Are Rats Better in Pairs?

If you’re interested in raising a pair of rats, you’ll want to choose a cage that is big enough for both rats. Rats need ample space and plenty of ventilation, so they won’t do well in an aquarium style tank. If you’d prefer a smaller, more compact rat cage, try using a rabbit or guinea pig cage.

Rats are nocturnal creatures, and they are most active at night. They sleep and groom each other, and they also watch over each other to prevent predators from catching them. They have evolved to be social and take cues from their fellow rats to survive in the wild. By sharing their habitat and living in pairs, rats learn to survive, procreate, forage, navigate, and educate themselves about the environment.

If you have a pair of rats, you’ll want to introduce them as early as possible. It’s a good idea to introduce them as close friends before they get into a territorial dispute. Remember to monitor the two pets closely during the first introduction so that no one gets hurt. If you notice aggressive behavior, gently separate them for a few minutes.

The best way to introduce rats is to let them play with each other for a few minutes each day. Initially, the play dates should be brief, but as the rats get to know each other better, they should be able to interact more comfortably.