Pet Habitat South Africa

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13 Jun 2015

Are Rats Happy On Their Own?

Posted By : Guest

Filed Under : Pet Care | Rats and Mice

Rats are one of those magnificent animals that make incredible pets but were ignored for many years before their popularity really took hold. Part of the reasons for that is of course because wild rats are very different to the domesticated pets you can adopt. Another reason is that there was simply not a lot of information available on caring for these pets – early rat owners probably made a few mistakes. But we’ve learned a lot about rats over the years, including their need for companionship.

Does your rat need a friend?

Rats are very social creatures. They love living with friends and family. This makes them very different from some of the other small furries such as Syrian hamsters who prefer a solitary life, whereas Dwarf hamsters prefer company. Rats however don’t just enjoy the company, they thrive on it and need it to live a long and happy life.

If you have a lonely rat, it’s time to get your furry a friend. But be careful here, it’s not common or practical to neuter rats which means you’re looking for pets of the same gender. Rats breed exceptionally quickly – and rather young too.

Getting a friend for your rat? Here’s what you need to know

Unlike some other animals, it is quite easy to determine the difference between male and female rats – even when they are quite young. Male rats will develop a large scrotum within months of their lives, and it is obvious to see. The distance between their genitalia and anus is also about twice as long as seen on female rats. Make sure you know what you’re looking for before you adopt; inexperienced eyes can misjudge the sex of an animal.

When you bring home your new rat (or rats) you don’t want to rush the bonding process, same sex pairings make better companions. Sometimes it takes a little more time. Instead let your pets get to know each other through a barrier. Don’t use glass as that blocks identifying odours, but two cages next to each other will do an excellent job. If you do spot any aggression when your rats are all settled into their shared home, separate them (carefully) and allow them more time to adjust.

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