How to Combine Rats Without Fighting

Rats do well when they are raised together from a young age.

Rats are social creatures that enjoy living in groups, but introducing a new animal requires care. A new rat challenges the hierarchy that was established by the old rats. The new rat may be a more dominant rat that wants to rule the nest, or the other rats may perceive it as a threat no matter how docile the new rat is. Rat fights can result in serious injuries or even fatalities, so introduce your rats to one another carefully.

Things You'll Need

• Vanilla extract
• Soap and water

Instructions

1. Dab a small amount of vanilla extract on each rat. Vanilla extract masks the smell of the rats, and it makes all the rats smell similar, which comforts them.

2. Place the rats together on an empty floor for 10 minutes. During this time, watch them carefully to see how they interact. Use a location where the rats do not typically play, as the point is to introduce them on neutral territory.

3. Observe the rats and separate them if they start fighting. Some rats will get along without a problem, while some rats immediately start scrapping for dominance.

4. Continue introducing the rats on the floor for 10 minutes at a time for a week or so. Continue dabbing vanilla extract on them to confuse their sense of smell.

5. Scrub down the main cage where you will be keeping your rats thoroughly.

6. Dab each rat with vanilla extract.

7. Place each rat in the cage.

Tips & Warnings

• Inspect your rats regularly for signs of violent fights. If you see signs of bites or over-grooming, separate the rats and reintroduce them.

• Expect some squeaking and chasing. Most rat dominance fights are settled with shoving and vocalizations, and this is an important part of rat socialization.

References

• Ratz; Introducing Rats
• Rat and Mouse Club of America; Introducing Rats to New Companions; Angela Horn