Okay, I got suckered by a naked rat.

[Black_Shark]

Thanks everyone, and no he's not on the dinner menu. Rat's are really so social that they need a friend? I had no idea. Would getting him a friend help the scratching, and would it make him less freindly with us?

Getting him a friend should completely erase all problems you have. Rats are extremely social creatures. If they do not have a companion they tend towards destructive behavior (think neurotic poodle) and you have to give them constant attention everyday. If they have a friend, not only do they remain great pets but they wont cause you major headaches down the road. Besides 2 is always better than 1