What's the best type of rat to get?

Question

I'm getting another rat tomorrow so what kind should i get?

Answer 1

If it were me, I wouldn't worry so much about the breed / markings / aesthetics, but make sure your new baby is the same sex as your current rat (By the way, kudos for getting another rat, especially if you only have one currently - because rats are not meant to be solitary creatures)
I wouldn't get the rat from Petco, Petsmart, or any other big box pet store, where they generally don't give their animals much attention. Find a small local breeder (preferably) or at least a small pet store where they have given the baby rats attention from a very young age. You want a rat that has a good temperament, and is used to a lot of attention. Both of which you would receive from a reputable breeder.
Play with the rat you have your eye on, pick her up, let her run along your arms, give her cheek a little rub if she'll let you. Does she seem skittish? Scared at every sound or movement? I'd try another rat, one could be in heat (if a girl), if they're all that way, I'd consider going to another shop. Is she curious, checking you out? That'd be a good thing. Try carefully holding her and turning her on her back. This will allow you to check out her condition, see how her belly looks, and also see how she responds to you being 'dominant'

Answer 2

I agree make sure what ever type you get that it is the same sex, female rats can get pregnant as early as 5 weeks old so make sure that if you happen to be getting a female that it was seperated at the proper time.

As for color or ear placement I have 8 males all of them have a different color or coat pattern ( and amazingly enough i have no all white rats : D ) three of which are Dumbo rats (having ear placement more on the side of the head rather than top ears which have ears on the top) My dumbo's seem to be a bit more people friendly and are the first ones i use when i introduce new rats to my bunch.

really it boils down to personality rather than looks. find a rat that is curious of you and not scared acting and you will have an easier time making friends with it with less of a chance of getting bit.

Good Luck

Answer 3

If you already have a rat, get another one of the same sex so they can be together. You might want to go with a different color coat, no coat @ all, or different ear placement just for variety.
We recently adopted our first dumbo rat & she's soooo cute! All our top-eared guys are also cute. As far as I can tell, differences in fur color or texture, ear placement etc. have no bearing on personality.
Good luck with your new rat when you get him (or her)!

Answer 4

I would say that you should get the same gender unless you want little ratties. but try to avoid getting a really small rat because sometimes they get taken away from their mothers to early then they get all stiff when they are in their cage and they always hide and dont really like bein held.

Answer 5

http://pet-rat-guide.com/

this might help

Answer 6

None.