How many?

[LadyGray]

I was wondering, I recently went down from three to two Rats. I think the girls are recovering from the loss of their sister fairly well, and i'm going to give them another week to see how they are. But is two really a good number of Rats to have? from what I can gather, everyone here recommends 'at least' two, but honestly, is that just to try and ensure that no one ever keeps a lone Rat? if you were to be completely honest, what would be the minimum number of Rats you'd want the owner to keep? I'd consider adopting more Ratties if you think it would ultimately make the two I have happier, despite the inital stress of introductions. I know that they're social animals and all and seeing them just in a pair makes me wonder.

I still miss Queenie so much; that's another thing, after experiencing losing one I don't know if I should get anymore because it's made me so depressed. I have to say though, if anything's cheered me up, it's been my two remaining girls so I guess it depends which part of me wins over.

 

[mamarat]

You do "need" at least 2 for the ratties to be happy but of course depending on the size of the cage and your finances it's up to you to decide how many make YOU happy. lol I've had colonies of 18, 9, 4 and 3 and for me I would never want any less than 5 or 6 together.

 

[crumbilina]

personally I like having more then 2 in a colony. I started with 2, and ended up with one and feel terrible that it has taken so long to find an appropriate rattie to intro her to. I think that 3 is a good number. If one passes they have each other to help them through the initial difficulties and then when that stress passes you can find another to intro. After the ratties that I currently have I will always be sure to have a colony of at least 3 (but always less then 4 - I need a set limit).

 

[smilez_n_hugs]

If the finances are there then I like having at least 5 but if that's not possible then I think 3 is better than 2.

 

[jorats]

4 to 5 makes for very happy rats. But honestly, I have found the more the merrier.

 

[xxchelle]

I think groups of 4 or 5 are great, sometimes even more. My happiest, most closely-bonded cage was a cage of seven. I have another cage of 6 and they're all very close as well.

I like to try to push potential adopters to have at least three ratties.

 

[jorats]

When ever I get babies, I don't want any less than 3. The best group was when I took in 3 babies from Shelagh and 3 from Lynds... they were happy as pie. Like they never left their littermates.

 

[mamarat]

My happiest colony were the 3 moms and most of their babies, 18 altogether. The fun never stopped.

 

[LadyGray]

My happiest colony were the 3 moms and most of their babies, 18 altogether. The fun never stopped.

aw, that does sound fun.

Well, from what you've all suggested i'd definately like to get one or two more. I'm gonna put some pictures of my cages up on the forum soon so you can help me decide whether they should all stay in the same one or if they'll need a bit more space.

 

I like having atleast 3. That way if one dies, there is 2 left. Unlike if you only have 2, and one diea, then one is left with no one.

 

[Fidget]

For me my number is always contingent on the size of my vet fund at the time. Depends on how big a party you can afford to host I guess!

 

[smexrat]

i like even numbers of rats that way one is less likly to get left out <3 i'm up to 8 girls and two boys now