Rat helpplease
okay, so i've had my newest rat for about 2 weeks and he is still a baby. i was told that they NEED another rat to live with, so i decided to get him a friend. i fell in love with a baby boy and let them meet at the store, they seemed to get along..when i brought them home i let them play in the tub...the older one (rocky)attacked the new baby at least 3 times.. i put them in the cage and he attacked him again. i now have them separated in their cage and i don't know what to do? i don't want to take the newest one back but i don't want to separate them forever..that would start my whole problem again :( please help me?
and also if you have any name suggestions? he's a boy..
http://i14.tinypic.com/4ygqlnc.jpg...
Answers:I need to ask you some questions before I can give you a proper answer. As a rat-care specialist I feel that I should have the big picture first.
When you took Rocky to the store he was out of his territory, therefore he had no reason to be aggressive towards a new boy. At home you put the new boy into Rocky's cage. Now there is reason for Rocky to be upset. The intro was too soon, too fast. Some of the other advice that you are receiving here is asking you to put the boys together too soon. Intros take time and patience on your part or they will never be friends.
Now that you have your ratties at your home, please do not take them back to the pet store, even for a visit. At any time the pet store rats can get an illness that can be passed onto your boys should your boys be exposed to them, and visa versa.