How to Combine Rats Without Fighting

Rats are social creatures that enjoy living in groups, but introducing a new animal requires care. A new rat challenges the hierarchy that was established by the old rats. The new rat may be a more dominant rat that wants to rule the nest, or the other rats may perceive it as a threat no matter how docile the new rat is. Rat fights can result in serious injuries or even fatalities, so introduce your rats to one another carefully.

Things You'll Need

  • Vanilla extract
  • Soap and water
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Instructions

    • 1

      Dab a small amount of vanilla extract on each rat. Vanilla extract masks the smell of the rats, and it makes all the rats smell similar, which comforts them.

    • 2

      Place the rats together on an empty floor for 10 minutes. During this time, watch them carefully to see how they interact. Use a location where the rats do not typically play, as the point is to introduce them on neutral territory.

    • 3

      Observe the rats and separate them if they start fighting. Some rats will get along without a problem, while some rats immediately start scrapping for dominance.

    • 4

      Continue introducing the rats on the floor for 10 minutes at a time for a week or so. Continue dabbing vanilla extract on them to confuse their sense of smell.

    • 5

      Scrub down the main cage where you will be keeping your rats thoroughly.

    • 6

      Dab each rat with vanilla extract.

    • 7

      Place each rat in the cage.