[bubsybob]

i came home with a wee baby lass yesterday, shes about 5 weeks old.

im going through the quarantine, but wonder if she will be old enough to start the introductions when shes 'certified healthy'

i have two older females, about 5-6months, and am sort of afraid that little Maggie wont be old enough incase (rather WHEN) theres a little rough play/dominance establishing.


whats the general accepted age for a rat before intro's can start?

 

[Vixie]

Honestly, it's best to introduce younger rats to a group of resident adults. Your girl will probably be a prime age for introductions.


As a younger rat, she will automatically assume an 'omega' position of sorts and just be the pupster of the group.

 

[twitch]

if she's old enough to leave mom then she's old enough to meet new rats regardless of the age of the new rats. vixie's right, a younger, baby rat will naturally take the omega role and the older rats will have less of an issue with the new one. though they will still groom and push the little one around from time to time the chances of a real fight breaking out is much less as the baby will more often then not just submit to the grooming then get up and go chase the older rats tail again.