I want a pet rat, what should i buy, and what should i know?

Question

i was thinking about getting a pat rat, i hear they are very sociable pets, but i cant seem to find the right one, there are so many varieties, and i cant seem to find enough enformation, i need like a 1 on 1 chat or something. i have alot of questions about what should i buy, do and stuff. from what i read, its usually best to but them in pairs, i think 2 females wiukd be best. attention would not be a problem because im in independant studies, and i only have to go to school once a week, and as far as homework, that takes an hour to do every day, including weekends. time isnt an issue. nor is space, i have an old headboard i converted into a book shelf/pat supplys and stuff, my hamsters and fish are currently the only pets there, and the hamsters are at about 4-5 feet off the ground, i dont want them to fall. i have 2 cats, one is to much of a lazy blob to do anything, and he isnt alowed into my room, my other ones see the hamsters as just another thing in my room. details folow.

but i always keep an eye on him, when i handle the hamsters, he knows hes not supposed to be araound me, so i dont have to tell him to go away, other than that, he doesnt even take interest in the hamster cage. i really need some help whare i can find pet rats and a guide to tell me info about why some rats are better than others, also, mice is a possible option for me, i want rats because i hear that they are wuite sociable. anyone got any sugestion on supplies or places to get them? i currently live in Ontario, California, US. i would also know whare i can find pre housed rescue things, whare the previous owner didnt want them anymore and is giving them away with the cage and everything, i dont know, i guess that money's pretty tight with me, but like i said, i wont buy anything untill im sure that i have enough to get everything. so its not like, "ohh food? ill just give him breakfast cerial, he can live in a box for a while", im not like that and i dislike people like this.

dont worry about my other pets, they get all the attention they want, i would never do such a thing to my dear baxter and cry baby, i wouldnt get another pet if i didnt have the time to socialize with them!

Answer 1

I've owned 2 rats, both males. They live 2 - 5 years. I recommend getting one from PetSmart. Get one that is young, but will grow to medium size. Go watch them in their cage for a little while and see if one of them appeals to you. Rats have different personalities, just like humans, cats, dogs, etc. My rats were wonderful. I only had one at a time, if you want two, get two females, two males may fight for territory. I had a great, but relatively inexpensive cage, that was wire, with three levels, so he could run around. The bottom level had the detachable pan, when the litter goes. I only used pine litter, because it smelled good, was inexpensive, and fluffy. Get a good quality rat food, for their dish, but rats also need fresh fruit and vegetables. My rats loved chicken bones, which also let the gnaw on something. You have to give them things to chew on, because their teeth never stop growing. Also have a large water bottle and a (small is okay) salt wheel. Neither one of my rats liked running in a wheel, but the last one I had let me put a small harness on him to go for walks (it was a small ferret harness.) Rats are very clean and don't stink. Both of mine were very loving and liked to crawl up and down my arms and sit on my shoulder when I watched TV, but never let them out of their cage without being right beside them because, like mice, they can get their bodies into anyplace they can stick their noses in, that is small and you will never see them again. That being said, both of my rats knew their names and would come when called (unlike my snobbish kitties, lol). Rats are also pretty nocturnal and fairly blind in bright light, so they are a good pet to have to play with in the evening. Hope I answered some of your questions, I'm sure you will get lots of other useful info from other rat owners, there are a lot!

Answer 2

Rescue rescue rescue!!! there are one of those great number of sweet toddlers that are being given away for loose on craigslist or dumped at shelters. :/ i comprehend that petco will settle for surrenders and they positioned them up for adoption in shop. become independent from those they promote. a minimum of my interior sight one does. yet heavily evaluate searching on-line and help some rats in choose. I have one of those great number of rescue rats and allow me allow you to comprehend, they're a lot sweeter, happier and complete of personality than the rats i purchased from a breeder a pair years in the past. They get excitement from each and every thing I provide to them.

Answer 3

I riased rats for about 4 years, they are wonderful pets email me [e-mail] for more info

Answer 4

one should not insult a fellow feline in such a manner, hamsters are useless, and rats are hamsters with tails. i advise spending more time with your cat friend.