[ButtonQuail]

Now before I get into this yes, I know that rats are social creatures and can get depressed when they're alone. However, I feel this might be an exception.

So I work at a pet store that sells feeder rats. But I've grown really attached to one little guy. I want to take him home but I'd only be able to take him and not a friend. His current living space is less than ideal.
I wanted opinions on if I should bring him home or not. I don't want him to be lonely but I also worry about the alternative. Any suggestions?

I fell in love when he started grooming me and bruxing. All it took was a carrot and some pets behind the ear. I've already named him Skritch.

 

[LT_2022]

Is there a reason why you can't take the other rat as well? Two rats aren't any more work than one and you (and anyone else you live with) will hardly notice a difference between one rat or two.

That said, I have a single rat. She originally was living with a sister but that sister had to be euthanized and my rat had been living by herself for a few months by the time I got her. I'm not sure if she misses having another rat to play with I play with her often and she seems happy enough. I don't allow free roam time because I also have cats.

 

[ButtonQuail]

Is there a reason why you can't take the other rat as well? Two rats aren't any more work than one and you (and anyone else you live with) will hardly notice a difference between one rat or two.

That said, I have a single rat. She originally was living with a sister but that sister had to be euthanized and my rat had been living by herself for a few months by the time I got her. I'm not sure if she misses having another rat to play with I play with her often and she seems happy enough. I don't allow free roam time because I also have cats.

The rest of the rats we have in store are female and the one I want to bring home is male. It is nice to hear that yours seems okay. I also have cats and dogs so that's another worry of mine

 

[eugakico]

Ex. Cats, who are seen as "anti-social", are most often better in pairs. Rats are far, far more social than them. Unless there's a specific reason- such as health or behavioral issues, I think it's a terrible thing to do. Also, it's true that it's not much harder to keep 2 than 1. I went from 2 to 4 and it's been an easy transition.

 

[LT_2022]

The rest of the rats we have in store are female and the one I want to bring home is male. It is nice to hear that yours seems okay. I also have cats and dogs so that's another worry of mine

How old are the rats and are they kept separate by gender at the pet store? If all the rats are still young, you can have the male neutered by a vet so he can live with a female without any worry of babies. Young rats accept new friends pretty well.

You could also look into adopting a male rat from a shelter or rescue. You can't just put the two together and expect them to be friends right away. You need to keep the two separate and do slow introductions over time until you feel comfortable letting them live together. There are tons of Youtube videos on how to introduce rats. Shadow the Rat's channel is especially helpful.

Rats and co-exist with other pets in the home. If possible, keep the rat cage in a room the other pets don't have access to. If that's not doable, discourage the other pets from going near the rat cage as much as possible. Every pet is different. My cats ignore the rat. The dog I was dog sitting for ignored the rat. Your cats and dogs may be different.

 

[Ratty_123]

Now before I get into this yes, I know that rats are social creatures and can get depressed when they're alone. However, I feel this might be an exception.

So I work at a pet store that sells feeder rats. But I've grown really attached to one little guy. I want to take him home but I'd only be able to take him and not a friend. His current living space is less than ideal.
I wanted opinions on if I should bring him home or not. I don't want him to be lonely but I also worry about the alternative. Any suggestions?

I fell in love when he started grooming me and bruxing. All it took was a carrot and some pets behind the ear. I've already named him Skritch.

If your able to spend lots of time with that ratty and give him proper care, I think it would be alright! 💛

 

[ratbusters]

I guess that Skritch living alone wouldn't be ideal, but then neither would being sold as a feeder rat.
I suppose all you can do is think it through and make the best decision you can.