I want a pet rat, what r the ups and downs on them?

Question

I've been wanting a pet rat, I have done a lot of research on them, but of course it's always best to hear things from people who've actually owned or raised one.
would u recommend it, or advise to look for an alternate pet?

Answer 1

Rats are social and usually do better in pairs that are same sex. Males seem gentler. Get a rat that has been handled a lot and make sure you have a large enough cage. Get one that provides levels. Some good accessories are hammock and tubes, toys for birds that have wood and rope. They need about an hour a day exercise outside of the cage.
I feed mine bottled water and plan to get a bigger cage when I get a second rat. They don't do good with tap water if it is chlorinated. Also, u have to watch out when using bleach, ammonia or other products that are hard on the respiratory system when around rats as they can get very sick if they breathe that.
Rats are omniverous and we give ours either liver or oysters twice a week as well as a healthy rat blend of food, Nutriphase, and small portions of fruit and veggies. 80 percent of the diet should be the Nutriphase or Rat Block and 20 percent the other stuff. Occasionally we give him yogurt drops which he loves, but be very conservative with treats and avoid junk food.
Ours is a sweetie and very easy to handle, not afraid of dogs or children.
I think a rat is an excellent choice for a pet if you like rats. I didn't even like them but my spouse brought one home and I have to admit, I am attached now. Oh, and he answers to his name and comes to you when you call him.

Answer 2

I have 5 male rats myself, they range in age from 5 weeks old to 3 and a half years; even the older one wants to play as much as the younger ones.

Rats are very social creatures, smart, easy to take care of and clean. They need the company of another rat even though to them you are basically just a big rat that rubs bellies and brings food.

A wire cage kept clean will never smell, rats tend to train themselves to use one area and stick to it. My boys all use a small litter pan in one corner of their cage. Aspen or even better Care Fresh is the only bedding that should ever be used as pine and cedar causes them respiratory problems.

Both male and female rats are very affectionate, males like to snuggle in and sleep more while females like to play continuously.

Young rats should never be left out on their own, they will chew up anything and everything if it tastes even mildly interesting. Rats teth are constantly growing and they need to chew, pieces of wood, dog cookies or left over bones help keep it all in check.

My one and only complaint about rats is that people are still so ignorant of the differences between a hollywood scary movie rat and the great little pets that they are.

Answer 3

My main recommendation would be to get two (of the same sex), not just one. Rats are very social animals, and even though you spend time with them and play with them, they're happier when they have a rattie companion.

Aside from that, the only downside I can think of is that they're prone to tumors and they don't live very long (3-4 years).

But they make wonderful pets. If it weren't for family members having allergies, I'd still have some.

Answer 4

i have never owned a rat but my friend has and i played with it all the time. they are just like any other animal and have different personalitys and needs. they can be kept in a cage made for a guinea pig or even a large fish tank with a screen lid. if you go to a store and buy one get a fancy rat...these are the normal pet rats....dont get a feeder rat as they tend to be meaner.

Answer 5

rats make great pets, but like all rodents, they do small and need their cages KEPT clean. they are loving and loyal.. a rat should not be a biter unless they small food on your hands so make sure to wash before handling them. we had two and built then a very large cage. the only problem we had was that the rats would chew on ANYTHING that was within reach of their cage, to include electrical cords, so be careful.

Answer 6

Well I would reccommend a hamster because they are cheap but adorable - you look into their cute eyes and fall in love with them!
A plus point about them is that they don't need vaccines and very regular visites to the vet. Not that they don't need to go to the vet. If you get one check for lumps and bumps on its body, a constand wet patch under its tail, wheezing noises as it breathes, and a runny nose. Ears should also be clean. If any of these things happen then only you need a visit to the vet, plus maybe a general check-up or two.
You need to give it lots of things to chew on like twigs or chew sweets from the pet shop so its teeth dont grow too long - and lots of people say gnawing on railings is normal - but I would reccommend a glass cage instead.
I have a Syrian hamster and they like to live alone - like not share food bowls and things. Other hamsters are Russian Dwarf hamsters and long haired hamsters. It is always better to have hamsters single - because if one has babies it is a pain and takes a lot of trouble and you need to be very very careful. A mother could also eat its babies if it gets scared. Also short haired hamsters are good because you dont have the hassle of everyday grooming. But however you should brush it every week.
Hamsters are great and you should really get one!

Answer 7

Rats are awesome pets. Be selective. Choose a young, energetic, clean, female rat. I was able to let mine free in my room, and I just propped open her cage door. She came to me when I squeaked, and would ride around on my shoulder when I went to class. Or she would curl up in the armpit of my sweater and sleep until I got out of class.

Upsides:
they are smart
they are personally clean
they are cheap
they eat anything (but feed them good stuff)

Downsides:
They chew EVERYTHING (I had to duct tape outlets, raise cords, and smear both with really spicy hot sauce. Your rat will chew your clothes and blankets.
They poop (If you let it free, you will have to track down it's hiding spot to clean out the droppings.
They don't live long (mine lived four about four years)

Good luck!

Answer 8

rats make wonderful pets. in fact mine is sitting in my lap at this momement. they are very social animals. this can be both a pro and a con depending on your time constraints. rats are best kept in same sex pairs so that they have a friend when you are not home or when they are in their cage for someone to cuddle with. they are prone to respiratory infections that will require a vet visit and most likely antibiotics. they need to be challenged constantly as they are quite smart. some rats will be up to learning tricks. i have taught mine to fetch. males will want to be cuddled more than females will as they seem to be more playful. never use a pine or cedar bedding as it releases phenols that are toxic to rodents. never use a wire bottomed cage or wire wheel they cause foot problems that can require surgery.

Answer 9

pros
1.very smart
2.entertaining
3.grow bonds with people
4.easy up keep

cons
1.smell bad if cage not kept up, the rats tend to smell to
2.they get out of their cages easily
3.must give lots of attention or they will turn on you

rats arent for everyone, but they are very interesting and given plently of attention you can teach them to do tricks and the can be very loving to it's owner.