ratfanclub.org/newrat.html

If you just put a strange rat into another rats cage, they will get territorial and they could hurt or kill him, so definitely don't just try to throw them in the cage together and expect them to get along.
 
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