Introducing new rats

Question
Hi
I have a rat that is almost 2 years old, and has lived alone most of her life. I have just gotten a new baby rat and am trying to get them to live in the same cage. I am worried that my big rat might kill or hurt the little one. Should i let them live in the same cage? Or separate them for awhile?
thanks


Answer
The rats will have to be introduced slowly. The problem is that the baby rat will want to play and the older rat will probably not want to. You would be better introducing 2 babies to the older rat so the babies can play together and not annoy the other one. You will have to keep them apart in different cages for a while until they get on well in neutral territory. This is quite a difficult introduction especially since the older rat has lived alone which is not really fair for rats since they need company. If you join www.fancy-rats.co.uk then you will be able to get loads of help and support and there is articles about introducing rats. Good luck