Does my baby need a friend?

Question

I recently adopted a year old male hooded rat from a family. I brought him home a few days ago and we've been having some issues. He is very very shy for a rat, and he has discolored p**p from stress and diet change and won't explore his new roomy cage. I was thinking I might get him a friend (another male, of course) but I think I should probably wait a while and let him adjust. My cage is smaller on the bottom, about 15 by 9 inches, but has three levels to climb on. Is that even enough room for two rats? Here is a link to his cage. http://www.petsmart.com/product/index.jsp?productId=3057122

Answer 1

He absolutely needs a friend. He'll have time to adjust anyway because a new rat should always be quarantined for a month before being introduced.

I'd recommend getting another rat from a reputable breeder or rescue as pet store rats are often ill or, in the case of females, pregnant. Plus, you don't want to support pet stores and their mills or backyard breeders:

http://www.petinfopackets.com/rats/ratin...

http://www.petinfopackets.com/rats/ratin...

Always make sure to quarantine a new rat:

http://www.petinfopackets.com/rats/rathe...

Before doing introductions slowly and on neutral ground:

http://ratguide.com/care/behavior/introd...

http://www.ratfanclub.org/newrat.html

http://www.ratpalace.com/rat-articles/ra...

You might want to invest in a larger cage for a pair:

http://www.petinfopackets.com/rats/ratca...

Answer 2

rats should always have friends, so of course you should get a friend for him. that cage is big enough for two rats. take your current rat to the vet to see if he has a contagious disease before you get another rat

Answer 3

I would get him a friend as soon as possible because when you are introducing rats you need to have 2 weeks of quarantine time. Rats are very social creatures and do need a companion. Although it may be tricky getting them to adjust to each other it should work. Male rats sometimes are harder to introduce and especially because he is one year old. You really do need to research introducing rats and such before buying a new one but it would be in the best interest of your new pet.

Usually male rats are lazier so that cage should be fine seeing as they are out a fair bit and aren't really hyper.

Feel free to visit my site www.rattie-love.piczo.com and for any more further questions you can e-mail me at [e-mail] because i don't check my yahoo e-mail ;)

I Hope I Helped

Answer 4

That's enough room. He could be nervous, so wait a while to get him a new friend.

Answer 5

yes that is plenty of room for two rats.

i have the exact same cage and then seem to love it.

if i were you i would wait a while before getting another rat,

just so he cant adapt to this new home of his.

good luck and enjoy your pets, rats are a ton of fun :)

Answer 6

yes rats need a partner. a companion. [[other then yourself]] because you cant clean them and play with them like there own kind would. he will ajust within a week or 2. take him out every day to play and get used to you. dont have loud noises or sudden movements around his cage [[just freak him out more]] he will get used to you and his surroundings but get him a friend so he feels more comfortable.

[[i wish i could get another rat but my mum says 2 is enough. lol]]