Need a friend- suggestions?

[mollyandbinx'smum]

Here's the situation, any advice is warmly welcomed:
I got Molly and Binx when they were about 8 weeks old; we're coming up on the 18 month birthday. Molly passed away a few weeks ago and, at the same time, I found out Binx needed surgery for two mammary masses. She is almost all healed up and the time is coming to decide on a new cage-mate. (I don't want to bring anyone new even into quarantine until she's completely healed.)
Binx is pretty standoffish and doesn't like to hang out with humans. Just to clarify, she's an amazingly sweet, funny girl and will groom me and NEVER nips, she just isn't a cuddler and likes her space. I've set up the room so she has the option of being wherever I am and I spend hours a day with her, but she usually just chills in her cage and watches me. Clearly I am just the food slave. :wink2:
I mention this because this is her normal behavior and I'm debating on what kind of friend to get her, if at all. I know that rats NEED companions. I just don't know what would be best for her since she wants and covets her personal space.
Should I get one adult so they're both mellow? Should I get one baby so there isn't an issue of dominance? Should I get two even though that might be crowded?
Would love some expertise from people who've had older rats and introductions....
:thanks:

p.s. We live about 45 minutes from Cleveland and an hour from Pittsburgh. If anyone knows some ratties that need homes in that area, I might could help. We're keeping an eye on petfinder...

 

[user 78]

Kimmie of Rattie Love Rescue is [I think] in Cincinnati, so you may want to contact her and see if she either has anything out your way or if you two can arrange something. She'd also be able to help you pick out one or two that would suit your needs and Binx's personality.

General Tips :
Babies need to be in pairs, otherwise they're going to bug the adult because they want Play! And most older rats don't appreciate being pounced on during a good nap. With another baby, they'll keep each other occupied.

While Binx may covet her personal space with you, did she demand it from Molly? Even rats who don't prefer to interact with humans get alot out of their relationships with other rats. I think it's even more important for them to have a good buddy since they don't have that deep social bond with their humans. Plus, rats are very adaptable creatures. Any rat you get to be Binx's companion will eventually learn her likes/dislikes, just as with all things.

Do you mean the cage would be crowded, or that you think Binx may feel crowded? Obviously, if your cage can't accommodate 3 rats comfortably, you'll either need to upgrade for that, or look into a single rat adoption.

 

[mollyandbinx'smum]

They didn't really play together all that much, but they did usually sleep together. Binx just always wanted to know what Molly was eating so she wasn't getting gypped.

I think I'm pretty on board with getting her a friend, just not sure if it should be the older girls I'm seeing on petfinder, or if it should be babies.

I think the cage might be crowded with three, but I'm not sure. we've got a pretty substantial cage, but it seems- well, how 'bout a picture?

What do you think?

 

[MumsyRat]

I've never had a problem introducing adult girls. If you find a nice girl of the right age I'm sure you wouldn't have any trouble putting them together.

 

[user 78]

Could you give the measurements on the two cages? Could give you a rough estimate from that of how many could comfortably fit. Not knowing the sizes of things in the cage, it's difficult to get a good gauge.

 

[MumsyRat]

That's easily enough for 3 girls. However, the bottom part of the cage has bar spacing that babies would fit through - you'd have to cover it with hardware cloth or something until they are grown.

 

[SQ]

I agree, it would be very helpful to know the dimensions of both cages.

 

[jorats]

At 18 months, I bet she would prefer an adult girl her age to sleep with. Babies can be so hyper and annoying to the older rats. But then again, if Binx were to pass, you'd have the two babies together already. It's really a hard call.
I'd call around to shelters in your area to get a good idea what they have and they might even able to place a rat with similar characteristics.

 

[mollyandbinx'smum]

The bottom is 14x24 inches, and it's 33 tall total.

 

[user 78]

Hrmm, yea, that's a bit small for 3. I'd look into getting a female somewhere around Binx's age. Hopefully you can find a sweetie that's nice and laid back, won't push Binx's buttons.