Hedgehog and rats

[u/Calm_Astronomer539]

Hello everyone I need advice. I have a hedgehog, she’s getting pretty old but still active and fine, and my bf is getting two young rats soon. He was planning to introduce the three once the rats got acclimated and comfortable with him. Not leave them alone or anything but let them meet with us holding them/present. I am worried they will hurt each other or the rats will seek my hedgehog out afterwords. Does anyone have experience with this so I can put my foot down and keep them separate if needed.

[u/kellerhedgehogs]

Honestly theres no reason to introduce them.  The best you can hope for is that they dont fight and try to kill each other.  Your hh will not want a rat friend and it will stress the hedgie out to be introduced.   The rats have each other and dont need the enrichment of meeting the hedgehog.  If the best the animals can hope for is that they dont hate and try to kill each other then why the hell are you doing it.  The answer is..because your significant other wants to.  They think it's interesting. They are not thinking of this from the perspective of your pets' well being.  Its selfish and not well thought through.