New buddy for old rattie?

Question
QUESTION: Hiya,

I have spoken to you many times about my rats Wanda (2.5 year old doe) and Simba (2 yr old buck).

Unfortunately Simba passed away a month ago. I miss him dearly as you can imagine. It's ironic really as Wanda was the one who had the tumor...and was the older one. She had it removed 2 months ago and has made a great recovery. Unfortunately, Simba's on going respiratory infection went to his chest and after numerous antibiotics etc etc etc... he got to bad, started losing weight and I had to make the decision to let him go. We tried everything but he got to the point he was biting his feet and they were bleeding so I knew it was time to let him go. I could even tell by how he looked at me which sounds silly, but true. When I rescued Simba I was told to have him put to sleep at age 6 months...I insisted in Zithromax and got a new vet....he lived another 1.5 years! So his life was longer and happy with me and Wanda at least.

My question is, Wanda is now alone and age 2 and a half years. She seems happy in herself but I can't help but think she's lonely. Should I consider getting an older rescue rat to keep her company? ( Wanda and Simba were both rescues). Or will she be ok alone? Can I introduce a young rat or a pair of young rats (same sex, does) to her? Or is this a bad idea? I really would like some advice on the best way forward. Even  though she has lots of human company at home, I know that's not the same.

I really need your advice on this and appreciate it a lot.

Kind regards,

Amanda.

ANSWER: I am very sorry to hear of Simbas passing.  My heart goes out to you.

As for your solo girl, it would not hurt to get her a pair of same sex young rats for her. Should she decide she doesnt want to be bothered, at least you have the pair together and will have to start a new cage.  I dont see a huge problem though since female rats accept new rats very easily when introduced slowly.  Once quarantine is over, move the new girls next to Wandas cage, but far apart where tails and paws cannot fall into the other rats cage.  Let them get used to each other for a few days and let them in each others cages before letting them face to face.   

I think Wanda would like it if she is a laid back kind of girl especially.

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QUESTION: Thanks for your reply.

I have decided not to get the young girls as they were very active and Wanda has slowed down a lot. I have however seen a lovely boy at a rescue centre...I think he's about 1.5 years old but has always been alone. He's easy to handle and they have offered to neuter him for me. His owner got bored of him. (makes me sick!)

As Wanda was used to a boy before, do you think it may work? I would introduce them slowly/separate cages etc as I have done before. They have 25 unwanted rats at the rescue centre here in Norfolk, England, and have a strict No Kill policy unlike other rescue centres here, but he is the only lone rattie :(

Any thoughts on this would be appreciated. And how long do I keep them seperate after neutering so they don't breed!?

Amanda x

ANSWER: They should be kept apart for at least 3 weeks to prevent pregnancy.  Females and neuters seem to get along great. I think it is a good idea!

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Thanks for your reply.

I found out he is 9 months old. I have another question also... Wanda my 2.5 old doe, seems to move her head forwarf slightly when she breathes but  I don't know if I'm just being paranoid after losing Simba! She's a very small rat so maybe I'm  just noticing it more? Shes not sneezy...eating and drinking well etc... No noises coming from her.  

Answer
You could be a bit nervous about it, but it isnt something to ignore either. I have learned to always go with your gut and I always listen to my clients when it comes to things like this.
Does she breathe faster than normal, tire easier than normal? Is she chubby?