Introducing boys ?

[Heatherama]

Hello...well, just yesterday I got two little baby boys.  I've been ratless for nearly a year now, and I'm very happy to have them.  Anyway, I was wondering how difficult it would be to introduce two other boys to the cage?  I have never put boys that were not brothers together.  I've done the process of introducing mice, gerbils, hamsters, and even cats....lol, but never rats.  Just as I got these two, the opportunity to aquire two baby rex's has come up....hmmmm.  Any advice?  The cage I have is definately large enough, it's a Martin's 695.  I also have an empty room that I'm turning into a "playground".

[Addicted2Rats]

Before you introduce the two new Rex's to your existing babies, you'll have to do a 3 week quarantine of the Rex's away from your existing rats (ideally, the Rex's should be kept in a home separate from yours).  You didn't mention how old these four rats are.  Usually intro's go pretty well when the babies are very young.  In the "Reference" area, you'll find a link that gives information about how to do introductions with rats.  With males, it may not go well when they're all older and being introduced together.

Deb

[Anesthesia]

We have 19 boys and have gone through tons of intros.  It usually goes really well.  Just be patient... and don't forget to keep a squirt bottle handy. 

The younger the boys are, the easier it is.. but introducing old men to established cages is possible too.  Follow Addicted's suggestion and follow the link in the reference area. 

Good luck!   

[Heatherama]

Sorry, forgot to mention all 4 are only about 6 weeks old.

[Addicted2Rats]

Once you're done with the quarantine period, introductions should go easily since they're all so young.  Here's a link with information on how to introduce rats to each other:  http://ratguide.com/care/behavior/introducing_rats.php

Deb

[jeepharm]

I just (literally, 2 days ago) put a new boy, 6m with a 15m & 17m old.  We took our time with intros, worked about 3 weeks at it.  The youngest is actually the biggest of the three and VERY bold.  The first night we did have 2 small bites (surface only, not bad, youngest bit other 2), but the second night, we're all sleeping together.

I've had rats, all boys for over 30 years, started with them when I was about 9, and have done tons of intros.  Babies are much, much easier!  They're just happy, happy, happy to have more playmates!

The advice/links you've already gotten are great!  I just wanted to add that you shouldn't have any problems with boys that age!  It just gets trickier with intact males over the age of 6m~raging hormones and all...but it can be done

Ann & my gorgeous boys Nobel, Figlewitz, Ridley, D'Marco, Gino & Nunzio<---the bold one!
Enjoy the yogie bar Efram!
Co-founding Partner/Secretary
Pittsburgh Rat Lovers Club & Rescue

[Heatherama]

My request for the two rex boys has been denied...

I could make up some hard luck story.  lol.  "But honey, they were just about to sell them to a man who owned a ball python around his neck!!!" 

My hubby usually doesn't say no, but he knows me better than I do.  I used to be able to care for a lot more, but with my health now, it's difficult.  I already got a cage a little too large for me to lift on my own.  He's not a bad guy, honest.  He just doesn't want me to get in over my head.

[Anesthesia]

Oh no.. Your husband won't let you get the rex boys??  I'm sorry hun.  Things usually work out for the best.. so maybe he's right in this.  Unfortunately, there are always more ratties in the world in need of good homes.. I'm sure you'll have another opportunity. *hugs*