Sitemaps

Why do so many who answer rat questions about male rats being housed together think they need to be2007-11-24 22:19:48

I wish I could tell you... how often I see this in answers to questions with male rats being housed together. As soon as there's any question of rats squabbling, or even if someone just mentions housing rats together, the responses invariably are calls to separate them.

So I must ask, those of you who answer the male rat question this way: why do you think this? What experience have you had that will generalize that solution?

Maybe someone will surprise me, but let me tell you what I know and have learned about housing male rats. Male rats can get along just fine in a cage together, as long as they are introduced slowly, preferably with some contact in neutral territory outside the cage... and when the rats have an ample-sized cage with enough food at all times.

If you have male rats that fought, they were introduced too fast, the cage was too small, the food wasn't plentiful enough, or you have that occasional rogue rat that just doesn't do well with others. (add-on coming)

Answers:

I have NEVER had a problem with housing my male rats together. I actually right now have a pair of brothers who are 5 months old living together and they are inseperable. I think that the people who tend to answer that male rats need to be seperated often stereotype them with many other small rodents who cannot live together. Rats are social creatures and in turn love to have a fellow rat friend to live with.

Like all animals, they will fight for dominace, but that doesnt last long, the cage is much too small for one rat (look at the cage calculator), or the intro was too fast. But in general they dont fight and actually enjoy the company more than actually being alone.

---

You are absolutely right- males can be housed together and will squabble to determine alpha male, but as long as introductions are done properly more often than not the rats will live together fairly harmoniously. The worst time to introduce a new rat is during the snarky six month old stage rats go through- when hormones are raging- if you must introduce a new rat at this time- introduce a young one who won't threaten the older ones dominant positions. I informed someone a couple of days ago that he should get a friend for his male- he was completely unaware that males could get along together. Rats aren't like hamsters or mice, and researching before purchasing any pet is always recommended! I have had the pleasure of being owned by rats for four years and am constantly researching- as their is always something new to be learned. I don't expect to be an expert on rat care, but I expect to be able to improve my knowledge to better care for my pets. :O)