I already have 1 rat should i get another? I heard that rats can die of depression but i play with my rat every single day. If yeah then where can i get another rat because the 1 i have right now is sick so i don't think im getting another 1 from the pet station.
2009-03-14T06:24:47Z
i got my rat from The Pet Station and i want a specific place to get a new rat. The reason why is because my rat is sick because the other rats there. Know a place?
2009-03-14T06:59:54Z
just so you know i am choosing a best answer and i know it isnt gonna be alison
2009-03-14T09:47:28Z
Thz to every 1 who is helping but keep answering! I'm extending expiration and will choose the best answer the day before it expires!
Dark2009-03-14T06:23:24Z
Favorite Answer
You absolutely should! Rats are highly social animals and they should always be kept in same sex pairs or groups. Even if you play with your rat every day, it cannot replace same species interaction.
I'd recommend getting another rat from a reputable breeder or rescue as pet store rats are often ill and undersocialized or, in the case of females, pregnant. Plus, you don't want to support pet stores and the animal mills and backyard breeders they get their animals from: http://www.petinfopackets.com/rats/ratinfopacket.html#rescues (Rescues and Rescue Lists) http://www.petinfopackets.com/rats/ratinfopacket.html#breeders (Breeders and Breeder Lists)
Always make sure to quarantine a new rat: http://www.petinfopackets.com/rats/rathealth.html#quarantine
Before doing introductions slowly and on neutral grounds: http://ratguide.com/care/behavior/introducing_rats.php http://www.ratfanclub.org/newrat.html http://www.ratpalace.com/rat-articles/rat-introductions.php
Edit: As people are saying, Petfinder is a great place to find a rescue rat in need of a home. However, please disregard the people claiming that male rats will fight. This is very incorrect and many, many people have male rats living together perfectly fine.
Definitely. Rats are social animals and love living in groups. Female rats rarely fight. Its the males that are the fighters. Just be sure to get a big cage. Some tricks for your rat could be to go through tubes, use a litter box-though its not really a trick, climb ladders, go down slides
Yes, definately get another rat. Ratties LOVE company. Just make sure that when you bring the new rat home, you have a quarintine period of two to three weeks, or you will end up with two sick ratties instead of just one. I am unsure of your area, so I don't know if there are ratteries in your town, but this is generally the best place to purchase healthy, socialized rats. If you can't find a rattery (google your state and the word rattery) then a pet store will be your only choice. It would be best to purchase the youngest rat you could find. This way you can raise it properly and ensure it is not a biter. Craigs list (online) should be a last resort because these are usually adult rats who are already set in their ways. To make transition easier, when you introduce the two new rats for the first time (after the quarantine period), dab a little vannila extract on each butt and nose. This makes them smell similar and makes bonding easier.
You should definitely get another rat. Even though you play with yours everyday (which is great!) they still need a companion for when you aren't there. They are very social and need their own kind with them to cuddle with and socialize with. Plus, it is not much more work or money to have a second rat. Be sure to quarantine the new rat before you introduce them so that you know it's not sick and so your sick rat doesn't get the new one sick. I have a link below that explains proper quarantine procedures.
Rats do love to have friends in their cage, and it is preferred to have two, but it is not totally necessary. While I would recommend always having two, if you play with it every day then it won't get very lonely. But the rat will be a lot better off with a friend either way. If you have a female, then getting another female rat would be a very good idea. If you have a male, then you can't get another rat. Two males will fight, and a male and a female will give you tons of babies. Two rats aren't totally necessary, but it is always the better option. If you have a girl, get another girl.