Rat questions?

Question

Well, I'm planning to get two rats (I'm fully aware that rats need company most of the time, and I wouldn't feel happy if I knew my rat was lonely...). Unfortunately, my parents won't let me buy them from breeders... I'm forced to buy them from Petco or Petsmart. So,
1) Petco or Petsmart? (I'm aware that pet stores have many inbreeding, and are sometimes not treated properly.. but I have no choice.)
2) I've already done a pretty good share of research, and I'm still looking for more. Any important facts or suggestions I should know?
3)http://www.petsmart.com/product/index.jsp?productId=2752727&cp=2767038.2769317&pg=4&fbn=Taxonomy%7CHabitats+%26+Cages&fbc=1&clickid=topnav_dropdown6_link6&parentPage=family&keepsr=1#RatingsDetail
Is this a good enough cage?
If not, please recommend a better one, but at either Petco or Petsmart...
As you can see, I'm limited in choices...

... Everytime I do research, and I stumble across Yahoo! answers, "Why would you get a rat for a pet??" Really... people have their own choice. Respect it. Mind your own business. Instead of just *wasting* the answers that people *COULD HAVE* PROVIDED IMPORTANT FACTS WITH by asking such annoying questions, just keep quiet.

Also, my parents won't let me get it from breeders because we don't know any local breeders, and my parents don't trust ordering live animals online... D:

:D Also, thanks to the people who actually answered my question(s)...

Also, are local pet stores any better or less than Petco or Petsmart?

Answer 1

avoid pet smart they constantly have bans against them for poor care of their animals

Answer 2

I would choose Petsmart if you want longer-living rats. My rats that came from Petsmart lived to 2 1/2, 2 1/3 and still living, at three. But if you want some advice, go to Petco. Every Petco I've been to has employees who know a lot about rats.
For your facts, you probably know these already, but-
1. Get two does (female rats), bucks (male rats) will sometimes fight.
2. Never let your rats run around near furniture that they can get under or wires.
3. Test out your new cage once you get it like this. Prepare the cage for being lived in. Place the cage onto the couch, table, or somewhere else high up. Make sure it's far away from cats (if you have any). Put your rats inside the cage. See if, after a while, one rat squeezes between the bars or otherwise gets out. This is how my three-year-old escaped once when she was younger, but that's another story. If not, you can keep the rats in that cage.
As for the cage you have, I say it's fine, but all my rats have enjoyed longer cages.

Answer 3

Ask at the pet store about the quality of its breeding stock. Of course they will say it's good, but if they tell you about how they make sure the rats are healthy and not inbred, you have a better chance.
Be cautious about buying from a store that sells "feeder" rats as snake food; these breeders are generally less concerned about the health and temperament of their rats. As I understand it, Petsmart doesn't sell feeder rats; I don't know about Petco. You could ask.
In my experience, colored rats have fewer health problems than albinos.
The cage you show could be fine, but I'm concerned about the plastic bottom. Rats like to chew, and they may chew their way out. Also, the wheel in it is much too small for a rat; you could take it out and put a bigger one in. Rats really need a wheel for exercise and stress reduction.
Personally, I prefer a tank with a screen top that clamps on. It shows a clear view of the animals, and the litter doesn't get all over your floor. Any cage you get, you have to be able to secure it so the rats can't get out. For a wire cage, you can use wire twisties (the kind used to close plastic bags) to hold the door closed, or an alligator clip is even better.
All-metal wire cages are quite functional, except that the litter falls out through the bars.
Rats are wonderful pets; good luck.

Answer 4

YES!! petco!!! They always ask if I need help right away unlike petsmart. Every petco i have ever been to knows quite a bit about rats. I have two from petco right now, they are the sweetest little girls. Dont count on them being too socialized though... you will need to spend LOTS of time getting them to trust you initially. Lure them out with baby food squash in a small spoon, and make them eat on your lap, then they will eventually trust you. I have noticed that Petsmart sometimes has a wider variety of rats, but I dont like their living conditions at Petsmart. I belive all of Petco's and Petsmart's rats are born in rat mills, just like puppy mills. I highly suggest waiting to find someone who has just had an accidental litter by checking the newspaper, or going to animal shelters looking for rats to adopt. Older, presocialized rats would be a better choice for a first time rat owner. Hope this helps!!!
To person with the negative comment:
And why would you want rats as pets? Because they are sweet, intelligent, loving creatures. They can learn tricks and games, and are the smartest of all rodents. They will even groom you! They are extremely clean, so dont hate on something you know nothing about.... Most are smarter than dogs

PS: Rats dont need anything to keep their teeth trim, they do it naturally by grinding their teeth together, commonly called "bruxing". They do this when they are happy, or sometimes when they wake up, or are sleepy. But do provide lots of chew sticks, cause they love to chew!!!

Answer 5

1. Individual petstores vary, even when they're part of chains like PetSmart or Petco.
In our area (So. CA), we've had better experience with pet rats & mice we've adopted from PetSmart. This is b/c they keep fewer animals in each enclosure instead of crowding them into feeder bins & also b/c the employees spend @ least a few minutes handling the small animals every day (I ask lots of ?s when we're looking to adopt). Rats & mice we've adopted from PetSmart have usually been healthier & better socialized than anyone we've adopted from Petco. Wherever you go, ask to handle whoever you're interested in before taking them home.
2. The more research you do, the better. Give your rats hammocks, boxes & toys to make their home more fun. They're smart & learn their names pretty quickly but it's easier for them if you don't give them rhyming or sound-alike names. They enjoy dog biscuits & other hard things to chew on, which helps them keep their teeth trim. An occasional nut in the shell is good too, & lots of fun for both the rats & you.
3. A hamster cage is too small, b/c rats are considerably larger than hamsters & are very active. Even most "rat cages" aren't big enough. I agree with the person who suggested a ferret cage. We usually go with a Superpet My 1st Home for Critters (marketed for sugar gliders & other pets) but we've also used a cage designed for chinchillas & a large birdcage that we've made minor alterations to. Glass tanks are too stuffy & there's nowhere to climb unless you've got a wire tank-topper, but somehow I don't trust those.
Good luck with your little guys when you get them. Rats are awesome companions.

Answer 6

http://www.petsmart.com/product/index.jsp?productId=2752708&cp=2767038.2769317&fbx=0&fbc=1&parentPage=family&keepsr=1

This cage is all metal, and makes a better choice for rats, any ferret or chinchilla cage is going to be better for rats because they are such strong chewers and will chew through plastic cages if they get bored. Also, this kit gives a hammock and ramps to keep the rats occupied, as well as a great litter for rats. I really can't give a preference of PetSmart or PetCo, I don't shop either, sorry.

Answer 7

IF YOU HAVE TO GO TO A PET STORE TO BUY A RAT OR IN YOU CASE 2 (GOOD MOVE THERE) PUT YOUR HAND IN THE CAGES AND LET THE RAT COME TO YOU....GIVE IT A SEC TO SMELL YOUR HAND, MAY BE ATTEMP TO SCRATCH ITS HEAD OR EARS BEFORE TRYING TO PICK IT UP. AS WITH MOST OF THE PET STORE RATS ARE NOT HAND HELD AND WILL NEED LOTS OF HOLDING IN THE NEXT FEW WEEKS, THATS WHY BREEDERS (LIKE ME) HOLD THEM FROM DAY ONE AND TALK TO THEM SO THEY ARE SOCIALIZED WHEN ITS TIME TO ADOPT THEM OUT. I TELL YOU WHAT, I RUN A RAT RESCUE, AND YOU CAN EMAIL ME ANY QUESTIONS YOU WANT (I AM SURE BEING THE FIRST TIME YOU ARE GOING TO BE A RAT OWNER) MY NAME IS HEATHYR AND MY EMAIL IS; [e-mail].

Answer 8

i thinks so If you can try to an all metal one . that would work I had a simular one. some times you can find rats at animal shelters thats where i have gotten some of mine in the past.

Answer 9

Why won't they let you get them from breeders? That's where most pet stores get them from anyway.

Answer 10

PETCO all the way