Getting a Rat! Any Advice?

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#1
Hi! My sister's gerbil passed away of old age today. :(
We're so upset. She was a big part of our family. Me and my dad talked it over, and we're going to get my sister a Rat, as she's always wanted one, and we've been reading about them, and read they should live together, so we're going to get two. It'll be about 2 months until we get them, and I've been reading alot today, and will continue to, until ((and after, i'm sure :p)) we get them. Does anyone have any advice? I know from experience that, what you read isn't always the only info you need, and owners know more than anyone. Any help is great! Also, we'll be getting them together, but is there any sex that's beter together ((We want the same sex-if possible)). Thanks in advance! :D Also, is there a certain breed of rat that's better about being held and things? We want it to be a big part of the family.
 

noludoru

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#2
There are LOADS of breeds of rats.. I particularly like the hairless ones.

Check out wikipedia, they probably at least have a list for you to google.
 

TheWonderPuppies

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#3
i have two male rats one is a sating black and the other is z creama nd white partially hooded rex rat and they love eachother when you get rats get 2 of the same sex and they like to live inpairs even males do as long as they were raised together also from my experiance in owning both sexes the males like to spend more time with humans and are friendlierif you have any direct questions pm me and also dont house them in wood chips or shavings use the stufff made out of eggshell cartonsor paper:)
 

FoxyWench

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#4
a same sex pair of males would be perfect the males tend to be a little more laid back and cuddly, the females tend to be higher energy...

BIG cage...LOTS of attention and lots of veritey to the food they make great pets and are very smart, you can teach them tricks!
 
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#5
Thanks for all the help, everyone!!!!
I joined a rat forum so I'm getting help there as well, and have learned alot! Thanks again, guys! ;) :D
 

Southpaw

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#7
Male or female, depends on what your preference is...*in general* males are lazy and squishy while females like to play, but it's definitely not a rule, there are exceptions. I had 2 male rats and even in old age they wouldn't slow down. :)

About breeds, there are no different breeds but there are all sorts of varieties...none of that has an effect on personality though, it sort of just comes down to what you think looks better.

And kudos for doing the research first, those ratties will be lucky to live with you. :D
 
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#9
get a pair, I would recommend males

lots of things to climb on in their cage. I would NOT use a glass aquarium, those don't have very good ventilation. The wire mesh cages work well bc they can climb!

They are escape artists! the wire mesh may SEEM small enough but if they can, they will squeeze out! I covered mine in very fine chicken wire or aluminum screening.
 
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#10
I had 3 females for the looonnnggest time. The boyfriend hated them though, I loved them. They were great. I got them for free from some lady outside a pet store. Heh, not the best place to get them but it works... XD
I was looking for a hamster and got rats.

They love to climb and chew and eat and play! Make sure all drapes, curtins, dog noses and favorite t-shirts are AWAY from the cage. They will become bedding in a matter of minutes. Minus the dog nose, they just get bit, and then the dog squeeks.

They are cuddlers all the way. I used to walk around town with them on a ferret leash and harness! They were fat rats...well not fat, but big.
 
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#15
I love males and females for completely different reasons. My males were big and squishy and lazy and snuggly. My females were GO GO GO, but were uber sweet and INCREDIBLY intelligent! They could escape from their cage (no matter what cages I bought them) but luckily for me they were not destructive AND the would come when called!! They used to escape in the middle of the night and then come jump on my face to wake me up "Momma lets PLAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAYYYYYYYY!!"

I have had top ears and dumbos and prefer the dumbos, but have only dealt with Male dumbos, I've never met a female dumbo (which I didn't realize until right now . . . odd). Rats are just super intelligent, very friendly, and oh so sweet. I love ALL rats!!!

ETA: I've only ever had one rat bite me . . . and he did it multiple times but it was my own fault every time. It was a friend's dumbo who was cage aggressive, and I would get drunk and stick my fingers through the bars forgetting that he would bite. Dumb drunken me! Which brings me to a good reminder: don't feed them anything through the bars of the cage. Only feed them through an open door or when they're out. That way they won't think that anything coming through the bars (ie: fingers) is meant to be chomped!!
 
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#16
Just wanted to say rats make great pets. I dont know the breeds but I had a white rat (I guess the kind the pet stores breed to sell to peopel for snake food :( ). I actually saved him from someone who was trying to feed him to their snake.

He was NOT hairless and he was a great pet. He never bit anyone. Very sweet & loving & fun.
 

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