Don't worry, it will work out. I just had the EXACT same thing happen to
me... but it was much worse. I wanted to get a companion for my single
Lucy. I carefully picked a new girl from a breeder. Silver was 5 weeks old
when I brought her home. I tried to rush things and put them together after
only a few days. Big mistake. Lucy was acting very aggressive and actually
ended up putting an inch long gash in Silver's back, which had to be fixed
by the vet.
On the advice of some great people in this group, I gave it more time. I
put their cages beside one another so they could get used to each others
scents. I left them that way for at least a week or so, and then switched
them around. I also had them both out together on neutral ground where
Lucy did not seem to mind Silver.
What finally worked, was that I smothered each of the girls (including
genital region) in vanilla extract, and then put them in one cage together
(I put them in the cage that Lucy was unfamiliar with). They spent the next
several hours grooming each other, which I think forces them to get
acquainted. After that, I had no problems whatsoever. They have been great
friends ever since. I think just for precaution a few days later I
smothered them with vanilla again just to be sure they were okay with each
other.
Just be patient. It will work out. Start introductions on neutral ground
instead of in the cage.
Kelly
"Rosalind" <rosalindhoyle.DeleteThis@NO.THANKS.blueyonder.co.uk> wrote in message
news:oORmc.11976$4m5.1778@front-1.news.blueyonder.co.uk...
> Hi everyone,
> I used to visit this site a lot but haven't done for a while due to
computer
> problems.
> I have a dilemma and I'm wondering if anyone can give me any advice. Sadly
> one of my rats, Star, died unexpectedly yesterday she was almost 2 years
> old. She lived with Disney ( the same age) and Matilda (who is almost 2
and
> a half years old). I introduced Matilda to Disney and Star after her cage
> mates died. It wasn't long before they were all snuggled up together
happily
> and seemed to take to each other almost straight away. Well today I went
to
> the pet shop to buy some rat food ( fatal) and there was this little
female
> rat looking sad all on her own. I just had to buy her and just presumed
> Disney and Matilda would accept her into their home. But Matilda seemed to
> bully her and as Portia ( the new baby ratty) is so much smaller I was
> afraid she would hurt her so for now I have segregated her and she seems
sad
> on her own again. My dilemma is will Matilda ever accept Portia or should
I
> go out and get Portia a companion as we have a spare cage? Has anyone had
a
> similar experience? I would be glad of any advice.
> Sincerely,
> Rosalind
>
> >> Stay informed about: Ratty dilemma 
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