George, my lovely little roan ratty, passed away last week from a pituatry tumor.
Towards the end of his life he did begin to lose himself, become confused and... for lack of a better way of phrasing, 'lose his marbles' (not my words but a family member's who said this whilst upset about his condition- so not maliciously meant). This meant that he distanced himslf from his brother and cagemate, Rufus, who became depressed as a result. George (RIP) is very badly missed by the family and his beloved brother. To the point where Rufy isn't eating as much as he used to and is retreating to his little yellow submarine, rejecting his new house (its a cottage with little windows, it is adorable honestly), when socialising he isn't as active as usual and his appetite (for which he was famed for) has reduced quite a bit. We've all given him endless cuddles and have been helping him through it.
He is a very very playful rat and when George was declining, he'd become frustrated because George wasn't playing with him or cuddling him.
My parents have suggested that Rufus has a new cagemate to cheer him up.
I agree even though personally for me it is a bit soon but I can see that Rufus is lonely and that it will do him good.
I feel it is cruel to leave him on his own and is only just turned one yrs old this july.
I'm hesitant to get him baby rats so I'm thinking of rehoming a rescue rat about is age for him.
We found an advert advertising a lone rat for sale but this rat has never had company

Its a male that hasn't been neutered and I'm reluctant to rehome him because I fear he may harm Rufy because he isn't used to being with other rats. Is this a legitimate concern? Is it likely for it to not work out if I rehome this lone rat and try to integrate him?
Reading up, I've realised that rats are often only rehomed in pairs so I'm willing to have a pair but am concerned that the pair would form an alliance against Rufy, would tha ever happen? He's very very friendly, playful, cuddly and kind but is used to being the leader in a duo. I thought maybe rehoming a pair of neutered females might be a good option? The local animal shelter said they had a pair of females that hadn't been spayed. They said I could rehome them with him if he is castrated. He's a portly rat though so I'm not sure I want to risk him going under anaesthetic considering his weight (we are working on his weight issue, for the record

So I'm just wondering what everyone's thoughts ae on all of this? What options are out there for me to take and what are your experiences in this area?
Thanks,
Marilyn