The Cage Swap method (limited use)
What is it: This is normally an earlier step before going into the neutral space method of intros. It starts off with both rats/groups placed in cages next to each other but not close enough that they could bite each other through the bars. Once they become accustomed to each other’s smell the rats are then swapped into each other’s cage and spend some time in it. This may be followed by swapping back again for a period or moving on to the neutral space method.
Why: The theory is this accustoms rats to each other’s smells and so begins to familiarise them with each other. It may also help them start to smell a little of each other and help form the group smell earlier on.
Strengths: This can work in cases where rats are very low on hormones, old or infirm. In some cases where rats are not familiar with other rats and hierarchy disputes (and not hormonal bucks) it can be a gentler way to introduce though I would try other methods first. I have found a version of this worked well in a case where a recently bereaved and very depressed rat wouldn't immediately accept her new friend but also could not be left entirely on her own as she had stopped eating, smelling another rat was important to keeping her interested in life.
Weaknesses: I would not advise using this method with any particularly dominant rats or bucks generally. Moving into a cage smelling of a different rat often winds up the rats considerably. They can smell their opponent everywhere but not sort out whose boss. This can lead to elevated tensions and make it worse when they finally do meet.
Hints and Tips: This can work better with just placing the cages close together rather than going into cage swapping mode, again not advisable with bucks or very dominant rats but can work when other methods have not.
Why: The theory is this accustoms rats to each other’s smells and so begins to familiarise them with each other. It may also help them start to smell a little of each other and help form the group smell earlier on.
Strengths: This can work in cases where rats are very low on hormones, old or infirm. In some cases where rats are not familiar with other rats and hierarchy disputes (and not hormonal bucks) it can be a gentler way to introduce though I would try other methods first. I have found a version of this worked well in a case where a recently bereaved and very depressed rat wouldn't immediately accept her new friend but also could not be left entirely on her own as she had stopped eating, smelling another rat was important to keeping her interested in life.
Weaknesses: I would not advise using this method with any particularly dominant rats or bucks generally. Moving into a cage smelling of a different rat often winds up the rats considerably. They can smell their opponent everywhere but not sort out whose boss. This can lead to elevated tensions and make it worse when they finally do meet.
Hints and Tips: This can work better with just placing the cages close together rather than going into cage swapping mode, again not advisable with bucks or very dominant rats but can work when other methods have not.
