lonely ratty!

Question
Hi Sandra, Until earlier this week I have had two girls who are almost two years old. Unfortunately last week, Rocket, my little baby bless her had a severe stroke and we lost her on monday. As much as I am saddened by losing her, my main concern is now Princess, my remaining ratty. She has hardly left the nesting box since Rocket passed and when she does she wont come anywhere near me!! She is eating and drinking fine but has completely withdrawn and is not interested in anything, in fact, she is just sleeping most of the time.
  Please help me to make her feel better, I am completely at a loss as to what to do!
  Thank you for your help

Answer
She needs another rat to be with and I mean soon.  I lost several rats to broken hearts. Of course its a figure of speech but what occurs is that the rat becomes depressed and withdrawn, their immune system is weakened from stress and they become sick and lose the will to live and so they dont even try to fight off their illness.  I would find a younger female for her as soon as you can and keep the new girl in a separate cage next to hers till they get used to  each other. I would get her a few months younger than  she is OR if you can find a rescue with a neutered male, they get along terrific with females. I am really sorry for your loss...its so hard to lose our babies!