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Pet Forum / Mammals / Rats / November 2006Introducing Rats - Advice Needed
Hi I have a new question... One of our rats, Bella, is nearing the end of her life. She is quite old and we sense it coming. When she passes on, I want to know what to do about her current companion, Foebe. Foebe has only ever lived with Bella. I adopted Bella and Foebe together this past summer and the former owner explained to me their history: Bella has been living with Foebe for a little over a year. Prior to that, Bella lived with another rat, but, that rat passed away, which is when Foebe came into the picture. Bella took well to Foebe and vice versa, so they became cagemates. My question is this: I have never had to introduce a rat from an established pair to a new rat before. Do I try and see if Foebe will live harmoniously with one of my other current female pairs? Do I go out and adopt a new female and bring her home for Foebe? I can't imagine Foebe living out her life alone - she is only a little over a year old and has plenty of good times ahead of her. I know she needs a new friend but am unsure what is the best way to make her happy. Who will be her new friend(s)? My other female pairs have been together for eons. I don't know how they would take to Foebe or not. All my females used to have free roam time together but I noticed they would squabble a bit - mild, nothing big, but nonetheless, I didn't like it so I have limited their free roam time to pairs only for a loooong time now. Each of my female pairs has a different vibe, of course, as they're all different. I do have one pair that is extremely friendly and mellow but I still don't know how they would take to Foebe - or for that matter - vice versa. Foebe has to like it too. Any ideas on what do to? I have read scads about it online but not having experienced it myself yet, I thought I would ask you guys because many of you have done it. Do I try with my currents or get another new rat? Well I know that introducing a new baby rat to a older rat is a bit easer that to established paires. The baby will submit to the older rat faster and let things settle as to who is the boss. But that being said your mellow pair might just love to have a third. I can only say you need to deside if you want a new baby or keep to what you have. Most of the time I keep thinking of the new babies as they are so fun. Mark >Hi > [quoted text clipped - 34 lines] >because many of you have done it. Do I try with my currents or get >another new rat? Mark G. Of the Royal Estates and "Pagan God of Food" thanks for the advice about bringing in a new baby...makes sense what you said about submissiveness, i didn't even think of it. and baby rats are so cute....and of course, i'll take any excuse i can to take in a new rat LOL :) i live in Ontario, Canada and instead of buying a baby from the local pet store (which is a bit of a horror zone , their rats are often ill, etc.) i will have to try and find a local breeder, someone good when the time comes. i'll want to see someone who can ensure i will get a healthy, sociable baby female to introduce to Foebe. if anyone here on here is in Ontario (Northern) and knows where i can start looking when the time comes, let me know. Bella has not passed on but we wouldn't be surprised if it was before Christmas as her signs of old age etc. are very prevalent. > Well I know that introducing a new baby rat to a older rat is a bit easer that > to established paires. The baby will submit to the older rat faster and let [quoted text clipped - 46 lines] > Of the Royal Estates > and "Pagan God of Food" > Well I know that introducing a new baby rat to a older rat is a bit easer that > to established paires. The baby will submit to the older rat faster and let > things settle as to who is the boss. > But that being said your mellow pair might just love to have a third. I can > only say you need to deside if you want a new baby or keep to what you have. > Most of the time I keep thinking of the new babies as they are so fun. I'd only add that we tend to introduce young rats in pairs - sisters if possible - as that ensures they have someone of the same age & energy to socialise with. Have you definitely decided to wait until Foebe is alone before introducing any new rat/s? It might be better to make the intros sooner for Foebe, but then I can see why you'd want to avoid stressing Bella. Not sure what I'd do there. We keep a single colony of six to eight rats. I think they're probably happiest with a minimum of three or four, as it allows them to establish a proper hierarchy. We're at six atm, but will probably intro another pair around January - we do this roughly every six to eight months, to keep a wide range of ages. Barring multiple unexpected deaths it also keeps the colony pretty stable & minimises trauma to them from losses.  SignatureMichael m r o z a t u k g a t e w a y d o t n e t > Hi > [quoted text clipped - 34 lines] > because many of you have done it. Do I try with my currents or get > another new rat? Hi Amy, If I was in your situation, I would probably intro Foebe to one of the existing pairs. Where exactly in Norther Ontario are you? Unfortunately, there are no good breeders in Ontario. Many call themselves breeders but in reality they are just backyard breeders just like those for puppy mills. I would recommend asking your local exotic vet or checking out the shelters. SignatureJoanne Owned by 20 rats. Webshots: http://community.webshots.com/user/joanneb70 ------------------------------------------------------- ~Ignorance is not innocence but sin. *Robert Browning* Wow...Another northern ontarian? At this rate we'll soon be able to start up our own forum ;) > Wow...Another northern ontarian? At this rate we'll soon be able to > start up our own forum ;) And our rats will take over the world... muahahaha. :) SignatureJoanne Owned by 20 rats. Webshots: http://community.webshots.com/user/joanneb70 ------------------------------------------------------- ~Ignorance is not innocence but sin. *Robert Browning* We should all meet up for some sort of Rat Fest or Critter Fest, not just for our city but make it something for all of Northern Ontario and see who comes. > > Wow...Another northern ontarian? At this rate we'll soon be able to > > start up our own forum ;) [quoted text clipped - 8 lines] > ------------------------------------------------------- > ~Ignorance is not innocence but sin. *Robert Browning* We should all meet up for some sort of Rat Fest or Critter Fest, not just for our city but make it something for all of Northern Ontario and see who comes. > > Wow...Another northern ontarian? At this rate we'll soon be able to > > start up our own forum ;) [quoted text clipped - 8 lines] > ------------------------------------------------------- > ~Ignorance is not innocence but sin. *Robert Browning* |
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