QUESTION: We have got a male rat, is it a good idea to buy a female companion for him? We have been told that male rats always must fight.
ANSWER: A mating pair will produce a lot of rat babies, so it is not a good idea. Male rats are usually kept together and if there ever is a problem there is something absolutely wrong. Also see rats and aggression, the history of Darius and Rubin and the history of Sebastian.
When you read about Darius and Rubin, remember that they never actually hurt eachother! No severe bitings, no blood. Actually they lived in peace for the rest of their lifes. Darius was just a dominant personality, and Rubin had a lot of integrity.
If males have been friends for a long while (months) or grew up together and then later on start biting eachother or fighting then you have a problem with aggression. Neutering of the aggressor might help. Often the neutered male will not accept male friends, but he can easily accept female friends without producing more aggressive rats. Remember that aggression in rats are in almost every case is inherited! Never breed from aggressive rats! Pet rats are usually both a lot more aggressive and a lot more dominant in character than wild rats are.
Also see Rat temperament and behaviour - problems.
Copyright Eva Johansson.
Last update: 11th of August 2006.