When can you introduce rats? - briefly
Rats can be introduced after the existing group has been confirmed disease‑free and the cage has been cleaned and disinfected for a minimum of 24 hours. Introduce new individuals of comparable age and health to reduce stress and prevent illness.
When can you introduce rats? - in detail
Rats can be introduced to each other only after they have reached a stable health condition and display mature social behavior. The following criteria must be met before any contact is attempted:
- Age of at least four weeks for weanlings; older than eight weeks for adults.
- Full completion of the vaccination and parasite‑control schedule.
- Absence of respiratory or skin infections confirmed by a veterinarian.
- Demonstrated ability to eat and drink independently without regurgitation.
Once the prerequisites are satisfied, the introduction process should follow a staged protocol:
- Visual exposure – Place the cages side by side with a clear barrier. Observe reactions for three to five minutes; tolerance is indicated by calm posture and lack of aggressive vocalizations.
- Scent exchange – Swap bedding between the two enclosures for 24 hours. This allows each animal to become familiar with the other's odor without direct contact.
- Supervised interaction – Use a neutral, escape‑proof arena. Allow five‑minute sessions, extending the duration by two minutes each day if both rats remain relaxed. Intervene immediately if biting, lunging, or excessive squeaking occurs.
- Gradual integration – After three consecutive successful sessions, move the rats into a larger shared cage equipped with multiple hiding places, separate feeding stations, and ample enrichment. Monitor behavior for the first 48 hours; any signs of stress require a return to the previous step.
Key indicators of successful integration include mutual grooming, shared nesting, and equal access to resources. Persistent aggression, dominance displays, or weight loss signal that the pairing is unsuitable and should be re‑evaluated.