Im 14. I was thinking of getting some kind of rat. Like a hamster, but I dont really know the different kinds of rats. So what would be the easiest to take care of, and the one that would last the most. Thanx.
2007-10-20 03:56:55 · 16 answers · asked by Anonymous in Pets ➔ Rodents
A ferret or a bunny rabbit
2007-10-20 04:00:01 · answer #1 · answered by xclusive_4xxx_u 4 · 2⤊ 1⤋
okay first off a hamster is not some kind of rat, nor is a gerbil,
guinee pig, or other small rodent. They are all rodents however.
As for "lasting the most" most rodents do not have a very long life span generally a couple of years is the average. Hamsters, rats, G-pigs, gerbils, all require daily care and attention, and will bond with an owner (different level for different animals)
They all require a good sized wire cage with a non- pine/cedar bedding that needs cleaned at the very least once a week, fresh water daily, a good quality staple diet and fresh fruit/veggie snacks and treats a couple of times a week. Rats should be kept in pairs as they are a very social animal but hamsters can be kept alone.
These while small pets still require the time and money that say a dog or cat would (including vet bills!) so make sure you have really thought it through and done some research on the animal you choose BEFORE you go out and purchase one.
Good Luck
2007-10-20 11:24:23 · answer #2 · answered by Tanz 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I have 2 hairless ratties and I love them they are babies still. Each has its own personality. rats are good pets but like the others are saying you do need to have pairs. Same sex unless you want to be bombarded with pups. I had a hamster a long time ago and he was the sweetest thing ever he was a teddy bear hamster. We played a game with honey nut cheerios and graham crackers where I would put the tip in my mouth and he would nibble. Like the others say hamsters can be kept single but they also need your time as well. Any small animal will need you to play with it daily. Gracie, Peaches and I ventured out to the pet store yesterday and I could tell which one was where just by where they layed on my body when I was walking. Hairless rats tend to need more care than others because they are hairless and you have to make sure to keep them warm. Before you buy rats check out this site. Dapper.com It has alot of information about feeding, bedding, housing, and training. Did you know rats ca be litter box trained? LOL Something else to think about
What ever small animal pet you choose stay away from pine and cedar shavings they submit an oil that can irretate your babies skin. Also they cause respitory problems because of the dust. I personally don't care for the black and white hooded rats because I have had them bite me when I worked in a pet store and was seperating the males and females. I do like the other colored fancies but the dumbos are cute also I love those ears LOL.I am including a link so you can see my babies.
2007-10-20 12:52:50 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Rats are a lot of work - you have to make sure to clean their cages at least 1-2 times a week and they need fresh fruits and vegetables to supplement their normal grain diet. (And, like humans, you can't just "feed them anything" if you want them to be healthy) They also need a lot of attention.
It's also best to get rats two at a time. They don't like to be solitary animals. And rats also only live about 2 years (large fancy rats, maybe around 3). They are also very susceptible to mycoplasma infections, which affect their respiratory system.
BUT they are wonderfully smart and affectionate creatures. If you are willing to put in the time and give them attention, they will reward you with love and you can even teach them to do tricks.
They are a number of type of rats - fancy hooded (the most common type found in pet stores), blue rats, rex rats, dumbo rats, and, yes, even hairless rats!
However, if you want something easier to take care of, I would suggest starting with a hamster. Hamsters can be kept as solitary animals and, since they're smaller, are easier to clean up after. Talk with your mom and dad and see what they think would be a good idea. Make sure you do your research - an animal isn't just a possession, it's a big responsibility! Good luck!
2007-10-20 11:11:18 · answer #4 · answered by Muhnkee 3 · 3⤊ 0⤋
Adding to what Muhnkee said, rats (as in rattus norvegicus, not rodents in general as you mistakenly typed) also rack up vet bills.
In the two years that I've owned my girls, I've paid almost 800 € for vet bills and meds. Unless you have a sizable bank account, or unless your parents are willing to pay about 400 € just for trips to the vet relating to mycoplasma ( http://ratguide.com/health/bacteria/mycoplasma_mycoplasmosis.php ), not counting spay/neuter and whatever else you might have to go to the vet for, I'd suggest you get some other kind of rodent.
ALL rats outside of a lab have myco - not every rat gets sick from it, but most will. Active myco needs antibiotics i.e. a vet - this is NOT negotiable. Left untreated, active myco leads to pneumonia and death.
Myco is activated by stress, drafts (no keeping the cage under a window, on the floor, in a drafty corner, or near a door in the winter!) and poor cage hygiene (not cleaning the cage often enough).
2007-10-20 11:35:36 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
Hamsters sometimes bite. Rats never do. I had 52 pet rats. They are the sweetest pet you can imagine. Get a fresh clean one at a very good pet shop, better two for company. They are loving and will nibbble your mouth. They are gentle. You can give them regular food, like a washed corn on the cob and they are so fun. Don't get a mouse either, they might bite also. Rats are the most gentle. But get two babies, of the SAME sex.
If they get a lump it could mean cancer. Take good care of keeping their cage clean.
2007-10-20 14:46:17 · answer #6 · answered by moondrop000 5 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Hamsters aren't rats... They are a totally different mammal... Hamsters are easy to care for.. So are mice.. Rats are very friendly, but can stink (males especially), they are easy to take care off also... Guniea pigs can also be easy to take care off... Also rabbits.. Most rodents dont live longer then 5 years.. Rabbits can live up to 15 years, Guniea Pigs 8 years..
Stay away from Ferrets if you are looking for a "easy" pet, they can be harder to take care off then dogs... and twice as expenisve
2007-10-20 16:05:00 · answer #7 · answered by Brad815 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Ferrets and rabbits require a lot of work. I would suggest a teddy bear hamster. They are usually pretty friendly. Give them a cage (that they can't get out of). Some hamster food, a water bottle, a wheel, some wood to chew on, and maybe some tubes. If you have all of this, you will have a really happy little pet.
2007-10-20 15:57:12 · answer #8 · answered by animallover131990 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
A guinea pig is the absolute friendliest rodent you can get. I've always loved them, and used to have quite a few. They run away when you try to pick them up (at least until they get used to you) but once you catch them they're really cuddly. They're not biters and they're not mean. Oh, and they don't kick like rabbits will :-P
The only down side is that they are "little poop factories" (my vet's words, not mine,) so you need to keep their cages clean. They can get a little smelly too. If you're going for cuddly little friend, guinea pig is the way to go, but if you just want low maintenance, try a hamster or something boring like that ;-)
2007-10-20 11:06:20 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
Hamsters are not rats. They are a different species.
2007-10-20 13:33:06 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 1⤋
Guinea pigs and large rats often get attached to their owners and are fairly easy to tame. Ferrets are harder to care for, but they are sweet too
2007-10-20 11:12:03 · answer #11 · answered by jessica s 2 · 2⤊ 0⤋