Hairless Rats How does this sound?

Question

Ok, so I have read a TON about hairless rats and have decided to get two male hairless rats. I just have a few problems :S
First, I need a breeder is Portland Oregon (or beaverton, tigard, and gresham). I know that they do much better with a same sex partner but, I am someone who chooses favorites. I will probably prefer one over the other (maybe not though) but also, I just want to know how they do alone. I already have names for them too For the larger male Peregrine (the real name of Mary from Lord of the Rings) and the smaller one Pippin (the smaller brother of Peregrine from LOTR) In the movie their last names are Took but should this be included in their name? And the reason I might prefer one is I usually like the smaller one, or maybe one has a better personality. I don't want this to happen but I want my rat to be happy so I am going to. I am still trying to like both my dogs the same lol.
i try to find one trait from each one that I like better than the other.

Maybe one of my ratties will be more playful and the other more cuddly. I hope so, then I can love them the same. But still maybe I would like having two playful rats or two cuddly ones?

I have tried many searches for breeders in my area but have found only a place that apparantely doesn't exist anymore. Aunty B's rattery. But funny that you would say I really think things through. Most people I know say I am immature and always do before I think. But my parents said I wasnt responsible enough for a rat but I have spent hours researching hairless rats and have been talking to my parents. I think I may be cracking their shell of not seeing that I can be responsible. I have recently been doing more chores doing stuff without being told multiple times. Only problem is, I have A.D.D (Attention Deficit Disorder) and cannot pay attention to one thing for more than about 5-10 mins. My grades are extremely low and have medicine for it but dont think it is working. I have said i dont think it works before and the doctor has increased my dose but I don't want to say again that I dont think it works. I am 13 and very off topic. I am just really inspired to have rats. I Want Rats

Answer 1

DANG!!!

You really think things out, don't you?

I'm not complaining, I wish more people were like you.

Just get one. As long as you're willing to spend lots of time with it, it's no big.

RELAX
Our pets are supposed to bring us joy, not be something more to fret about even before you get them.

Answer 2

Well lucky you we live in the great northwest! There are breeders not far from you. Below is a couple links to people that you can contact. I am positive that they will help you find some new companions of the hairless variety. They do have a few special needs, so make sure you get all the information. The third link is for Bella's site. She has rat friends around the country and will help you if you contact her. But I'm sure the first two links will help you. And they are close by. Good luck!
dave<:3}~...OWNER/ SHAGGYMOUSE YAHOO GROUP

Answer 3

Rats should never be kept alone. They are HIGHLY social, and if allowed to live in large family groups (I keep 5 in one cage and 6 in another) they develop very strong family bonds and complex levels of hierarchy. I compare rats to dogs. They bond with and love you no matter what you do with them, so even a single rat will appear content when playing with you. The problem is that the other 23 (or something) hours a day, it will be totally alone, which simply is not how a rat likes to spend its time. Mainly because they are highly intelligent and this would result in boredom, which may lead to unpleasent qualities such as aggression, destruction, etc. Some people suggest that keeping a single rat affects it neurologically, although I don't know if this was proven.

Now you must realize that favouring one over another is perfectly fine. As a person, you immediately thinl it is wrong because we feel jelousy, but rats really do not. As mentioned, they have levels of dominance. I have only once in my lifetime encountered a pair who seemed to allow each other to entitle to things equally. It's natural for rats to establish dominance, in fact you should expect them to 'fight' and pin eachother to the ground. This is the way one states that he gets first dibs on everything. This doesn't mean the weaker one is harmed though. So eventually, you will notice the dominant one more outgoing and grabbing your attention more so than the other one because the weak one (who will be more shy) expects to wait until it's his turn. After the dominant one gloats, you can focus your attention on the submissive one, and all will be well. If you want the submissive one to become braver, you simply encourage this as much as possible by giving them attention at once or him first. I've never bothered trying this with my rats, but it would help make hime more outgoing as well.

To locate a breeder in your area, look through newspaper and online classifieds. While it is a great move to avoid pet stores, I also suggest looking in local shelters or rescues for rats. While shelter rats may very well be from a pet store or were an 'accident' originally (or maybe from a breeder too, you never know), you can never go wrong with saving a homeless animal. And in case you're thinking they won't be as lovable, even the most unsocial rats can become very friendly.

As for naming, I would wait until you get them, and get to know them a bit. So many times I changed my mind on names at the last minute because the animal reminds me of something I haven't though of before. Remember that you should not try to hold them for the couple days, and after that, start out just sitting beside the cage, and then holding inside the cage, and then, once they're used to that, take them out to explore and what not.
Good luck!

I forgot to add, like Catkin said, it helps if your hairless is paired with a furred because when they sleep in their rat piles, the hairless will be able to stay warm easier, without you worrying about him having wnough blankets and such. I have two hairless and they are both with furred. But since you said you did research, it's only a suggestion. Many people keep hairless separate you'll just have to be more weary of cold and drafts.

Answer 4

Hairless rats are charming, but I've heard that it's better for a hairless to live with a furry rat. Our hairless girl has 2 furry cage-mates but the hairless is definately the "ring-leader."
It's up to you whether you give last names to your rats-- ours usually end up with multiple names (not to mention nicknames) after they've been with us awhile.
You might do a web search for breeders in your area-- that's how I found both a wonderful breeder & a rat rescue & we've happilly adopted from both. Good luck with your rats when you find them & I hope they both enchant you equally.

Answer 5

Oh cool another rat lover!! They are awesome pets!! I was so afraid of them and my daughter brought 1 home from school that was going to be fed to the school snake. My daughter is an animal lover and would not let that happen. I fell in love with the rat and she ended up being my Baby!! After 3 surgeries and 5yrs of living with us she passed away and I miss her so much. Good Luck with yours. I am so happy they are with someone who will take great care of them!!!