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Socialization

For rats, as any other pet, it is important to know the best, easiest way to socialize them if they will need to come in contact with people, other rats and other animals. Before you decide how to socialize your rat you need to know why to socialize your new little friend.

Why to socialize my rat?

Do I need to socialize my rat? Before we answer this question we must know some basics about how rats think and function. Here are some basic rat behavioral facts:

Rats are more comfortable and feel safest with stability and consistency.
Rats are hard wired for safety (since they are preyed upon in the wild) as a result they are likely to be nervous or fearful of other pets and people.

So know we are ready to ask ourselves who will my rat be exposed to in the future: other people, other animals, other rats? If the answer is yes to any of these it would make it much more comfortable with a better chance of it working out if your rat got used to seeing other people and/or animals and/or other rats sooner rather than later.

Before your rat encounters other living creatures it would be an easier transition if your new friend feels as safe as possible with you. This takes patients and handling your rat in a comfortable way for him or her (if you are reading this you are defiantly qualified and care).

rat Socialization

Other rats

As a result of instinct two male rats if kept in the same cage might fight. They may try to compete. This is especially true if there is a female rat present. It is best to introduce 2 rats in a quiet, controlled environment. Introduce the rats first on neutral territory. If they appear to get along you can try them together in a cage, watching for any aggression.

Other animals

rats tend to be afraid of other animals as a general rule. Its best not to keep rabbits caged with rats as rabbits can carry bacteria called Bordetella which can cause pneumonia in rats. When introducing your pet pig to other species make sure it’s a controlled environment which is safe for your pig.

Other humans

Introduction of rats can be a challenge. It should be a controlled introduction. By controlled we mean consistent noise level, gentle handling (from the rat perception). If your pig will be introduced to a large group or class its best to make a slow introduction but also to make sure everyone in the group knows the most gentle way to handle the rat. Although it may take more time initially, in the long run it is very beneficial.