Can Rats Live Together?
WouterYou may wonder if rats can live together. Rats are nocturnal, meaning that they are most active at night. Female rats typically become receptive to mating every four to five days. Their gestation period lasts for 23 days and their babies will be weaned within four weeks. In most cases, a single litter will contain between eight and twelve kittens. However, if males and females live together, it is possible for the pair to produce as many as twenty kittens.
Rats live in social groups, so introducing new rats to the mix may cause a bit of aggression. However, this behavior will subside as the rats get used to each other. Adding a new rat to the group can only be safe if a dedicated chaperone is present to protect the animals.
Male and female rats get along well together. If they are from the same litter and are kept in the same cage, they may be able to live together without any serious problems. If the rats are not neutered, however, they may become territorial and aggressive if introduced to a new rat. The introduction of new rats should be slow and gradual so as to prevent the rats from being aggressive. If you are planning on adding a male rat to your household, it is best to neuter the male first. This will prevent the male from displaying aggressive behavior towards the female.
Rats have a strong sense of smell and are opportunistic eaters. Their sharp teeth require them to chew on hard objects to control their tooth growth. Rats, like mice and guinea pigs, will eat anything to keep their stomachs full.
