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Rat appriation post (AMA)
(beehaw.org)
I love rats. I really do. Ask me anything pet-rat related.
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this post was submitted on 23 Jun 2023
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Animals and Pets
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Are rats social animals?
We started out with 3 gerbils, but for the last couple of months we're down to one (he's about 3 1/4 years old) and I think he's pretty lonely. Unfortunately he was the one of the three who most disliked human handling, and so i'm not sure he super enjoys when we take him out of his enclosure.
He's got his wheel and a huge enclosure all to himself, but he's been noticeably less active since the others passed.
I always wonder if our pets think we're eternal beings or something, I've had my dog since she was a pup and now she's old and i (from her perspective) have hardly changed.
Rats are not only social, but they're extremely altruistic
True that! And it's even more interesting once you see how selfish they are at the same time. Very conflicted nature, hits very close to home :P
Yes, rats are social animals. They need another rat or they'll literally die. Gerbils are likely the same. There's nothing to beat the entertainment and comfort from the other animal.
And yeah, interesting thoughts! They probably think something akin to that!