Looking to start a small colony

Okay so, let me just see if I've got this straight.. in theory a male could be taken from a group of males that he's been bonded to, bred and then returned to that group of males? I ask because my boyfriend is now asking if it would be possible to use any of my 4 male pet rats to breed. They've grown up together and are all quite young still, but I'm worried that if we try to breed one he won't be able to return to his group. Any thoughts? I know you kind of covered that above but just wanting to be absolutely sure before I try anything

I've taken your guys' advice and lined up a pregnant female from a local pet store. I'm just getting my temporary setup together first and making sure that I have everything planned out. Is there anything else that I should know before taking her?

Yes, pet rats would be fine. You could put two males in with three or more females. No reason to buy males since you have some. Will the males redo the pecking order? Yep, happens all the time. I trade an borrow rats to refresh the blood line. I would clean the cage the day before I took one. The give treats when I put him back. Why? Because his smell will still be in the cage an treats take attention away from him coming back.

Or just pull one or two out an put them in the female cage for the day. Keep doing that for 16 days or so. The males coming in contact with the females will just have one thing on their mind. They will get the job done.


Good luck!

Perfect. You guys have been so much help.. Thank you 😁