Introducing pet rats ?

[Angel]

Ok I have had a hairless male rat named Otis for about 6 months now; he has never bit anyone and is as sweet as can be. I bought him a all black furred male rat named boots. I had cleaned Otis cage with water and vinegar to eliminate his scent. I introduced the boys in my back room and they didn't seem to interested. Then about 20 minutes later is put them in a cage ( not Otis cage ) and watched.. Otis seemed to clean his neck very intensely and boots didn't move except squeak. But once Otis would bite under his neck boots would move away, I feel bad for boots I'm not sure if Otis is being mean or what? Please help right now hey are in two different cages I want them to get along please help!

 

[freshtilldeathh]

Give it some time, keep introducing them in a large room cage free and let them do their thing. Supervised of course. Once they seem interested in each other and seem to be fine, then you may put them in a cage together. Make sure it's big enough that they have their own space and put lots of hiding boxes, hammocks, ect in there. You should check out this rat forum online, it's for rat lovers and owners and it has a lot of good info. http://ratforum.com

 

[Natalie]

It is normal for them to fight. They will box and bite and wrestle.
If they are trying to kill each other, separate them of course. Signs of a more serious fight include huffing/hissing and puffing up/trying to look bigger.

If both are males over 3 months old that might be a problem. Adult males sometimes do not take well to other adult males. It is better if you introduce another male that is under 3 months.

Here is how to properly introduce rats:
http://www.ratfanclub.org/newrat.html