I figured I would put this here since I would count this along the lines of mental health. I have a single rat juvenile female(she will get a friend Saturday) who has been doing really well. She is very sweet and tolerant and seems to enjoy being out in my coat and what not. I am worried though that she may become less willing when she has a friend. I have been told that she will be less likely to "bond" with me, and will be less friendly overall if she has another rat ti socialize and play with and bond with. Should I just carry on as usual with her when she has her buddy(and the buddy too) with alone time with me outsude the cage? She'll get a friend regardless, though I am worried about messing up what we have going.

Sigh... it is a complete myth that a rat will become less attached to you if you have more than one. That is a lame coverup excuse used by people who know they are denying one of the most important aspects of rat care. If anything, she will be MORE inclined to bond with you if she has a friend or two of her own species because having another rat to sleep, play, and groom with will make her feel far more happy and confident.

Ah fantastic. Good to hear. I've been trying to keep her occupied with toys and time outside the cage until we get the new girl.

I am used to working with horses. Can rats become "herd bound" and... obsess when their friend(s) are taken away? I would like to prevent that if at all possible.

Some say yes, some say no - I think it depends on the rats. Some seem to mourn, some, like mine, don't. They do, however, become noticeably more dull and lethargic when they're alone. My boy Bernard is alone for the first time in his life right now, and he just sits around looking miserable. I don't know how anyone could ever look at a rat acting like that and think it's normal and they don't need companionship. :( It breaks my heart but I have to keep waiting for the right rats to find me.