When one passes...what so I look for in the other?

[Toobusy]

Bandit passed away early Sunday morning.  Her and Mimi have always been together since they were 6 wks old.

Is there something I should look for in Mimi to let us know if she is depressed or lonely without her?  Will I be able to tell?  

Right now she looks like usual and loves the extra attention she is getting.  She is 26 mos old and I don't think a new rat would work out for her.  She is getting slower with age. Not sure SHE would appreciate and rambucious rat companion.

Thanks all...

Lynn

[Ree]

I have never dealt with a depressed rat, but I'm assuming stuff like not eating, not coming out to be social with you, looking generally mopy etc. would indicate that she was missing her cagemate.

You could always get her two ratlets, that way they can keep each other occupied while she ignores them and tries to get some rest..  But you don't have to rush out and do this if you - and her - don't feel ready to.

Sorry for the loss of your little Bandit.. *hug*

[Nimue]

When I only had two rats, and one passed, the survivor got surly with me.  She started hiding from me, and began to nip.  Having a new rat friend did wonders for her attitude, but then again, she was only ten months old.  I think I might be hesitant to introduce new ones to an older rat, especially if she doesn't seem unhappy.

Trust your instincts.  You know your girl best.

[pigsandrats]

Even if she doesn't outwardly show it, she misses Bandit.

She will need extra attention and love from you.......
at her age I don't think I'd get her a new friend. Maybe two, but not one. Otherwise you're new rattie will be alone eventually, and you'll have the same problem.

The bottom line is that you know your rattie best. You'd know what to do more than anyone else.

[Suebee]

I agree... extra one-on-one attention, and no new buddy. I don't usually introduce new rats to older rats once they're truly older --- I tried it once, and it didn't work out well (older bit younger, younger got abscess). So, I'd definitely be inclined to let her live out her life with extra attention.

[BabyBlue]

I've recently added crazy baby monkeys to my old men's cage (over 2 now) with much sucess. It seems the energy of the young 'uns are contagious and it's getting the old guys a little more active too. It would really depend on the rat, and as everyone said you know your rat best. Do what you feel is right and give her lots of love. (((HUGS))) to you and Mimi.

[jen50schick]

My rat recently passed away and left his brother behind.  Jack has been very depressed.  He has been sleeping a ton and just sitting around, not being nearly as active as he used too.  I am just trying to spend as much time with Jack as I can, which seems to make him very happy.  When I am in my room doing anything I leave him on my bed even when I can't really play with him.  If I am watching tv he is crawling around in my lap or on my couch.  If I am home, he is with me.  This definately seems to put him in better spirits.  I am now looking into buying another rat to keep Jack company when I am at work or in class.  Jack is only 1 though, not as old as your little girl.  Just spend as much time with your rattie as you can!

[Foil Ball]

I am currently having the same issues, Gandalf's brother scatter died today *sob* and now he is all alone. They have never been seperated even overnight.  

Even when gandalf ripped a toenail out last christmas I had to put scatter with him in the sick cage because he was so depressed and listless.  Now his brother is gone, and I dont know what to do.  He is only 14 months old, and he's been introed successfully to other rats at least 2 other times.  I however gave the other males he was living with back to the breeder because of my sevear allergies.  

I can deal with 4 rats without much of a problem.  I DO have 2 girls, who he could possibly live with if neutered, however they are not very excepting of new company.  Or I could get him a young rat to play with.  Or... I could tend to him every waking moment, which gets old fast because rat + my skin = giant itchy painfull welts.  

[copperfieldmemory]

when my first girl died her mate since i had em was pretty sad. he would mope and not eat but then my other girl had babies and he got a new companion. but keeep giving her love and attention it may make up for the loss she has