Hi, I am a new rattie convert. I got my first rat, Krysa 2 months ago from a professor at school that didn't have enough time to care for her and the multitude of other animals in the lab. Krysa is now approx. 6 months old. While doing some rattie research, I learned that ratties need each other, families and 1 rat alone was cruel. So three weeks ago I found a breeder and adopted 2 sweet little babies. (Both female also) I am looking to get the older rat Krysa introduced to the babies, Fiona and Hisvet, I have let Krysa climb their cage and vice-versa as well as letting Krysa in the babies cage when I have them out. I tried to introduce them to each other a couple of days ago, Hisvet (baby) went right up to Krysa and Krysa turned around and attacked. Hisvet made these high pitched squeals and I was scared that Krysa would hurt her so I separated them.
A little history on Krysa, she was adopted by my professor from the local Humane Society at approx. 3 months of age. She was adopted alone, and has been alone since. I really want her to be happy (I try to take her everywhere I go in the house and both my fiance and I play with her often, she has a special jacket to ride in, one with a hood, so she can ride in style!)
I am sorry this is so long, I am really unsure of what to do. I have read different sites saying how social rats are, what should I do to put them together? What is normal behavior and what is not? I expect that Krysa will try to maintain dominance I just don’t want her to hurt the little ones. Any advice would be greatly appreciated. Thank you for your time.
Most Sincerely,
Candice
