New dumbo rat

Question
Hello,

My name is Krissy and I've just became a proud owner of a male dumbo rat. It's been almost a year since the last time I owned a rat. My last rat that I owned....was named Merlin..he was only with me for a short time..and then he passed away from a tumor in his lungs. I am very happy that I have my new friend with me today. His name is Zander. He is all black..and from the looks of it...he is still just a little thing.

The reason why I writing you..is because I have a few questions.

I want the best for my little friend.....he was given to me by a friend...she had him for a day..and decided that he was not her type..so she passed him along to me. He seems like a pretty neat little fella....but I have some concerns. He is very shy...and not really interested in me. Is there a way that I can help him with adjusting to his new home? We've made some progress within the past couple of hours. When I first brought him home...he wouldn't let me come near him, but now...he is letting me pet him on the head. I'm not to sure if he is trying to bite me or not. He sticks the tip of my fingers in his mouth and nibbles, but he hasn't bite me hard. Is this normal?

The most important question I have is about the fact that he doesn't have a cage mate. When I had Merlin..he was a solo rat. He seemed to be okay with that, but I had lots and lots of time to spend with him. I plan on doing the same for Zander, but I'm concerned about him not having a friend in the cage with him. Zander came from a pet store...and he was with other rats....at least this was what I was told. Unfortunately, at this moment in time..I am incabable of getting another rat. I wanted to know what your opinion was on this? If I do find a way to get another rat...is it easy to introduce the new rat to the old rat???? Like I mentioned...right now..I can only afford Zander......I just want to know what your opinion is on this.

I'm worried about my new friend. Merlin was attached to me right off that bat. Zander...seems like he is going to take some time. He is young..and scared...and I could really use your input. I really love your web page. I've been a big fan of rats ever since I was introduced to Merlin. He was the best pet I've ever had. I hope Zander and I can build a strong bond together. Hopefully with your input..I'll be able to find new ways of introducing him to me...and we'll get to know each other pretty well.

Thanks so much. I look forward to hearing from you.
Krissy

Answer
Glad you have a new rat.  They are the best pets!

As for the nibbling and biting, they do this when they are little especially, and this is how they get to know you and your hand. I just brought home three baby boys myself and the first few days they would take small bites at my fingers to the point I would say Hey! OUCH! They stopped doing it now though once they were used to me. They were not real shy because the breeder did a great job with them and they were carried around by young teens all the time, which of course makes them nice and friendly, even a bit bold at times! Tiny as they are, they are feisty and busy.

It really really would be better for him to have a cagemate of the same sex and it is easier to introduce boys at a young age. To be honest, two rats do not cost any more than one rat. Two rats are healtheir than one lone rat, too. Stress from being lonely can cause the immune system to be weak which can cause illness earlier in his life.  What is your fear of owning two rats? Do you think it may make the cost of food increase etc?  Making the rat food is suggested anyhow since commercial rat food is not even good for them with the exception of the pellets made by Mazuri, but the other garbage sold at petstores such as seed mixes are just that....garbage.  See my webpage on rat diet for more info.  


http://www.freewebs.com/crittercity/


Also, his shyness would possibly ease up if he had a friend but that doesnt mean you cant bond with him by any means.  It will take time no matter what because he needs to learn about you and learn to trust you.  Does he take food from you?

Does he have a secure safe play area to play?  you can find info on how to set this up too on my site. Go to GETTING STARTED for ideas and info.  

As for bonding, check out my page on training shy rats. Do not force him to be held or picked up. Once you set up a play area, keep the cage door open and allow him to come out on his own. it took my babies the second day home before they would venture out of their cage. Now they run wild in their cardboard pen with me as their main toy.  LOL   You can see my baby boys under the page WATCH MY RATS GROW, or something like that.  LOL

If you honestly still feel that you cant get a second rat, I am still sure you and Zander will bond and he will look forward to being with you, but it really is healthier for rats to have another rat to live with, cuddle with, play with and sleep and eat with.