My dad says I can't have a pet rat because when he kept them a long time ago as feeder rats they smelt bad and were mean.
I have done a lot of looking up and found that they are very nice pets.
What is the difference between feeder rats and pet rats?
How can I change his closed mind?
Thanks
2007-03-14 11:17:50 · 6 answers · asked by VeganCat 3 in Pets ➔ Other - Pets
There can be many differences, and YES, rats make GREAT pets!
Feeder rats are bred just for their 'meat' use; their breeders don't select breeders for temperment and they don't handle them regularly. Usually, feeder breeders raise HUGE barns full of bins of rats and pump out huge numbers of these unhandled animals. When babies from these rats finally do come in contact with people, they want nothing to do with you. They will scrabble, scream and bite, because to them, you're just looking for a meal (they don't know better).
On the other hand, well bred pet rats, from an experienced hobbiest, have been specially bred for sweet personalities - often for MANY years/generations of rats. They are gentle, playful and LOVE people. These breeders only have a few litters at a time (maybe only a few a year) and each litter is doted over. The babies are handled daily from birth, given lots of toys to play with, and grow up knowing humans as fun friends. When a person the rats know comes into the room, they get just as excited as dog with a piece of bacon! Though they may be a little shy with someone they don't know (aren't we all?) they will be curious and after a little time, will love that person too.
If you have any more questions about rats, or want to see how many different types of pet rats there are, you can learn more on my web site -- www.CritterCave.com.
2007-03-14 11:37:17 · answer #1 · answered by bb_critterkeeper 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
there is no differance in a feeder rat and a fancy rat other then color...rats are not mean by nature just not handled which makes them scared. Any rat you would get from a pet shop is going to be scared...look around for a rescue or a breeder in your area. Also remember rats are highly social pets and they should be gotten in a pair. I sent you some links that should help out. Shaz
2007-03-14 18:26:19 · answer #2 · answered by Shaz 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I don't know how you can change your dads mind but the difference between a pet rats and feeder rats are that feeder rats are frozen rats meant to feed snakes.
2007-03-14 21:34:58 · answer #3 · answered by Gypsy 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
feeder rats are rats which are bred specificly so that the babies can be some other pet' food. They generally aren't handled since they aren't pets. also, rats only stink if the cage is left for long periods of time which wouldn't be uncommon for feeder rats since they generally aren't cared for as well as pet rats.
a baby rat that is used tobeing handled will not be mean and will rarely bite.
if you have enough money just buy the rat :)
i'm going to pick upmy pet rat ight after work, yay :)
2007-03-14 19:18:45 · answer #4 · answered by Doe 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
feeder rats generally don't get the interaction with humans that pet rats do.
2007-03-14 18:32:37 · answer #5 · answered by MommyCaleb 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
My best friend has a rat and as long as you clean the cage out it doesn't smell and it has NEVER bit or even been mean to someone.
2007-03-14 18:23:03 · answer #6 · answered by baby face. 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋