Should I get two female rats or two male rats or should i just stick to one? And if I go on a trip how long can I leave them alone for?
2007-12-04 08:04:40 · 21 answers · asked by Anonymous in Pets ➔ Rodents
Please get 2 rats!! It doesn't matter, male or female. If you get one rat to start out with, you are going to have one un-happy rat! We got one rat to start with, and she wouldn't let you touch her without biting you. She drew blood several times. When we got her a buddy, she became more social. Then we got 2 more, and now she lets you hold her. Trust me, get 2 or more!! They will thank you! Rats are very social and NEED a buddy!
2007-12-04 08:27:24 · answer #1 · answered by Laura P 2 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Always buy rats in pairs or more. They can easily get lonely/depressed living on their own and they entertain and keep each other company when you are not around. I have kept many rats in the past. I find pairs of females tend to get on better with males, but theres no reason why you couldnt keep either pairs together. All rats fights at times, they are just establishing who is the leader. Unless it gets serious i.e they get injured badly, there no reason why you can't keep them together.
As for going away, I would suggest no more than a weekend. Say you give a rat a weeks supply of food, they will eat it all in a night!They love food! Hope this helps
2007-12-04 18:25:13 · answer #2 · answered by hippygoththing 1 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Most rats need a companion, however I wouldn't buy into the people telling you that every rat needs a buddy and is social. I have a single rat who is very content to be an "only child". Rats have their own personalities as well as likes and dislikes. I would suggest getting two to start with as a single rat requires more attention. As for leaving them I would have someone check on them every other day if not daily. They can get lonely.
2007-12-04 16:38:38 · answer #3 · answered by dolce 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Rats are EXTREMELY social, you should always keep them in pairs or more! I prefer males because the a soft and cuddly, but alot of people like females too. So long as they have enough food and at LEAST two water bottles (one as a back up in case the first leaks) you can leave them for a few days, maybe a weekend. After that someone would need to feed them. So, make sure you get two, lol. -Neb
2007-12-04 16:13:31 · answer #4 · answered by nebit214 6 · 2⤊ 1⤋
Rats are very social animals and they thrive if you have more than one. If you do decide to get two, make sure that they're from the same cage. Also, if you leave for a trip, make sure someone goes AT LEAST every other day to check up on them.
2007-12-04 16:12:13 · answer #5 · answered by Electric Dazeys 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If you want more rats then get a male and a female. If you dont want any more rats get either just 1 or get 2 males or 2 females.
2007-12-04 16:10:19 · answer #6 · answered by Respect Is What It Is 6 · 0⤊ 2⤋
Two!
Rats are a social species and need the company of their own kind. They should NEVER be housed singly as this can cause serious suffering, leading to a whole variety of health and welfare problems. Get two of the same sex, either male or female.
2007-12-05 04:08:17 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
I'd get 2. It's much harder to introduce a new rat to one that you've had for a while. They're bound to fight, and in some cases, fight to the death. They may never learn to get along.
And if you give them plenty of food and water they'll be fine unattended for a few days, but I wouldn't leave any animal completely unattended for more than a day. I'd at least ask someone to check up on them if you'll be gone for a while.
2007-12-04 16:12:35 · answer #8 · answered by Christine 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If you get one make sure you pay a lot of attention to it, be careful with two rats, my brothers rat ate the other's face off, GROSS :P
2007-12-05 18:34:55 · answer #9 · answered by :] 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Please get 2 boys or 2 girls. They're *much* happier if they have another rat for company & more fun for you as well.
I wouldn't leave them alone for more than 2-3 days & I'd give them plenty of food & an extra water bottle (in case 1 leaks). Preferably you can get someone to petsit for you if they can't go with you.
2007-12-04 16:53:46 · answer #10 · answered by Catkin 7 · 1⤊ 1⤋