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  How to Introduce New Rats Into an Existing Colony

Do you have Gotta Get More Rats syndrome (GGMR)? Make sure you know a little about introductions before bringing new ones home. Also make sure you have a lot of time and patience to see the introductions through.

Do be aware that not all introductions will be successful, but 9 out of 10 times it will, providing it's done properly.

*sniff sniff*


Bear in mind, adults will be more accepting of young rats as opposed to another adult. Baby rats usually know they arent boss when they enter the 'gang' and usually are submissive to the adult(s). When getting new (baby) rats, get two. "Why?" you ask. Because picture your new baby cowering in the corner, afraid of the bigger rats. If he or she has a friend, then at least they have each other, and more than likely, will not feel so nervous of making friends with the other residents.

Ok, so you now have your two (or more) babies that you brought home. DO NOT PUT THEM IN WITH THE EXISTING RATS! They need to be properly introduced.

You can start by taking an item from one cage, and placing it in the other cage and vise versa. It's a good way to start mixing smells. Keep this up for a few days. Then, move the cages closer so both groups of rats can smell each other, but do not let them touch!

Next, you can start swapping the rats into the other's cage. Make sure you swap all the rats! The two groups should not meet face to face at this point! They will run around sniffing the new smells and marking territory. Do this for about 20-30min each day for a few days.

Ok, they are now ready to meet face to face. The bathtub is a good area, as it is neutral to both groups. You might want to dap some vanilla essence on each rat's neck, especially if you have males. There will be power-grooming and squeaking in the beginning of the first meeting, as well as mild 'scuffling'. This is normal, as they are sorting out "who is boss". Keep a water bottle at the ready in case a serious fight starts. Be careful of being bitten when separating rats that are fighting, so please wear gloves.

If all is going well, let them be around each other for about 30min and then back to their separate cages. Keep this up for about 7-8 days, once a day.

After the week has gone by, and all meetings have been successful, then it's time to move them in together. Make sure you thoroughly clean everything in the cage...toys, accessories, bedding, etc. that might have rat smells on them. Then, restock the cage with the clean things, add new bedding, and dap more vanilla essence on each rat.

When placing them in the cage together, keep your gloves handy and keep a close eye on them. There will be more shows of dominance, like the 1st meeting or two. Leave them be, unless it becomes serious!! Keep half an eye on them after about 30min of close watching, they should become more settled after this.
stand-offs and challenges are common

There will be squeaking and mild fighting over the next week or so, but this will diminish once ranks are determined and they get more used to each other. Little ones will push the big one's buttons and push their luck and will be disciplined for it.

If all went well, then Well done! You have successfully introduced rats. Now, are you getting that GGMR syndrome again....?





 
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