Choosing Your New Rat

Male? or Female?

The answer to this question relies on one main thing.  Do you want a snuggle rat, or a playful rat? While both sexes have both of these trates males are usualy more laid back as they mature, females generally stay very active through their life. This is a basic guide line, but not the rule. There are acceptions, and both sexes are very active as babies.         It has been said that male rats are more agressive but this is not all true. Like both sexes  male rats may fight a new rat in his teritory, it is his after all. A biter can be calmed down by getting him fixed.        Another thing to consider is, what sex of rat to you already own? (if any) Rats do love to have rattie friends, so instead of buying that second cage, consider getting a same sex rat and a bigger cage. Your curent pet rats will love you for both.         Overall both sexes make great pets, so what ever your choice, you will find a great pet in a rat.

Pet Store? or Breeder?

When I was a kid all of my pet rats came from pet stores. They were for the most part healthy, lived about 2 years,  and never had any behavior problems. Lately though I have had nothing but bad luck with "pet store rats". Not long ago I bought two baby rats from a pet store. One of my rats soon started showing signs of a disease that shows up when rats first start eating solid food. My poor baby rattie died just over two weeks after I got her. Now a desease that shows up just after starting on solid foods should have had time to show up long before the rat was ready to be sold in a pet store. So after that I went to a different pet store to get a new rat. This store had older looking rats. I thought this was a good thing. To my great disappointment, as soon as I got her home she started visciously attacking people, and my rats. She had been sitting in a cage, not held her whole live and was now a timid, scared little rat because of it.           Small scale breeders have the time to hand raise rats, and bring them up as well adjusted, friendly pets. Breeders also ofted know much more about rats then a pet store would.            If you do deside to go to a pet store, ask to handle the rats first. Put your hand in the cage and let the rat pick you. Pick up the rat, if she, or he struggles to get away from you this is not your rat. I would advise getting your pet from a breeder though.

How Many Rats?

Rats are smarter than other rodents, which makes them great pets, but it also means you rat can get bored, and lonely. Of course your rat will need your play time and love every day, but what about the times when you can't be with him? A second rat does not need any more cage room than one would, wouldn't cost much more in food, and would be twice the rattielove for you! Keep your rat happy, no rat likes to be alone.

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