Ok So if I need another rat, How to go about that?

Question

Learned something new on here! I didn't know rats needed company.

I like to learn new things. I think getting another rat of the same s*x as my rat would be beneficial for her after reading some of the reasons why they need company here on Answers.

I am worried about how to introduce them and where to get a new rat. Pet store I guess but I am worried that the new rat will make my rat sick?

Should I find an old rat to buy...or is a baby OK?

She is very special to me and I love her and want her to be happy!

See her picture here:

http://s353.photobucket.com/albums/r379/hedgemaid2/?action=view&current=myball.jpg

I would like nice honest answers from nice people please. Thank you.

Answer 1

I get rats young from stores that sell them as snake food.  Put you hand in the tank and the friendly ones that come to your hand are the ones to choose from.  I have had great luck with this method and have never paid over 4.00 for a rat.  

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Answer 2

I actually have many babies available.  Go to my site http://www.freewebs.com/baskerzeke/

Answer 3

I'm so glad you're getting her a friend! Definitely don't get any from a pet store. Pet store animals are often sick and females tend to come home pregnant. Plus you wouldn't want to support pet stores and their mills.

Try a reputable breeder or rescue: http://www.petinfopackets.com/rats/ratin...

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

You'll want to quarantine any new rats first: http://www.petinfopackets.com/rats/rathe...

And then introduce them slowly on neutral grounds:

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

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

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

Answer 4

YOUR RAT IS ADORABLE!!!!! =P

I have only one rat and am thinking of getting another one too. I think it would be a good idea cause rats are very social animals. I would go look up how to introduce new rats so your rat and the other rat doesnt end up hurt. I wish you the best of luck and have a nice time with your rattie.

Answer 5

She's cute! And kudos for wanting to get her a friend.

I've done a few rat introductions and they've always gone very smoothly - more smoothly than most other rodents.

Usually older rats will accept young rats easily. It might be that they recognize that they are babies, not threats. If your only option is a pet store rat, look for rats being sold as feeders - they'll be grouped according to size. If you get a "small" rat, those are usually pretty young, about 4 to 6 weeks. If you do get a pet store rat, you'll want to quarantine for a few weeks just to make sure you aren't bringing illnesses or parasites into the house.

There might be a breeder in your area or a rescue or shelter that has rats. Often people have accidental litters and have to find homes for the babies. Any of those could be sources of young rats - check your local shelters, http://www.petfinder.com/ and Craigslist.

If she has lived alone her whole life, it might be a little more difficult, but it can still be done. Even introductions between adult rats often go just fine.

This is a good article:

http://www.rmca.org/Resources/aintro.txt

The author does mention that it can be difficult to introduce babies to adult females, but that's contrary to what I've experienced. Much of it depends on the personalities of the rats.

Finally - make sure to supervise! Don't leave them alone together until you are sure they aren't in danger of harming each other.