We require our rats to be adopted in trios if you do not already own rats. Here is why:
- Rats thrive in groups. They are extremely social animals! They live in colonies of 100+ in the wild! - They can develop a proper hierarchy. - There will not be cases of over grooming/barbering because the rats will have more than just one other rat to groom, where as when there is only a pair they will be over attentive to each other. - There is a less chance for bullying/fighting. Say one rat is more playful where the other is more laid back, the playful rat can annoy the other rat which can lead to arguments. One playmate just isn't enough! - If one passes away prematurely, it will not leave you with one rat. When you have 3, you will have time to think about next steps without having to rush around before your lone rat starts to suffer.
There are no major differences between 2 and 3 rats. Yes, the initial cost will be higher and you will have a little more poo to clean up, but that is it! You will have happier, healthier rats and it will be much easier and less stressful for new owners!
If you already own rats, you can adopt a pair of the same sex as your current rats(you will be asked for proof of their sex), IF they are going to all live together eventually. We will not adopt out single rats even if you already have rats. This is because it is extremely important for rats to grow up with someone the same age to grow and develop correctly mentally. Rats adopted from us must also be properly quarantined, and that is much too long for a rat to be alone, of any age. When its time for introductions, things will go much smoother when introducing more than one new rat. This is because the stress levels will be much lower, and the rats will not be as scared since neither party will be alone. Each rat will have another familiar rat to go to for comfort if they are feeling scared, stressed or nervous.
Why cant rats be kept alone? Rats are very social animals and cannot be kept alone. Rats that are kept alone; - Become stressed - Become depressed - Become mentally unstable - Become aggressive - Will over eat or have loss of appetite - Will have a shorter lifespan - Will sleep all the time - Will be bored - Will be lonely