Why Can’t I Get Just One Rat?
Rats are social animals that live in colonies in the wild, and they need companionship. No matter how much time you spend with them, they need another rat who can communicate and groom them, especially as they age and can’t clean themselves as well. Rats are most active at dusk and night so they will be awfully lonely while you sleep. Rats can develop depression because they are empathetic and intelligent. Having at least two rats prevent depression and helps them live longer, happier lives. Solo rats can also develop isolation aggression from being alone for too long. Rats with isolation aggression may lose the ability to get along with other rats permanently.
I recommend getting three rats, though this depends on your cage size. A rat cage calculator can help, and keep in mind that males are larger than females. Three rats aren’t much more work than two and provide you with some time to get another pair of babies if one suddenly passes, preventing a rat from being alone for an extended period of time. They also tend to fight less, as the third rat offers balance when tensions arise. However, overcrowding can lead to dominance fights and faster cage dirtiness so make sure you get a big enough cage. Check out my blog on Choosing a Rat Cage.
If you’re adding new rats to an existing group, always get at least two and quarantine them for 14 days before introducing them. This helps prevent stress, disease, and sudden death. During this time, the new rats need each other for comfort. If introductions take longer than expected, they’ll still have each other for support.
What If My Rat Doesn’t Get Along With Other Rats?
If your rat has trouble getting along with others, extensive research on introduction methods is crucial. I have a blog that covers this in detail. Sometimes it can take months, but even the most aggressive rats can often be integrated into a group with enough time and patience.
If your rat shows extreme aggression that harms others, it’s important to consult a vet. Neutering or spaying can help reduce hormonal aggression and make them more social. Older rats may not always be candidates for surgery, but a hormonally aggressive rat is unhappy. They see everything in life as a threat and keeping them alone causes physiological distress. Neutering and spaying can assist them in becoming more relaxed and able to enjoy life in a group again.
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