Not sure if I should get a companion for my rat?

Question

I currently have only one rat, Templeton. He's a very happy, easily entertained boy that loves playing with me outside of his cage and riding on my shoulder. Recently I've been hearing a lot about how rats do very well in pairs and that they really enjoy each others company. I'm going on a week long trip in a couple of weeks, and since I know that my dad won't play with my rat, I've been thinking about getting Templeton a friend to play with while I'm gone. But I'm worried about the two rats fighting, and I'm afraid that Templeton will become aggressive or lose interest in me. This is my first rat, so I'm not sure where to turn right now. Last year I tried this with my guinea pig, Carmel, and it was a complete disaster. The new pig, Oreo, was very unfriendly and made Carmel a complete sourpuss. I don't want the same to happen to my little Templeton, he's so sweet and loving! Thanks for reading. (:

Answer 1

you should buy another boy because if they do not have a companion than they can become very depressed or if you want to get a girl you could get more

Answer 2

Maybe you could get one and try it. Most pets stores have a 14 day warranty on their rats so if Templeton doesn't do well with the new rat you can just take it back to the pet store.

Answer 3

can you just take it with you

or.......or....or   no not a seal but get a friend to care for him

and and and give him a do and don't list

Answer 4

It would probably be a good idea to give him a friend if you introdue them correctly.

Answer 5

I think it's up to you, but if you get another they probably will fight at first I used to have to girls they were sister's and I got them as soon as they were old enough to leave there mom at the rattery, and they would fight sometimes or maybe I was just mistaking it as fighting when they might have been playing rough they would be squeaking and tumbling around the cage and up and down the ramps all over the place and always waking me up at night and sometimes if it was too much I'd just turn the light on they'd stop and I'd take them out to play for a little and get some energy out and sometimes that would help, But you know your rat best and you'll know if he needs a buddy or not. A week with out playing would hurt him tho mine had a week with out me shortly after I got them and my parents took care of them even tho they didn't like them

Answer 6

Personally... I believe things are fine how the are presently. I thought my rat Torri need a companion so I got Lilli. They never got along and constantly fought. I had to keep them in separate cages and it was very sad because Lilli wanted to be with Torri but Torri didn't want another rat, she wanted me. If you had go two rats together it would be different that's how the always were. Being that its just vacation Templeton should be fine.

Answer 7

Rats are social animals and need constant companionship. Even if you take him out and play with him everyday, you're not a rat, therefore you just can't provide him with the kind of social interaction he needs.

I think a lot of people introduce new rats too soon, not allowing for any period of adjustment for their pets. And they don't give them enough time to let sort out their dominance issues.

In my experience, even if you read over how to introduce and do it by the book, your rats will scuffle. And it can be unbearable to listen to. However, just as with dogs, rats have their ranks and only one can be the alpha. Rats need to assert their dominance in order for there to be stability within group.

In the rattie community, when it comes to cage mates fighting, you often hear the phrase, "No blood, no foul." This is a good rule of thumb to follow.

Like I said, even though it's very hard to listen to them fight, most of the time, there is little to no physical damage being done. Just a lot of shrieks from the loser saying, "I give up."

And I wouldn't worry about your rattie losing interest in you, these little guys have a lot of love to spare.

Also, I just read some of the other answers:

"Babii Blondee" sounds like she didn't introduce her rats properly and actually let them sort out their dispute. Its not really good to leave your rat alone for a week with ZERO interaction. He will most likely get depressed/stressed. This can cause your rat's immune system to weaken, making Templeton more susceptible to illness.

"Rat Lover" sure doesn't sound like one for suggesting you treat a rat like a pair of shoes. You're purchasing an animal, not footwear. Besides, after you get your new rat (especially if you plan to purchase him from a petstore) you will need to quarantine him. Which will take longer than fourteen days. If you don't, you're risking Templeton's health by exposing him to another rat which you have vitually no clue about what illnesses he may or may not have.

Even if you don't quarantine him, you wouldn't be putting him into the same cage as Templeton until the end of those fourteen days (or depending on their personalities, it may take longer.)