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Post by nattyrat on Jan 19, 2009 13:39:50 GMT 10
I recently lost one of my ratties (2 days ago) and because I bought my two girls together about 2 years ago, I would like to know whether my other girl will be ok on her own. I am giving her lots of love & attention but I am aware that this is certainly not going to compensate for her losing her mate. She seems a little lost & sad..is this possible or do you think she is picking up on my sadness? I have considered (briefly) on getting another rat (possibly a rescued rat) but am not too sure if she will be accepted. If someone has been in this situation before, I would really appreciate some advice. Thank you so much  |
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ceara
Aussie Rat Owner 
Posts: 129
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Post by ceara on Jan 19, 2009 18:27:43 GMT 10
I'm sorry to hear that you lost one of your rats. It's one of the worst things about owning rats  It's entirely possible that she's sad, having lost her companion. Rats are highly intelligent for their size and are capable of cognitive processes that have only previously been demonstrated in primates! Another rat might help things, but I would worry that having young and energetic young rats could be a bit of a trial for her, but I'm not as experienced as many of the other forum members here. I would think it could be good to get either an adult rat (such as a rescue), or two younger rats. If there are two, maybe they would play with each other rather than bother an older and less energetic rat, but would still provide companionship. I haven't been in your situation before though, but I know some others here have had experience introducing rats to much older rats. I'm sure someone will have more useful advice than I can provide  |
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Post by Kim on Jan 19, 2009 22:41:29 GMT 10
I'm sorry to hear about the loss of your girl.
Your other girl will be fine on her own, especially if you are giving her so much love and attention.
A 2 year old rat is equal to a 60 year old person.
So sometimes getting young rats are not a good idea with a rat her age.
Unless you can find a breeder who will let you adopt 2 youngsters and be willing to take them back if they dont get along with your current old girl.
If you get a rescue who is a year old or more you may still have problems with them getting along, but you will then have to go through the whole process again when your older rats passes away.
If you are in Victoria I could lend you a female rat, she sometimes gets moody though and can be dominant, so she doesnt do well in groups, but she lived with my 3 year old for ages before my 3 year old passed away and they got on fairly well. So she might be ok with your girl once she got to know her.
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sarah
Aussie Rat Owner
Posts: 22
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Post by sarah on Jan 21, 2009 3:02:25 GMT 10
Hi NR
When I've had one older one,I have often bought 2 younger ones.
In my experience, the two younger boys play together quite well, when there is 2 they keep each other amused, and generally leave the older one to itself.
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Post by nattyrat on Jan 21, 2009 9:28:52 GMT 10
A big thank you to the lovely people here who have given me useful information It has also helped me get through the pain of losing my girl.. Close friends of mine have 2 male rats, and even though the boys seem a bit obsessed with Little Girl..lol, love when I take her to visit (she shows them who's boss) and I know she loves the attention  To Kim, thank you very much for the offer as well! I'm living in Brisbane now though, but would have definitely considered it if I was still in Victoria |
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