Would you rather keep a mouse or a rat? Only between this two?

Answer 1

well, whether you keep mice or rats you need more than one as they are highly sociable animals.
mice are considerably smaller, and need cages with small bars. they can become friendly towards people, but are harder to free range and still need plenty of exercise, and large cages

rats need much larger cages, which tend to be expensive, unless you invest in a samo or a critter style cage. they are highly people orientated and have the same intelligence as many dogs.

i have 6 rats and they are all very smart, cuddly, silly and very interactive. i let them roam round a rat proof room, but they don't even attempt to run away, being more inclined to explore me, the furniture and any food around :D

both have their own good points and draw backs, vets bills and cages can be very expensive too :) also their short lifespans are heartbreaking, but they give so much affection back and make that sadness worthwhile when you have a rat pile sleeping in a hammock, or are greated by the squiffly noses of several mice as you go to feed them :)

good luck on your choice, hope the links to the forums about mice and rats help :)

Answer 2

Well I've never had a rat, only a mouse (who died last night actually :( ). I really did like my mouse - he was absolutely ADORABLE (I think mice are cuter than rats). Only difference really there was that he wasn't exactly what you'd call affectionate - he was afraid of us and we could barely pick him up (even after plenty of patient trying). From what I hear, rats are easier to train and would be a better pet to have if you want to interact more with one. But personally I'd rather keep a mouse because they're cute and I miss mine.

Answer 3

I enjoy keeping both, but if I had to choose I'd definately say rats. Rats are more interesting b/c they're smarter, friendlier & much more interactive with humans than mice tend to be. They'll sit on your lap, ride around on your shoulder & give you kisses.
Mice are cute, mainly b/c they're so tiny but they're usually more nervous & timid than rats & sometimes you just can't make friends with them no matter what you do. We've got a 2 yr old mouse who will let me pet her a bit & will take food from my hand but she won't let anyone handle her. We've also had mice who were so friendly that they were almost like tiny rats.
If you decide to adopt rats, please get 2 or 3 of the same sex so they'll have other rats to interact with. They'll be *much* happier & this will also be more enjoyable for you.
If mice appeal to you more, get 2 or 3 girls. Boys often fight unless they've been raised together.

Answer 4

Mouse. I have never had a rat but I am now 12 and have had mice since i was six. They do become atracted to you because whenever i go n holiday and leave the mice with a friend, even though she feeds them the same amounts as I do the mice lose weight and she says they dont eat properly.
Also they are comepletely adorable.

Answer 5

RatS definitely. If you do decide on rats you should get more than one as they are very social animals. They love to be with you, but they also need a conspecific buddy to groom them and play with when you're not around.

Rats are great playmates. I play games with my ratties all the time. They are very smart and need enrichment (like hiding food for them to find). Most rats will climb on you and stay on your shoulder as you walk around. This is their favorite way to travel. They feel safe and can see everything from this vantage point. I could go on and on about the great things about rats, but I don't want this to be too long.

I would not choose mice because of a few reasons. First of all they have a very strong, distinct smell. Even if the cage is cleaned regularly, it's an odor you will have to get used to. Second, they're not as willing to befriend you as rats tend to be. However with work, they could be just as willing to spend time with you. Third, they are excellent jumpers. I've seen them jump 2-3 feet from the ground. Needless to say, I don't think they'd have any fear jumping off your shoulder. Fourth, they're small, fast, and hard to catch.

RATS RULE!

Answer 6

Rat. rats are more effectionent, interactive, and increadiably smart. Mice are cute but like to be by themselves sometimes.
But depends what you want your pets personality to be like. Hold both of them at the pet store and see which you like better. I would choose a rat, but its up to you so make a good choice:)

Answer 7

I like them both and have owned both as pets. Now I have a rat. I like rats a little better I think, because they dont go to the bathroom on you nearly as much, they are smarter, and they are alitlle more friendly.
But my mouse acctually was more friendly he gave me kisses I miss him soooooo much!
his name was cow and he went everywhere with me.

Answer 8

I would rather have a rat because I know some people who have rats and they say they're really smart and nice.

Answer 9

I have owned both, mice are more skittish but smaller and rats are not skiddish but larger, and bigger cages. I personaly perfer rats but both make very good pets.

Answer 10

rat definitely rats are more social and loving mice are so much faster and harder to catch if they get loose LOL but not a very social animal.