Is it too soon to get another rat?

Question

i just bought a small male rat yesterday and he's still getting adjusted to his new home. he seems a little stressed out when people come around the cage (he'll hide in the corner and sneeze a few times) so i was wondering if getting another small male would help him get adjusted to his surroundings. i already know i want another one, so should i get one now or wait until my current one is more used to his new home? i don't want to make him more stressed by putting another rat in the cage.

Answer 1

Its ALWAYS to soon to get another rat.

Answer 2

Yes but do it anyways.              ")

Answer 3

You really should have gotten both at the same time.

Although rats are social and thrieve a lot better in pairs or groups, they may fight a stranger rat. I would advise you to go to the same pet shop/breeder you got this one from, and try and get a rat from the same cage- chances are they are the same litter or 'batch' and they should get on fine.

Answer 4

Getting another one may actually help him get more adjusted. It will give him a friend who is the same size as him and if you want another one anyways it will help them to share the environment better as they get older.

Answer 5

It would have been better if you got them at the same time, but no I don't think it is too early.

Answer 6

um id say get another one. i donmt know much bout rats but if you get them at diff times. they might not get along as well..and rats are much better in groups...and the rat he will get used to is surroundings..just give him time.

Answer 7

Now is a prime time to get him a buddy. Rats NEED other rats. Being in a cage, alone, is as bad as solitary confinement in prison where people say it is the worst form of punishment. He is still new and would have no trouble being introduced to a new rat at this stage. The more comfortable he becomes in his cage, the less accepting he will become of new rats. If you wait longer, it would be easier to get a new cage for the both of them to live in (a nice big cage).

But yes, I strongly urge you to get him at least one cage mate. He'll be stressed in his cage no matter what, but at least he'll be stressed with someone cuddled next to him until he gets used to you and your home that you have given him.