How should you correctly introduce rats? - briefly
Start by placing the newcomer in a neutral, clean cage with familiar bedding, allowing visual and scent exposure to the resident through a barrier for several days. Once both rats remain calm, introduce them gradually under supervised, direct contact.
How should you correctly introduce rats? - in detail
Begin by confirming that the rats are healthy. Perform a visual inspection for wounds, discharge, or abnormal behavior, and consider a veterinary health check if the source is unknown. Quarantine new arrivals for at least seven days, providing food, water, and bedding identical to the resident colony to reduce stress and detect illness.
Prepare the enclosure for integration. Clean all surfaces, replace soiled bedding, and ensure sufficient space for both groups. Provide multiple hiding spots, climbing structures, and enrichment items to minimize competition for resources.
Introduce scent cues before physical contact. Swap bedding between cages for 24 hours, or rub a cloth on each rat and place it in the other's habitat. This familiarizes the animals with each other's odor and reduces aggression.
Proceed with a staged visual introduction. Place a clear barrier (e.g., a mesh divider) inside the enclosure, allowing the rats to see each other while remaining separated. Observe interactions for 15–30 minutes, noting signs of curiosity (sniffing, gentle nudging) versus hostility (chasing, biting). If aggression appears, extend the barrier period by another 24 hours.
When the barrier is removed, conduct the first direct encounter in a neutral arena—an empty, clean box without established territories. Supervise the meeting closely, limiting the session to 10–15 minutes. Allow the rats to approach each other at their own pace; intervene only if serious fighting occurs.
After a successful neutral encounter, return the animals to the original enclosure. Monitor feeding patterns, grooming, and social behavior for the next 48 hours. Provide ample food and water stations to prevent competition, and add extra nesting material to reduce stress.
Maintain regular observation for the following weeks. Gradual acceptance is indicated by shared nesting, mutual grooming, and the absence of injuries. If persistent aggression continues, consider separating the individuals and re‑attempting the introduction after an additional quarantine period.
Document each step, including dates, health checks, and behavioral notes. Detailed records facilitate troubleshooting and help ensure a stable, harmonious colony.