PSA: Introducing Rats

Introduction

When you take in a new rat you might just want to through them in with your other rats. However, this can lead to fighting and even death if done incorrectly. to be patient and take it slowly. Just like with bonding, introducing can be a long and lengthy process.

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Quarantine

Allow your new addition to have their own cage for about a week or two, ideally in a different room. This is because any diseases the new rat may have will make themselves evident within two weeks. Catching illnesses that the new rat is carrying will inevitably be easier to treat, especially for contagious illnesses such as external parasites. Keep in mind you can still interact with your rat during this time, just avoid interactions between them and your other rat(s). Once two weeks have ed and the new rat hasn't shown signs of illnesses, then you can move onto the next step.

Put the Cages Next to Each Other

This will allow your rats to see each other without having to directly interact. Move your quarentine cage directly next to your main cage. This allows your rats to get used to each other's presence. You can do this for brief intervals of about 30-60 minutes each day if you notice either of the rats getting stressed. This should be done until the rats feel comfortable with the others presence.

Switch Cages

Take your rats out of their cages and put them in the others cage. This works best when you're only introducing two rats. Switching the cages allows the rats to get used to the others scent. Do this for about an hour each day for a couple days.

Neutral Territory

Once you've finished all of the above, you can start physically introducing them. Pick a relatively small place that neither of the rats have been before, a tub or bed will work. Monitor the rats while they're interacting. It's normal to see some wrestling, as long as they're not drawing blood. Stop if they draw blood from each other and go back and repeat the above steps. Continue this step until they go at least an hour without harming or showing aggression to each other.

Familiar Territory

Move both rats to familiar territory, your free time area should work well. Monitor them here and make sure they aren't fighting. , wrestling does not qualify as fighting unless blood is drawn. Once they seem to get along in familiar territory, you can move them into the same cage. to remove them if you notice fighting or large flesh wounds. You may also wear gloves or other hand protection incase you have to separate them.

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Conclusion

that not all rats will be able to bond with each other. There is always the chance of a rat being aggressive. If all else fails, you can always try neutering an aggressor male, but this should be used as a last resort as neutering males comes with risks. Don't be afraid to repeat a step or two if you don't feel confident in moving on. Introducing can take a long time but is definitely worth it in the long run.