Question
My girlfriend and I just got pet rats this last weekend, however we found out that we have to go away for the upcoming long weekend. What would be better for not freaking them out/messing with them getting used to us: leaving them alone in our apartment for the weekend, or bringing them on the ~1 hour car trip and having them stay with us over the weekend?
Answer
With the information given in the question and comments, I'd say take them on a ride around the neighborhood in their current set up. Place them in the car in the shadiest spot possible (where you'll want to also have them on your 1 hr ride or cover them if shady spot isn't an option) and see how they handle a trip around the neighborhood. If their behavior seems normal (not anxious shaking, or running around their cage in circles or trying to free themselves), I'd say their good to go! A "test drive", if you will.
But, since you're not introducing them to a new cage, separating them from each other (comfort), and will give them the same amount of attention, AND the drive isn't hours long or in an uncomfortable environment (AC/heat) taking them along will benefit them. The first few weeks you have a pet are some of the most important times to bond, especially ones who are social creatures, as rats are. They will get more attention than if left at home, and you'll be able to spot clean their cage and give fresh food and water daily, otherwise unable to if left at home. And since they're already used to human hands, you won't want that learned comfort to disappear, or revert backwards.
Bring with you all of their comforts (same bedding, food, nibble sticks and toys etc..), and make sure when you put them in the car their water bottle is positioned in a manner that it's not knocked over or leaking. Keep a lock lid on their enclosure so they can't get out, (unless their cage is already enclosed, of course), and check on them a few times throughout the drive, without taking them out of the cage.
Answered By - Christy B.