How do you introduce one rat to another? - briefly
Begin with a neutral cage that allows visual contact through a clear barrier for several days. Then, under close supervision, remove the barrier for brief, supervised meetings, rewarding calm interactions and separating the rats at any sign of aggression.
How do you introduce one rat to another? - in detail
Introducing a new rat to an existing resident requires a structured approach to minimise aggression and promote bonding. The process consists of three phases: quarantine, scent exchange, and supervised interaction.
During quarantine, the newcomer remains in a separate cage for at least seven days. This period allows health monitoring, parasite treatment, and acclimation to the environment without exposing the resident to potential pathogens.
Scent exchange follows quarantine. Swap bedding, food dishes, or toys between the two cages for 24 hours. The shared odors familiarize each animal with the other's scent, reducing territorial responses when visual contact occurs.
Supervised interaction occurs in a neutral arena that neither rat claims as its own space. Begin with a brief encounter of five to ten minutes, observing body language closely:
- Ears flattened, tail twitching, or rapid vocalisations indicate stress; discontinue the session and return to the neutral area.
- Gentle sniffing, grooming, or relaxed posture suggest acceptance; extend the duration gradually.
- If mild aggression appears (chasing, light biting), separate the rats, increase scent‑exchange duration, and retry after several hours.
Repeat short sessions multiple times daily, extending the time as tolerance improves. Once consistent calm behaviour is evident, transition to shared housing. Provide ample nesting material, multiple hiding spots, and separate feeding stations to maintain personal space and prevent competition.
Monitoring continues after cohabitation begins. Any resurgence of aggression warrants re‑evaluation of cage layout, enrichment, and possible re‑isolation of the aggressor for additional assessment.