do rats need to be social??

[jdmls88]

Do rats need to be housed with other rats? Ie: would a lone male rat get lonely/sickely?

[Mike Cavanaugh]

from my experience, he will do the same as humans.... he will be lazy, and happy... but the second that new female comes around.... LOOK OUT!!!

[Sasquatch Art]

I have housed Males separately and with a brother.

No matter what I did they were fine.

But like Mike said when a female enters....Crouching Tiger!

[rabernet]

I sometimes have a lone male, but I find that he's happiest when he's baby sitting the grow out boys - so I try to keep someone with him. I really think that they benefit from the company of another rat.

[littleindiangirl]

I strongly believe rats need a buddy. Whether they are growing out new keepers, or retiring, I would advise having a buddy system for all of your rats. They do get depressed and that can result in problems with health. They are very social creatures, and if you can't afford to have 2 together at the same time because of space reasons, at least interact with the rat everyday.

If they are being raised up, it may be best to give them a buddy regardless. Nothing like being a weanling alone all day