Any tips on introducing male rats?

[Brianna Pittman]

I have had my large white albino rat for a few months, and hes very good with people, hes never tried to even nibble on anyone in the time that ive had him. I dont have the time to get him out every day as it is summer and ive been busy with my friends, and have a few other pets besides him. With that, I decided to get him a cage mate. I went to the pet store and asked the guys advice he said theres no exact science, it totally depends on the rats. He advised I get a baby, (male by the way because im not interested in breeding) and didnt really say much else.. When I got the new rat home, I changed the bedding in the cage but did not wash it out because in my studying others have said it makes the alpha insecure if his scent suddenly disappears from his turf. I put the old rat in the new rats' carry-home box and put the new rat in the old rats cage for about 10 minutes and then put the old rat in his cage with the baby. They sniffed each other for a few minutes, then the old rat started to lick the baby rats' ears and then out of the blue *CHOMP!* the old one tried to bite the little ones head off! Luckily, i grabbed the big one up just in time to save the little one from beheading. Is there any SAFE way to introduce them without fear for the little ones life? (By the way - the baby is only as long from nose to the tip of his tail as the big ones tail is long.) Thanks, please help.

 

[Astrid]

You could try having them able to see and smell each other without touching, such as having two wire cages side by side.That way they can smell each other and get used to the scent slowly.

As well, you should always introduce them on NEUTRAL TERRITORY! I always reccomend a large area (like an empty bathtub) with some treats in it. This way neither has to protect his territory.

 

[Sarah Blaragahb]

I'd say to put a wire fince like thing in the middle of the cage, let them sniff eachother, then after they get comfortable with eachother you can take out the fence ^^ hope that helps

 

[Torrie A]

You're new rat is going to need a separate cage for a while. The introduction process takes time.

A new rat should be quarantined for 2 weeks before being introduced to current pets. This is to ensure your new rat has no illnesses that it can pass on to your older rat.

Your rats need to be introduced on neutral territory. An area that neither rat has been to. This will ensure that neither rat feels dominant over the other. By placing the baby rat in your older rat's cage, your older rat feels that the newer one has threatened his territory, and he is trying to defend himself.

Take both rats and place them in a room, or en a bathtub, and let them sniff and box. They will do some squeaking and scuffling to establish who's boss, but if any violent fighting starts, separate them immediately. Only leave them together for a short time each day. As they get used to each other, you can leave them together longer. Once they seem to get along, you can place them both in the cage together. See how they get along for an hour or two, and then take the young one out again. Only leave him in permanently when you are 100% sure that they are getting along and won't fight. The whole process can take a week or more, so you need a temporary cage for your new rat.

Good luck!