Intro Advice

[dspch911]

Well, I have these 3 new boys Lovee, Jack, and Sebastian. Lovee & Jack are brothers and are about the same size and seem to hang out together. Their cage mate Sebastian came from the same place and I'm being told was born about a week or so later - he is such a tiny thing that I would describe as a "failure to thrive" rat and I really don't think the other two have much contact with him. When he come to the cage door for attention one of them (usually Lovee) will knock him out of the way and Sebastian will just leave. He's really a sad pathetic little thing, but adorable! We are trying to give him extra attention especially when they have out time and the other two think they can bully their way into getting our attention over him.

I think Oliver would make a good friend for him - maybe. Would if be a bad idea to take only one rat out of the seven to try and introduce to these three? Would the other six treat Oliver poorly when he goes back into the cage? I was wondering the same thing about Peanut - he seems like a good match for the five other boys.

I know size shouldn't make a difference with rats and how they get along so am I wrong in thinking Oliver (being small) would get along with Sebastian? I was hoping to take these three and put them with the five older boys, but I don't think Finn should be stressed with any intros at this time.

I will read the whole intro thread as soon as I get the time. Hopefully it will go better this time than the last time!

 

[jorats]

It really depends on any bonded relationship. You'll have to be very observant. Size doesn't count, but personality does. You could give it a try.

 

[Ace8670]

It's a hard choice to take one out of a group that's doing so well I had a decision like that about Dixie for Danny. I had tried full group intros but he was being bullied in the intros by the other males and the time it was taking those to progress he was still alone so then I tried him living with Jezzy but she became mean with him when separated from the group I guess I hadn't realized just how closely she had bonded with Bobo. I really didn't want to separate Dixie due to Ziggy just loving her but she has the type of personality where she just lives everyone. Unfortunately now I let her out with the main group for play time so they won't forget her but Bobo gets real irritated with her regardless now so now she does intros in the bath tub with Danny as if she is a complete stranger to them. So I understand its not easy but no one knows your rats better then you and sometimes you have to try diffrent things until it works. I'm sad the group doesn't recognize her as a member anymore but I think it was totally worth it due to the happiness of my rats as a whole so I guess what I'm saying is just do what feels right. :thumbup: