New Buddy for Older Rat?

Question
I've had my male fancy rat for about a year and a half. When I got him, getting a second rat at the same time was not an option because I had to keep the rat hidden.
Now I find myself in a better living situation wondering if a companion would be at all possible? I found a sweet tempered dumbo male rat and had a bunch of questions.
1) is it best to get a new rat who is very young? I heard older rats accept them more often.
2) Is getting the first rat a friend a good idea at all? I am at class during the day and I'm affraid he gets too lonely.
3) What is the best way to do my part to make sure they get along eventually (ideally I would like for them to share a cage)?

Thank you for your time!

Answer
Older rats normally readily accept a more submissive cagemate; which is generally a baby. I usually recommend getting two babies however, so the babies have someone to play with and won't harass your older rat unnecessarily - plus in a year or so when your older rat passes away, you still have a buddy who's about the same age for the baby to play with.

I always recommend having rats in pairs or trios. Care isn't much different and generally rats are happier with a buddy. It also tends to draw shy pets out of their shells.

Be sure to follow proper quarantine and introductions, go slowly and don't push your older rat into accepting a roomie. Clean the cage thoroughly and rearrange all the 'furniture', introduce the baby (or babies) and the older rat on a neutral territory/clean turf (like an empty, dry bathtub) and let them play for awhile. If all goes well, move them into the cage together and keep an eye on them.

Good luck!