I normally always suggest to people that they get two rats, because rats are such social creatures, but there are always breaks from any rule.
**- she is so sweet if I get another rat maybe
she won't be so cuddly, maybe it would change her character.**
Rats stay just as cuddly as ever regardless of how many. Unlike birds, having multiple rats does not alter their desire to be with you. My young boys have each other for company, but both beg like crazy to come out and play with us without fail. Whatever you decide, don't worry about changing her character, she'll stay lovey and sweet
She would, however, gain from having another rat to live with, as they provide for each other things which you cannot give her. No matter how hard I try with my fingers, I simply cannot groom my boys in a way that equals the way another rat does it. Their shared grooming helps to keep each others' coats and skin soft and healthy, and is a strong bonding experience for them. They also benefit from having another rat to cuddle with for companionship and warmth when sleeping.
**- If I do get another one, should I do it
straight away or wait a while? She is 13
weeks old.**
I would say sooner rather than later, before her desire to be Queen kicks in! The younger rats are introduced, the more likely they are to get along peacefully. Though this should be said: any pair of rats will fight at some point, as they always must determine who is the dominant rat. General squabbling and fighting is normal and to be expected, but drawing blood and biting is cause to worry.
**- Should I get a boy (have him neutered) or
a girl - what works best?**
Both would work fine, especially since she is still young and not set in her ways. I've never kept males and females together, but from others stories, my understanding is that often a female and a neutered male get along fabulously.
**I am very happy with my little girl on her
own and don't really want another rat, but I
want to do what is best for her.**
If you are home all day, and she is not wanting for attention, then I think it's just up to you to decide what you feel is best. I think she would love a companion, but I think she could also live without one. One thing to consider is that if you were to get another rat, you should probably consider changing her housing. The ammonia from waste builds up severely in a tank (ammonia doesn't rise, so it's stays right at breathing level) due to the lack of ventilation, and while one rat in a tank can be safe, more than that can cause deadly respiratory problems. Ammonia is a leading cause in the onset of respiratory illness in rats, so cage environments can make a huge difference in their lifespan!
I think it's great that you're considering her best interests, it sounds to me like she's got a fine thing going with you already, and would not suffer from solitary life.
