I have been wanting a pet for some time now and I have found that a rat would be a perfect pet for me, but the only thing that bugs me is this; What will rats do for me? By this I mean will I have the rat for a very long time and the rat doesn't love me. What do they do as pets? Fall asleep on lap? Stay on shoulder? Play with me? Please respond the question is killing me.
2007-09-26 09:26:16 · 8 answers · asked by Avatar the Last Air Bender 1 in Pets ➔ Rodents
Nice choice! Rats are fantastic pets- you will need to adopt two, as rats are social, and though you intend to spend a lot of time playing with your rat, you cannot replace the companionship of another rat!
Your rat will snuggle on your lap, wrestle with your hand, offer ratty kisses and show you as much affection as any dog will.
You can teach your rat to come to it's name, run through an obstacle course and sit pretty-
Your rat will grind it's teeth (bruxing) when it's happy- which is similar to a cat purring!
They are often referred to as pocked pooches, because rats are quite dog-like and will bond very strongly to their owner-
Female or male rat?
It really depends on your own personal preference-
Females are inquisitive and curious, and always on the go exploring and playing-
Males are more laid back, and snuggly, and will litterly sit on your lap or shoulder for hours!
Rats are virtually odorless if properly maintained, and all in all a pleasure to own!
Buying your pet rat-
For a first time rat owner, I'd highly suggest that you seek out a reputable breeder, who will be there for you along the way should you have questions or concerns- Your rat will already be socialized, and so your first experience with rats will be pleasant right from the get-go!
Your rats will crave spending time with you, and you will need to commit an hour or more a day just to playing and snuggling with your rats! When you enter the room they are in, they will line up at the door, waiting for treats, tickles and time out with you.
More on rats as pets-
http://www.dogbreedinfo.com/pets/rat.htm
Teej
http://tjratties.netfirms.com
2007-09-26 10:28:23 · answer #1 · answered by Teej 3 · 3⤊ 0⤋
Handle the rat before you buy it; it should be tame already. And if it is, it will love you if you handle it every day. Normally pet rats don't bite. Once tame they are friendly with anybody; the one exception is a mother rat with babies, she will probably protect them and may bite if she thinks they are threatened.
Rats will run and climb around if you let them, so be careful if you do. They will sit on your shoulder, share (or steal) your food, chew on things (you have to watch out for this, they don't know what is okay to chew and what isn't.
Male rats have coarser fur and a placid, relaxed temperament; females have finer fur and are more inquisitive and playful. Both are very nice pets.
A rat really needs a running wheel; they use it when bored or nervous, to calm their nerves, and without one they are more likely to try to escape and act frustrated. If it squeaks, oil it.
I think typically they live about 2 years, though they may live longer.
The rat can sit on your shoulder while you study (if you're a student) and even ride on your shoulder to class, if you can get away with this. I've done this before. They learn not to pee on you.
2007-09-26 17:09:27 · answer #2 · answered by The First Dragon 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
It depends, again. All rats have different personalities. That's what makes them unique. They're very loving, trusting, and intelligent if you treat them right. I'd say start out with two older rats, never one. And never young, your first pair. Never mix genders. Either get two boys, or two girls. Otherwise, it'd be a bad idea. My girls love to play, and wrestle and my boys love to be held and snuggle. They only live about 2-3 years, 4 max. I've heard of some living up to 5-6 years, but it's very rare. You can find the same kind of companionship in a rabbit, and it lives longer. But they're not as smart, or trusting and sometimes bite and scratch.
2007-09-26 13:45:51 · answer #3 · answered by Bryanna 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Rats are great pets and great friends! If you want one to sleep in your lap and laze around then you should get males. Females are more active and interested in playing. When they are young you have to make sure to socialize them properly, get them used to you and be patient, do trust exercises with treats. Once they trust you they will love you very much.
I've had boys that will sleep on my lap, give kisses, chase string or feathers, sit on my shoulders etc. I think it's even fun just to watch them jump around and check stuff out or clean their faces with their little adorable hands!
Ultimately it's all about the amount of time you spend with them and training/socializing them properly. They are really great pets and I'm sure you will be satisfied with everything about your little friends!
2007-09-26 10:16:36 · answer #4 · answered by Atilla the Han 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I have had many pet rats. they are great. They live for many years if taken care of. they can be taugt to to tricks. i dont know about falling a sleep on your lap but they will stay on your shoulder. i hope this helps you out
2007-09-26 09:34:48 · answer #5 · answered by Katie E 1 · 2⤊ 0⤋
rats are acutally very smart.
some like to swim. others like to hand wrestle with you or even chase a string around the ground or cage!
they like to bob there heads underwater for frozen peas and other treats and love company of rats
and yes rats love to go in shirt tunnels and sit on your shoulder.
2007-09-26 12:18:55 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
very important they will teach you about nutrition as rats need healthy food vegetables, meat, grain. By learning to feed them you will be more aware of your own diet as rats and humans have similiar needs. You will also learn resposibilities as your pets need looking after daily even if to just check that their food and water is OK. Further more they are so cute and respond to your presence. Good idea to give them special treat when checking. Will pick out any grain dropped in their water---just so funny watching them catching the floating stuff and feeling for any submerged. Good idea to have ratty hammocks in their cage as you can check on them when they are really relaxed and sleepy as they find them so comfy. They learn to trust you absolutely and quite like a little brushing gently with a babies hair brush. Do not like medicine if they get sick which is rare but does happen. Vet will show you how to give measured amount of medication---wrap rattie in hankie and pop syringe in mouth (no needle of course) he/she will scream at you but will still trust you even though sometimes you have to be unkind. Will check out the area they are in but will head back to the cage. Will store food in a corner for later snacks so no over feeding as you can check on the corner. Can be carried in a bag if you need to go to the vet so it is a good idea for them to get to know the bag and the procedure but will chew holes so be aware even in clothes----ratty holes in clothes not a good look.
2007-09-26 12:41:11 · answer #7 · answered by njss 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
dude, go here for questions, this place is so much better than yahoo answers:
http://www.goosemoose.com/component/option,com_smf/Itemid,118/forum,rat/
and make sure you gt at least two. theyre very social and will get depressed if they dont have another rat to hang out with.
2007-09-26 13:25:53 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
1. good luck with the shoulder thing, you'll need it; it he won't go on your shoulder for more than a few seconds
2. sleep on your lap, yes if ye's tired. very cute
3. mostly, they run around and entertain you. they're very smart. if you hold a treat up right above his nose and lure him up, ye'll stand up for the treat and it's so cute.
2007-09-26 11:45:28 · answer #9 · answered by Sa Booty 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋