[Ashley093]

I am down to just one rat, after his cage-mate died recently.
I know the best thing to do usually is to get him some more companions. But really don’t have enough time aside to care for and introduce 1, maybe 2 more rats, so, it would be unfair for all involved.

“White”(alive)is loved enormously and well looked after. He eats well and gets plenty of exercise as he is out of his cage nearly 24/7 (in spare room it is perfect for him)
He sits and gets tickled without a fuss for hours with me, seems generally healthy and happy.

I should also note they weren’t really the best of friends when alive, “Grey”(dead) used to bully “White”(alive) a lot when he was still here and they were even separated for the last 1/2 months.

Has anyone ever kept just one rat? Can someone tell me I’m not evil for keeping him on his own? Even know he is loved majorly.
It would be worse to get more when I can’t look after them properly?

T.I.A

 

[RatPappy]

Hello. My beloved Walter is the last survivor of four brothers, two of whom died very young-one literally in midstep, one in his sleep-and one who died of a tumor some months ago. When Walter was left alone I agonized over introducing new rats. Walter is a sweet little man who liked his brothers but frankly loves humans more, and I decided bringing three or four youngsters into the house would be too rough on him. Boys will be boys, after all. So Walter and I are the Odd Couple. Walter is now 28 months old and knock on wood happy and healthy. He sleeps a great deal now, but his waking hours are spent with me and many of his sleeping hours as well! Your White sounds a lot like Walter, and I know some on the Forum will differ, but I don't see a problem with the two of you as a team. I'd provide more toys and diversions for him, and this is important, you must, must, must spend all the time you can with him. Grooming is essential, I groom Walter with a toothbrush daily. White will probably become closer to you; Walter was sweet but a little distant when his brothers were here, and he definitely isn't now! So yes Ashley, you can be comfortable if you decide to keep a single male rat. Handsome boyo, by the way!

 

[Ashley093]

Hello. My beloved Walter is the last survivor of four brothers, two of whom died very young-one literally in midstep, one in his sleep-and one who died of a tumor some months ago. When Walter was left alone I agonized over introducing new rats. Walter is a sweet little man who liked his brothers but frankly loves humans more, and I decided bringing three or four youngsters into the house would be too rough on him. Boys will be boys, after all. So Walter and I are the Odd Couple. Walter is now 28 months old and knock on wood happy and healthy. He sleeps a great deal now, but his waking hours are spent with me and many of his sleeping hours as well! Your White sounds a lot like Walter, and I know some on the Forum will differ, but I don't see a problem with the two of you as a team. I'd provide more toys and diversions for him, and this is important, you must, must, must spend all the time you can with him. Grooming is essential, I groom Walter with a toothbrush daily. White will probably become closer to you; Walter was sweet but a little distant when his brothers were here, and he definitely isn't now! So yes Ashley, you can be comfortable if you decide to keep a single male rat. Handsome boyo, by the way!

Thank you! He loves his time chilling out with me, his eyes boggle constantly and I think he is getting used to it.
He is loved, feeling more positive!
I’ll take on board more grooming with a toothbrush that’s a good idea!
Look after your Walt, I know he is loved too!

 

[RatPappy]

Thank you! He loves his time chilling out with me, his eyes boggle constantly and I think he is getting used to it.
He is loved, feeling more positive!
I’ll take on board more grooming with a toothbrush that’s a good idea!
Look after your Walt, I know he is loved too!

Walter thanks you and so do I. Yeah...a single rat is, well, a single rat, and obviously I'd never intentionally set out to keep a solitary rat, but jeez...I wouldn't worry too much. White loves you, you love him...No problems!

 

[ratbusters]

Hi and welcome to the forum.
I know there is a big push from the rat community to never keep rats alone, and I think this is absolutely true under normal circumstances. In other words, you wouldn't deliberately get a single rat or keep a rat alone if you could provide a friend or friends.
However, when you get to the last one standing, as RatPappy has described above, you have to make a decision about whether to let the loner live out the rest of their life with you, or whether to start up a new group again.
Personally, I think if we were left with a single rat after all the other ones had passed, I would definitely consider letting them live out their remaining days alone with us. Particularly if they were getting on in age. Especially if we were not wanting to continue owning rats any more.

 

[RatPappy]

It's tough...My Walter has outlived his closest brother by months. Of course I wish he could have had fellow Rats to commune with. Ideally rats should have company. But I'm very happy he wasn't beaten up or worse by an adolescent kid establishing status. I love my Walter very much. I hope you will return to the Way of The Rat when possible. You strike me as a conscientious person