do i really want a pet rat, i want a young one and i want to train it, what is the best pet shop (in england) to by a rat, and should i have more than 1, or just 1?
do i have 1 female and 1 male or 2 females together or 2 males together?
2006-10-23 00:11:53 · 9 answers · asked by Anonymous in Pets ➔ Other - Pets
Rats are THE best pet! I've had several different pets, and rats are by far the most entertaining. They're damn smart for one, and they're advanced enough that they have distinctly different personalities and interests.
If you decide to get a rat, you should definitely get more than one. Two is a fair number, but three is ideal. Rats are very social creatures and can get depressed (really!) if not in the company of other rats. If you do decide to get just one, it will require much, much more attention and interaction with you to stay active and healthy.
You probably want your rats to be of the same gender, unless there is a veterinarian near you who will neuter a rat. I have had both males and females, though not together. Female rats are much more frisky and hyperactive, while male rats are more curious and make better "lap rats." I prefer the females slightly, although both genders make great pets.
On average, rats live between three to five years, although some rats will live to be almost seven. Another user said that rats are prone to tumors; he is right. Rats have a tendency to develop tumors later in life, and they are also prone to respiratory infections. The tumors can be largely controlled by not over-feeding your rats. Respiratory infections can be easily treated by a veterinarian with antibiotics. Do not attempt to administer antibiotics to your rats yourself, though, as this can have an impact on their digestive system, which is largely bacteria-dependent.
2006-10-23 00:33:39 · answer #1 · answered by Dave B. 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Rats make wonderful pets! They are highly trainable, and very affectionate. Just like any other pet, when training you must use certain techniques and it can take time. Some rats are smarter than others.
The average life span of rats can range from 2-4 years. Most of my rats have only lived until around 2 years of age. If you are looking for longevity, track down a reputable ratttery to purchase from - they often breed the best qualities into these ratties and they can live longer, healthier lives.
It is always best to have more than one rat. You can give your rat lots of time, but you will never replace another rat in their lives. Rats are social, they like to cuddle, groom, and take care of each other. I've had sick rats, and sometimes the others will care for the sick one by cleaning them, bringing them food, etc.
Males are more on the lazy side, where Females are constantly on the go. All rats will usualy start out quite active, just like children, but as they age they slow down. Females though, tend to be quite active right up until the end. So if you are looking for a rat that will sit quietlly and cuddle with you, get a male. If you want constant action and a funny goof, look for a female. Females are very accepting (on the whole) of another rattie, where males can be more teritorial, so it is best (when possible) to get two males at the same time. Perhaps from the same litter or even just from the same breeder.
Males and females get along quite well, just remember to get one or both of them altered if you don't want many, many more ratties running around (average litter size is 10-15). I've had litters of 18 pups.
CongRats on getting one of the best pets ever!
Good luck with the training - see links below.
2006-10-23 09:35:50 · answer #2 · answered by Cyndi B 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I just got my first rats a couple of weeks ago and they're amazing. They're so affectionate and a blast just to sit there and watch them interact with eachother. I've had no trouble with mine, I got them really young and they're already litter trained, and have never peed on or bit anyone. As far as how many to get it's better to get more than one becasue rats like to be in social groups and don't do well on their own. I would get either two males or two females unless you want lots of rat babies.. they go into heat every few days :(. If you get two males you'll need to get them both neutered or they could become terretorial. Males get bigger, but tend to be more calm, whereas females are smaller but more active (I have females and they're not at all too active, they're just right) Hope that helps!
2006-10-24 16:32:42 · answer #3 · answered by blue_angel_1400 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I agree with Dave B. Rats make really good pets. They are really smart, and fun to watch. Males seem to be calmer than the females, but both are interesting. Definatly don't get one of each, unless you can find homes for new babies. Because rats tend to breed very quickly.
I had some here at work, and they were so much fun to watch. But I had to find homes for all of them, and I miss them so much. But my friend has 2, and they are so sweet.
I would suggest finding a breeder in your area. That way you know that they have been handled and are used to human contact. I'm not sure of any websites for rat breeders in England. But you can do a search for them.
2006-10-23 09:16:05 · answer #4 · answered by jlyn1980 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Rats are pretty good pets, but what I've learned is rats are proned to getting cancer so I'm not sure the life expectancy of a rat
2006-10-23 07:14:36 · answer #5 · answered by Maestro 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Rats are one of the best pets you can get. You want to get either two males or two females. Rats are very similar to dogs.(I know it sounds wierd, but it's true) My rats love milkbones(Yes, I am talking about the dog treats) The milkbones help their teethfrom growing too long. Rats are very friendly. The make awesome pets. They are very clean animals. (Yes, I said clean. They constantly groom themselves) One book is Rats! practical accurate advice from the expert By: Ducommun, Debbie It tells you everything you need to know about rats.
2006-10-23 13:22:36 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
no there ugly and they smell they belong in the sewer
go on my site www.mummery.piczo.com
2006-10-23 07:14:17 · answer #7 · answered by mummery121 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋
i say no way Jose.
2006-10-23 07:16:19 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
look this is not a good idea hamsters are cuter and nicer.
thats wat i think its up to you
good luck
2006-10-23 07:39:25 · answer #9 · answered by saramllh 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋