Will they get along?

Question
A couple of days ago we bought a new female rat, to be some company for the older female rat we have, who is approx 2yrs. We introduced them and they appeared to be fine and have been in the cage together now for the last couple of days, but things seem to be taking a turn for the worst. The older rat wont allow the new one to roam free around the cage and at times is very aggressive with her, we have seen her bite her side and her tail, no blood, but she the young one is regularly squealing and hiding from the older one. They are new to each other, but is this this normal and they will adjust? or is this an indication they will never get on??

Thanks

Anna

Answer
Not Necessarily, My older rat had the same problem. What you should do is have them play together outside the cage and give them treats when they are around each other. Also, you may want to wait until the young rat is older, my rat got along with the other great after training and then eventually they got to the point where they can be together in a cage. Until they get along, under no circumstance should you put them in the same cage again. It is possible that your older rat is not wanting another rat, rare, but it has happened. If you need further help just ask.

Good Luck!

Emily Harris