Adopting Your First Rats
Getting your first rats is an adventure in itself! Do you get one rat or many
rats? Boy rats or girl rats? Baby rats or adult rats? On this site and in
the following article you'll find some answers and helpful tips to these
and other related topics.
Are You Ready for Rats?
First of all, before you go jumping into rat companionship, you need to realize
that just because a rat does not cost a lot of money to buy does not mean
that they are "cheap" pets. Rats require spacious living quarters,
fresh food and water daily and often need the care of a rat experienced vet.
They also require a lot of time on your part. They are not a pet to be put
in a cage and watched, as hamsters and gerbils are. They require a minimum
of one hour out of cage time daily and cages need to be thoroughly cleaned
on a weekly basis.
How Many Rats Should I Get?
If you think you can handle the above criteria then it's time to get your new
pet. Go ahead and plan on getting at least two rats, if not more. Rats are
very social animals and will be much happier and healthier in groups. They
pack together in the wild and, though these are not wild rats, they still
need the company of their own kind. Don't worry, it won't make them love
you any less. Most likely they will bond with you even more, often fighting
for your attention. Two rats are just as easy to care for as one - heck 10
rats are just as easy to care for as one!
Where Should I Get My First Rats?
So, now you know you want a few rats. So where do you go to get them? The best
place to get a pet rat is from a responsible rat breeder. The great thing
about buying from a breeder is that you get a healthy, well-socialized rat
along with background information on the health and temperament of the parents.
Most breeders are concerned about the well-being of the rats they sell and
will ensure that you know all there is to know about your new friend.
If you can't find a breeder in your area check out the local humane societies.
Often rats can be found in shelters for various reasons. The shelter will most
likely have the rats spayed or neutered before you can adopt them. Adopting
a rat from a shelter is a great way to find a new friend and give a rat a home
that it deserves.
As a last resort pet rats can be found in pet stores. Usually these rats are
referred to as "feeders" because they are most likely destined to be a snack
for another animal. Many wonderful pet rats come from these feeder tanks, but
unfortunately many pet shops do not care for rats as they should and you could
possibly end up with sick ratties. When you go to pick out your rats make sure
they look healthy. Look for a well-groomed coat, no discharge around the eyes
or nose and they should be fairly active (though rats are nocturnal so they
may be quite lazy during the day when you will most likely be at the store).
The pet shop will most likely have very young rats, ranging from 4 weeks to
3 months. However, occasionally you can find older rats too. If you are a first
time rat owner you may be better off to get a couple babies. They will get
along better as they have not determined dominance or their territory yet.
Getting older rats entails lots of patience and time if you get two that have
never been together before. Now if they are in the same tank at the store and
seem to get along, chances are they will be fine. But that is not something
found in pet stores very often. If you happen to find them then by all means,
take them home! Most older rats are destined to live a life in the pet shop
or as a meal.
How To Choose the Rats For You
The best way to pick your rats is to let them pick you. Ask the sales associate
to bring the tank down and let you play with the rats. If they will not let
you do this try another shop if one is available. Once the tank is in front
of you, slowly put your hand inside. Some rats will run away and hide and
some will come to greet you with licks and sniffs. Licky, sniffy rats are
the way to go. Of course, some of us can't resist the little scared one tucked
in the corner and just must have it! They all will usually make great pets
given time and patience.
Males or Females?
Now, before you start letting all the rats pick you, a decision must be made
- boy rats or girl rats? Please be sure to get the same sex, otherwise you
will have way more rodents than you counted on. Both male and female rats
have great qualities. But there are a few differences.
Males tend to be more laid back. They make great lap-rats and are often very
lovey and snuggly. They tend to be territorial of their home, so try to get
them when they are about 4 months or younger to make introductions easier and
less stressful. Males do mark their territory, not a huge puddle or anything,
but a few drops here and there. On average, males grow to bigger sizes than
females.
Females, on the other hand, are often very playful and a bundle of energy.
They will love running amuck in your very carefully rat-proofed room and getting
into anything they possibly can. Often it is hard to get female rats to snuggle
because they are so interested in everything around them. But occasionally
you get a calm one or a least a few second of cuddle time. Females tend to
be more accepting of other females into their cage. They tend to be smaller
and don't scent mark everything as males do, however they do still "dribble
a bit. Females will be smaller in size than males and may calm down as they
age and become lap rats.
No matter what sex you get, all rats are wonderful animals and great pets.
A little bit of love goes a long way and they will return that love ten-fold!
