Rev.Reverence Posted September 23, 2009 Report Share Posted September 23, 2009 Well, he was an old rat, & they die...that's how the whole thing works... No consoling me, thanx...but, if you know, & would like to address Junior Goat, that'ld be cool as shit, he does not know so much about death...hence, we got the old rats ..... I heard that, if we leave Mr. Nibbles all alone, he'll die of boredom, via insanity... ..not exactly what we want in the house... ..SO, I wonder, how do we integrate a new rat into the cage. without Mr. Nibbles thinking it is a menu item? (Just a personal worry.) OR, thinkin' it is competition..& offing it? ...um, another thought; is there a different animal, that would cohabit with a rat? ...should I get a young rat, or a grown rat? I don't know this shit, I'm a dog person... THANX ALL. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pomba gira Posted September 23, 2009 Report Share Posted September 23, 2009 Well, he was an old rat, & they die...that's how the whole thing works... No consoling me, thanx...but, if you know, & would like to address Junior Goat, that'ld be cool as shit, he does not know so much about death...hence, we got the old rats ..... I heard that, if we leave Mr. Nibbles all alone, he'll die of boredom, via insanity... ..not exactly what we want in the house... ..SO, I wonder, how do we integrate a new rat into the cage. without Mr. Nibbles thinking it is a menu item? (Just a personal worry.) OR, thinkin' it is competition..& offing it? ...um, another thought; is there a different animal, that would cohabit with a rat? ...should I get a young rat, or a grown rat? I don't know this shit, I'm a dog person... THANX ALL. Awww... well, given that he was supposed to be snake food almost 2 years ago, Lucky did pretty well! When I got Nibbles as a companion for Lucky, I just tossed him in there. And they had a much smaller cage then, too. As noted, rats NEED companionship, so that need tends to win out over any territorial impulses. I would try to get a rat that's close to Mr. Nibbles in size, that way you'll avoid outright bullying. Make sure there are two hide boxes in the cage so both have their own "sanctuary" at first. Also, make sure you get a pet, not a feeder... they live longer and are better socialized. Pet Supplies Plus sells feeder rats. The national chains really push frozen for feeders, so their live rats are pets. No idea about other critters coexisting with rats. I tend to think not, though... in the wild they won't even accept a rat from a different colony. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rev.Reverence Posted September 23, 2009 Author Report Share Posted September 23, 2009 Awww... well, given that he was supposed to be snake food almost 2 years ago, Lucky did pretty well! When I got Nibbles as a companion for Lucky, I just tossed him in there. And they had a much smaller cage then, too. As noted, rats NEED companionship, so that need tends to win out over any territorial impulses. I would try to get a rat that's close to Mr. Nibbles in size, that way you'll avoid outright bullying. Make sure there are two hide boxes in the cage so both have their own "sanctuary" at first. Also, make sure you get a pet, not a feeder... they live longer and are better socialized. Pet Supplies Plus sells feeder rats. The national chains really push frozen for feeders, so their live rats are pets. No idea about other critters coexisting with rats. I tend to think not, though... in the wild they won't even accept a rat from a different colony. oK...I was worried about that in the cage as well...the separate boxes sounds like it should work out fine...maybe, put them in a big box, & then totally clean the cage, & let them back in together, I'm thinkin' now... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Oh_My_Goth Posted September 23, 2009 Report Share Posted September 23, 2009 Poor Jr Goat is so sad about the whole thing Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pomba gira Posted September 23, 2009 Report Share Posted September 23, 2009 oK...I was worried about that in the cage as well...the separate boxes sounds like it should work out fine...maybe, put them in a big box, & then totally clean the cage, & let them back in together, I'm thinkin' now... That's a good idea. That's how I plan to introduce my two female geckos, when the juvie one is big enough. Turn the cage into neutral territory, so to speak. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Brenda Starrr Posted September 23, 2009 Report Share Posted September 23, 2009 Awww! While I am NO fan of rats, Hug Jr. Goat for us! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Oh_My_Goth Posted September 23, 2009 Report Share Posted September 23, 2009 Awww! While I am NO fan of rats, Hug Jr. Goat for us! Thanks Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Head Wreck Posted September 23, 2009 Report Share Posted September 23, 2009 sorry to hear this cheif Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GothicRavenGoddess (3) Posted September 23, 2009 Report Share Posted September 23, 2009 *hugs* for Jr. Goat. I'm sorry.. what Hille said seems like very sound advice. I'm curious though.. don't pet stores house the rats together? would the smell of the other rats on the new rat sorta freak out the old inhabitant? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pomba gira Posted September 24, 2009 Report Share Posted September 24, 2009 *hugs* for Jr. Goat. I'm sorry.. what Hille said seems like very sound advice. I'm curious though.. don't pet stores house the rats together? would the smell of the other rats on the new rat sorta freak out the old inhabitant? They don't actually form colonies in pet stores 'cos they aren't together long enough... I think that makes a difference in their pheromones. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Marmee_Noir Posted September 27, 2009 Report Share Posted September 27, 2009 Awe this is really sad, he seemed to be doing fine when Jeremy and I were over there last.. :( Hugs* To Jr. Goat, it''s hard losing a first pet.. As for getting another rat, I have mice and was told to introduce a new mouse into the cage I should put the mouse in a separate cage next to the other cage for a few days.. To let the mice get use to each other and their scents... This way they don't pounce all over each other trying to figure out who what where and when. lol Hope things work out for you guys.. XOXOXO Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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