Tipsy

Question
Hi my names jessica and i do work experianse at the local spca and recently they gave me a pet female rat.
i dont know how old she is but she looks about 6month-1year and i would really appreshiate it if you could give me some help in socializing her.
is it ok if i get a younger rat of the same sex as her?
will she attack the other rat?
are they like dogs and need to be introduced on neutral territory?
will they fight often?
are rats dominant..?
i know its a lot of questions but please please please help me!
i really dont want Tipsy to become unsocialized!

Answer
Hi Jessica

I have an entire page on my website all about socializing a shy rat. Check it out here:

Just copy and past this url in your browser:

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

As for getting another rat for her, that would be fine and in fact this may help her feel more secure if she had someone her own sex and a bit younger.  As for the question if rats are dominating, that depends on the rats own unique personality.

After you get your new girl used to you, its ok to bring in a new rat and be sure to read up on quarantine on my site because you need to do that for th enew rat too.  After that, keep the new rat in a cage next to the old rat so they can gradually get used to each other. They will not fight in anger but they may wrestle a bit at first.

Be sure to read up on how to make a safe play area for your rat too so she can come out to play daily and also be sure to read up on proper diet as well.

hope this helps