More evidence for my mom. . .

[Ray]

My mom only lets me own one rattie, I am gathering sufficent evidence for a "let me get a buddy case".  What better way to convince her then call upon the powers of the net!  ahhh...  Manipulation.  (evil laugh).

[Ali]

Excellent idea! You need to help your mum understand that it's for your rat's sake, and not yours. Most people who keep single rats on this forum do so because (a) they didn't realise (like you) that rats shouldn't be kept alone and are in the process of getting a second one or (b) their rats are agressive, or miserable with other rats (which is quite unusual).

Go Ray's Mum!

[Sabriel]

I have 12, and will be adding 3 more by the end of the month.  I can't really answer your poll, because I have all males!  Anyway, as long as you can aford them and spend time with them all, the more the merrier!  I do agree that your rattie does need at least one buddy though.  Good luck!

[Suebee]

I agree... in the wild, rats live in vast colonies, and have a definite social structure. They are very social, like people and dogs, and are also VERY intelligent, and need mental stimulation -- when everyone in the house is at work/school or asleep, a solitary rat can get VERY bored, and even start to pick up odd behaviors, like chewing on things, making escape attempts, or even start chewing on himself.

The best comparison is to picture a human who lives alone with nothing but a dog for companionship, and never interacts with other humans. Of course, the dog helps, but can never make up for the company of another human, or a family.

Rimmer is alone right now, because he is MUCH older than my new boys, but he lived happily with his two brothers for most of his life. Right now, I have four brothers living together, and they are amazing! It's great to see them play with each other and sleep together in a pile. They also groom each other, reaching places a rat can't reach by himself.  

[Alex M.]

Ray,

Why not print the following article and show it to your mom?  It may help.

http://www.rmca.org/Resources/apair.txt

[Tara]

The best part about a second rat??   The biggest cost involved is for the rat himself.  My two boys don't go thru any more food than one it seems like.  I only need the one cage, so I don't spend for dbl the bedding, 1 water bottle, 1 food dish,   Etc, etc.   If it's low cost to me and high value to my rats, it's a win-win situation!

[threehorses]

I'm with Tara on this one, too.

Mom, having more than one rat will help keep the rat your son has happier when he's not able to spend as much time with the rat (like when he's doing homework, cleaning his room, etc... ).  Also there really isn't any more cost or effort in two rats.

The BEST part is that two rats are pretty much the same as far as smell and cleanliness go as one rat.  You won't be introducing new problems.

Good luck in any case!
Nathalie

[Ray]

Thanks, My mom isn't viewing this forum (she hates computers), but I will show her the results.  I have been searching the net for articles showing benifets of keeping rats in pairs (same sex of course).  Anyway, once I have sufficent evidence, I will plead my case.  I want good evidence and good proof when I show her the wrong of her ways.
Thanks to everyone, polls allways go good with tons of evidence, you've been a real help.  I think next week will be when I will have enough info.  I will keep you posted.

[Grace Jr]

As said, pairs or groups are better.  Since rats are very social animals, it isn't natural for them to be housed alone.  Rats who are given buddies are healthier (fewer vet bills), happier (means more out time), and better off mentally (no crazy rats here!).  A companion can provide them with warmth in the winter, a sleeping companion, a grooming partner, and someone to play with and spend time with when you aren't around.  Grooming is a big part of a rat's social interaction, and really, thats not something we people usually do with our rats, so unless they have a rat buddy, they're missing out.

Aws far as increased expenses go, thats not a problem.  Once the quarantine is over, they can share a cage, which means there is no more bedding being used than before, and you don't need to buy a water bottle and bowl for a second cage, as well as toys.  Since rats don't eat much, food expenses are about the same as before as well.

I *think* there is a good article on the Rat Fan Club site on having groups of rats...In fact, here's the link  
http://www.ratfanclub.org/single.html

[Joe]

   Sadly, I have no rats right now. And actually, GGMR (Gotta Get More Rats) occurs when you already have rats, and want more. That's what you have. I currently have GGAR (Gotta Get ANY rats). I'm not sure which is worse. I'll let you know when I get some and GGMR sets in.

-Joe

[Maggie's Mom]

I think GGAR is worse cause when you get GGMR, yuo feel like you gotta get ratties but yuo don't have to go thru the torure of having none at all.  
I have 5 girls right now...3 more boys this weekend probably.  Oh they're so SWEET!  I hope you convince your om to let you get another!  And Joe, someday you'll be outta there!  You'll sooo get those ratties someday!  Then you won't have to have GGAR anymore,