QUESTION: How is it possible to keep two male rats together in the same cage?
ANSWER: First you have to introduce the males to eachother in a roomy place none of them have been before. If you don't usually let them spend time on the kitchen floor you can use this. Put both or on the floor and watch them. Be sure to do this an evening that you want to spend at home.
You could also use a new or totally cleaned out cage. It is important put in both males at the same time. If you put in one first and the next after as little as ten minutes you may have a big fight on your hands.
To be sure they don't have a reason to fight both rats can be bathed with a perfumed shampoo, to smell the same.
If they do not go on fine together there is probably something wrong - then you should neuter the most aggressive male or both.
But first read the history of Darius and Rubin, the history of Sebastian and male friends.
Also see rats and aggression.
NOTE: Rats are meant to live together in big hoards, and the normal rat behaviour is not to fight as long as there is enough space and food and so on. Males bond to eachother and may become close friends.
Copyright Eva Johansson.
Last update: 11th of August 2006.