Rat questions

Question
I have 4 rats. Two boys and two girls. Yes they are seperated. I want to introduce my baby male Thor to the resident rat Benny. I tried to introduce them but Benny attacked Thor. How should I do this? Does corn contain a mold that can kill my babies? I feed my rats plenty of fruits and veggies is that good. I have also never given my rats meat is that ok? I also never give them rat treats,will they make them age faster? I even weigh my rats to make sure they stay at an ok weight! I feed them vitamins and minerals too. Am I an ok owner? Yes They all get very big cages and get carefresh bedding.

Answer
Hello, how are you? Generally, I would feed corn that is dried since mold likes to grow on things that are rotting. I have heard of a mold growing in some types of corn that you buy at the store but generally the frozen mix veggies are fine. The mold could harm any animal, but I haven't had a problem with any animal getting sick in the store from veggies or corn. Feeding them fruits and veggies is fine as long as their stools stay firm. Hmmm since your baby male thor was attacked by the more dominant rat, the best thing to do is to introduce them in neutral territory, where they haven't explored yet and have not seen. That way they won't have any dominance issues with each other. Do this until they seem to be okay with each other and then make sure to clean out the cage you plan on putting them in very well and put new bedding as well. Then try the introduction between the two over again and I would first place Thor into the cage for like an hour and then place Benny and watch them carefully. It's fine that you don't give your rats meat they will be perfectly fine without meat. Some people do feed them mealworms or crickets or other insects for protein. As far as rat treats go, the rat treats don't make them age faster, it just gives them something to chew on to keep their teeth down. As long as you have something for them to chew on to keep their teeth down you are doing great. :-) The vitamins and minerals are also excellent. :-) You are a great owner to be so interested in your rat friends. I think it's wonderful that you truly care for them and realize that they are not just a rat but they are your pet that you should take care of properly. You are awesome to be so good and so into their health. I'm glad you do this. :-) Keep up the good work. You are a model pet parent.