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| Why rats need company |
| It is all too common for first time rat owners to come home with a lone rat - usually on the advice of unknowledgable shop assisstants. They will probably tell you that rats will fight if kept together - especially males. Nothing could be farther from the truth. |
| Rats are very social animals and thrive in the company of their own species. Two or more rats and happy content rats. Looking after two is no harder than one. Don't worry about a rat friend affecting the animal's bond with you. If you are going to have a social, people orientated rat then you will. I have 8 rats with two who are very outgoing and affectionate. The others show me affection too but not in the same way. It depends on the animals, where it came from and how it grew up. |
| Having at least two rats is a must as they are primarily nocturnal (awake at night) A solitary animal would find the nights very long and lonesome with no friend to play with. It doesnt matter how many toys you give her - it will not replace the companionship of another rat. Toys can't groom or play back. |
| When you pick a pair of rats you MUST ensure you have the same sex. Rats can breed like crazy so it wouldnt take you long to be overrun with babies. Not only is this bad for the rats health, but I doubt you would be able to cope either. If you care about your pets you will not let them breed without serious consideration and advice of a proffessional and even thats only when you have rats of worthy quality for breeding. You will be able to tell the sexes apart when they are old enough to be homed. The males testicles drop at around 4 weeks but rats shouldn't be homed until they are at least 6 weeks old. |