Rats are social animals that thrive in the company of their own kind, so if you find yourself with a lone rat, it’s important to make a plan.
Do You Want to Continue Owning Rats?
If yes, the best option is to adopt 2-3 younger rats that you can introduce immediately. This prevents your rat from being lonely and continues what’s called a “rolling rat group,” where new rats are introduced before the last one is left alone. If you only get 1 rat, you’ll be faced with the same predicament of a solo rat when your older rat passes.
When adopting new rats, always get them from an ethical breeder or reputable rescue that prioritizes health and temperament. Babies from good sources are typically adopted out at 6-8 weeks old, meaning after a 2-week quarantine, they are the perfect age for introductions. Baby rats are big enough to defend themselves at 8-12 weeks, making them much easier to introduce to an adult. In general, introducing babies to adults is easier than introducing adults to each other, and female introductions tend to be smoother than males.
It’s always best to adopt before your rat is alone, especially if they’re a senior. Older rats can become depressed without companionship, making it harder for them to bond with new friends. Even with the best planning, introductions don’t always go perfectly at first, so you should be prepared to house rats separately if needed.
What If You Don’t Want to Continue Owning Rats?
If your rat is elderly or ill and has a poor quality of life, the kindest option may be to have them euthanized. If they are still healthy, rehoming is the next best step.
•If your rat came from a reputable breeder, reach out to them first. Ethical breeders often take back rats or help with rehoming.
•If your rat came from a rescue, returning them to the rescue ensures they will be placed in a home with other rats.
•If neither of those options applies, private rehoming is possible through trusted groups like local Facebook small animal or rat rehoming groups or Rat Rescue Network UK.
Never Rehome to Just Anyone
Rats should only be placed with experienced owners who will house them properly with other rats. Avoid giving them away for free, as this can attract people with bad intentions. Never adopt out rats with aggression, rehoming an aggressive rat can make them more aggressive due to stress and you can be responsible for injuries or hospitalization. And it’s not kind to dump your problems on someone else.
Aggressive Rat Considerations
Rats that are aggressive to other rats need to be sterilized, you should see an exotic vet to schedule a spay/nueter. Rats aggressive to humans are either ill and need to see a vet or come from bad genetic background.
In short, if you find yourself with a lone rat, the best course of action is to adopt at least two more from an ethical source. If you can’t keep your rat, responsible rehoming is the way to go. Always prioritize their well-being—rats deserve companionship and the best possible care!
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