Is this a normal introduction??

RatsForever · Oct 26, 2011

Hello all!

I tried to find this answer on the forum but wasn't successful so I apologize in advance for a repetitive topic. I've had some horrible introductions in the past but I've also had some super easy ones. But my latest introduction went a little too easy and was wondering just how normal it was. I adopted a two year old neutered male (Engels) and today I slowly introduced him to my other two older boys (Karl and Cohen) in the tub and it went wonderfully. Then I decided to try intros on my bed and everyone got along as if they've been friends for years! :shock: There was absolutely to puffing, snorting, nothing. So, out of curiosity I put them all in the same cage (of course I had a towel ready in case of a bloody battle began!) and once again, they acted like buddies. After a few minutes, they went about their own business and Karl and Cohen couldn't care less that there was a new rat on the block. :shock: I stood there for about 20 minutes watching them and there was absolutely not a care in the world. Again, is this a normal introduction?!

I'm not letting them stay together overnight in case there is a serious fight that breaks out but I've never had an introduction go so well. :thumbup:

hopefloats · Oct 26, 2011

I have seen some go so fast and smooth. I have seen some that appear to be ok, then all hell break loose. It isnt impossible to have a easy intro lol just uncommon with boys

I have a bunch of boys and hardly any of them are nice to newbies.

Just keep an eye on em if they go smooth try the cage after a scrub down.

fenshae · Oct 26, 2011

Sometimes you just luck out. It probably helps that your newbie is neutered, since he won't be viewed as much as a threat. Also probably helps that everybody is older - they do tend to mellow with age.

When I introduced Sweeney and Ripper, it was the same thing. Even though both had lived alone all their lives, they just took to each other immediately and were besties.

Is it normal? No, probably not the norm. but it does happen. be happy when it does lol!

SQ · Oct 26, 2011

No not a normal intro
... but it sounds like once you clean the cage and have a day when you can keep an eye on them, they will be living together permanently.
Hope you keep doing intros until you are able to let them live together

jorats · Oct 26, 2011

I want to say its not a normal intro but back in 2002, before I knew much about forums, I used to buy rats and throw them in the cage. I never had an issue. Then I started to read about intros and steps and thought to myself... Oops! Lol
I'm glad it's going so well for your three.

Godmother · Oct 26, 2011

It's not the norm, but it is wonderful! Enjoy

MadamBelladonna · Oct 27, 2011

That happened to me when I introduced Algernon to Templeton. I had absolutely no clue what I was doing at that point and kinda just stuck them together. I think Templeton bit Algernon once or twice (nothing serious) and then the next thing I knew they were all snuggled up together in the hammock, fast asleep.

Dahlas · Oct 27, 2011

I have had it happen before...With my Phoebe and her sister Prue I could put them in with anyone...and they always got along...no problem. I also had a boy named Henry.....he could meet a new rat and share his bed and food immediately.......sometimes they just click.....I would put them all in the same cage....keep the cage where you can see it and let them be together one whole day.......while you are home....if all is good let them in together at night...

victoria · Oct 27, 2011

I had this happen once as well. I wasn't even trying to do an intro, just had the newbie on the couch and decided to see how my other rats were with her during out time. It went so well I cleaned the cage and put them all in 2 hours later (and stayed up all night watching them) and never had an issue. I wish they were all that easy.

RatsForever · Oct 28, 2011

Thank you for sharing your stories. I introduced them again yesterday morning and last night and everything went smoothly. I even caught Cohen, who is my grumpy rat, grooming the new boy. Even my intact male is fine with the new boy. I still can't believe how easy this introduction went. I've decided to leave them all together today (I'm working from home) and if all goes well, no more separate cages!