Aw Donna, that would be so cute if Winkie had a friend. I know you have to have quite a lot of time on your hands to keep a single rattie happy.

I've only ever seen one (neutered) male and a female kept as pair, and I must say that poor bloke looked a bit hen-pecked! Male and female rats have pretty different personalities, to generalise them; females are an awful lot more active and on their toes whereas the males can be more laid back (heh, the same in all species! ). I know Flossie would be hell for a calm rattie to live with, she is boistrous like no other and would want to play chase and pin-me-down for a good 23 hours of the day! Tia was never so, but then Tia was aggressive to her own kind, so her playfulness did not come out in the same way.

As far as neutering goes, I wouldn't reccommend it on small creatures. It is unnecessary strain on a tiny heart, even though many small animal operations are successful these days. Spaying is more intravenous, which in turn equals more stress, but the positive of that is you lessen considerably the chances of mammary and pituatary tumours, and well, I know how mch heartache they cause... whether, if it was my decision, I'd spay Flossie, I cannot be sure. It's weighing up risks, really.

Winkie would probably do best with two younger male partner, as Holly said, adults can be difficult to get together, and with two little ones who already know each other, Winkie will be bound to want to join up with them! Of course, that does mean taking on three rats, but then again who can resist their sweet little faces