Why do Pet Rats NEED Friends?

As pet owners we need to do what is best for our animals. Rats are social animals by nature and while they do bond well with people, they still need friends of their own kind, it is one of their 5 freedoms that we need to provide.

A rat needs a friend that it can communicate with in it’s own language, a friend it can groom and be groomed by, a friend that it can play, eat and cuddle with, humans cannot replace a ratty friend.

Rats, like humans, can become depressed and stressed, this is especially true for lone rats. Lone rats can become insecure, scared, depressed and unhappy. Rats can (in a way) die from loneliness, especially after the loss of a cage mate… Depression and stress can weaken their immune systems and as a result they may be more susceptible to illnesses. Rats who live in groups tend to be happier, healthier, more outgoing and have a more full and varied life.

More outgoing, friendly rats can help tame and calm an anxious skittish rat. The skittish rat will realize you mean no harm and will soon follow their more outgoing friends.

Always keep rats in same sexed groups of 3 or more. If you want to keep rats in a mixed sex colony, make sure that all males are neutered to prevent unwanted pregnancies.

Side note:
We do understand that there are some very rare cases where rats just do not get along with other rats, generally it is due to hormones and a neuter may fix the issue, but sometimes it is due to their history (rescues, rats not bred for temperaments, wild or feral rat rescues, orphaned rats, etc).

We do believe that you should still do your best to incorporate such a rat into a well-established colony if possible.

Signs of Depression in Pet Rats:
There are many symptoms of depression and your rat may not display them all.
Some symptoms include:
–         Overeating and obesity
–         Malnutrition and weigh loss from not eating enough
–         Playing less
–         Sleeping more
–         Sudden changes in behaviour
–         Nipping, biting, and getting scared easily
–         Lethargy

These can also be symptoms of illnesses, so make sure to see a veterinarian if necessary.

SARBU and other ethical breeders and rescues always suggest adopters to have 3 or more rats. There are a few reasons for this. A pair of rats release the same stress hormones as a lone rat, but when rats are kept in groups of 3 or more, the stress level is dramatically reduced.

Another reason is that if one rat in a pair suddenly dies, then the other rat will be alone, when you have 3 rats and one dies, you will not end up with a lone rat, and you rushing around and searching for a new friend.

Video edited by Raticate’s Rattery
Photo credits: Pretoria Rattery and Raticate’s Rattery

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