Introduction Methods

Written by Rachelle Bish, Jellybean Rattery

The Neutral Space Method

Put all the rats in your bathtub or some other contained space that neither of the groups are used to. Let them interact for as long as you can. If they start fighting roughly or draw blood, separate immediately and contact your breeder. Otherwise, let them get to know each other. Do this every day or multiple times a day until they seem comfortable with each other, then deep clean the cage thoroughly, add in fresh cage accessories and rearrange the setup so it doesn't look the same, then add everyone in. Keep a close eye on them for a day or two. If any blood is drawn, separate and start from step 1 again, and contact your breeder.

Useful video by Rat Randomness: https://youtu.be/cH71_LQynpg

The Carrier Method

Put all of the rats in a small carrier, where they have enough space to not be squished on top of each other but not enough that they can separate from each other. Let them stay in there for a few hours, then move them to a slightly larger carrier, cat carrier, or tiny cage for a day. If you have a medium sized cage you can move up to that for another day. Then deep clean and rearrange the main cage and add them all in. This method is usually pretty successful, but it does come with higher risks. If rats do decide to fight in a small carrier, it is very difficult to separate them without getting your hands caught in the crossfire. In a bathtub, you can throw a towel over them to separate them without getting your hands in the way.

I do not recommend moving the cages closer together at any point. Rats can become frustrated by knowing there is a strange rat nearby but being unable to reach them.

Useful video by Rat Randomness: https://youtu.be/-y3jHaNC7QU