Quote Originally Posted by littleindiangirl View Post
I'm not sure where you get this idea that he will bother her to sickness.

Many, MANY of my pairings are just one on one. No ill effects, no fights, no sick rats, mom gets to nurse by herself, and bounces back quickly during RR. I get large litters with many healthy babies.

This is the first I have ever heard that notion, and frankly I don't believe it.
I've heard it when breeding lizards (leopard geckos, bearded dragons, etc). However, I'm with you, never heard of it in rats.

Actually, Brimstone111888, male rats make quite good fathers to their litters and good mates to the females (taking care of the female, feeding her, making nests, etc). The only problems I see with leaving males and females together is possible back to back litters or when keeping pet rats, unwanted litters.