This is a BIG maybe, but I've been thinking, after all my hammies are no more, I'd quite like rats. Long way off likely (unless some just jump in my pocket ) as my sister, who I live with, will not even entertain the thought of a rat at the moment. But I'd like to know a bit more first anyway.

Firstly, what cage is the best for a pair, and am I right in thinking a pair does best? I've seen several rat cages, but are they actually big enough?
Could I have a female pair (as I don't much like the male 'view' lol)?
Roughly how long do they live?
And can they be litter trained like hamsters?
How hard are they to tame?
Do they actually use rat sized wheels, or is it like hamsters and rat wheels aren't actually big enough?
Does one sex smell more than the other?
Where's the best place to get them from?
And is it easy to find ones with black eyes (not so keen on the red ones!)?
Do they need any special care?

So yeah, this would be useful and any more you think I should know! Pics of cute ratties to persuade my sister would be good, and cages too

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Firstly, what cage is the best for a pair, and am I right in thinking a pair does best? I've seen several rat cages, but are they actually big enough?

I think the Jenny (KD preferably as the original has uncoated bars and terrible access!) or Freddy 2 are good cages for a pair.

Could I have a female pair (as I don't much like the male 'view' lol)?

Yeap

Roughly how long do they live?

On average 2 to 2.5 years, but some live older more like 3 some less.

And can they be litter trained like hamsters?

Yes

How hard are they to tame?

It really depends, if you source them from a reputable breeder or rescue that would match you to a reasonably confident pair then fairly easy. However bad breeders, pet-shops are more likely to have rats that will have temperament problems or are just scared due to lack of socialization so will take longer to bring around.

Do they actually use rat sized wheels, or is it like hamsters and rat wheels aren't actually big enough?

Some rats use wheels but you want the largest 12" no smaller.

Does one sex smell more than the other?

I have both, and havent noticed much difference between the strength.

Where's the best place to get them from?

Reputable breeders or Rescues. Both need to be helpful and willing to answer all questions, show you set-ups etc

And is it easy to find ones with black eyes (not so keen on the red ones!)?

Very.

Do they need any special care?

Plenty of cage enrichment, at least an hours free-range a day. Otherwise no nothing huge!

I personally found this forum the best if you want loads of ratty knowledge as it is a rat forum! They can recommend breeders or rescues etc... Fancy Rats • Index page

Hope this helps!

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From Rowan and the fur-kids
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Wow very useful, thanks!

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Can they live in indoor rabbit/guinea pig cages?

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Firstly, what cage is the best for a pair, and am I right in thinking a pair does best? I've seen several rat cages, but are they actually big enough?[/B]

The jenny rat cage is a great cage!

Could I have a female pair (as I don't much like the male 'view' lol)?

Yes. We had 12 females at one point.

Roughly how long do they live?

2-3 years. Depending on the health of the rat.

And can they be litter trained like hamsters?

Ye.

How hard are they to tame?

It depends....I have never had a problem however 1 female rat HATED me but loved my OH.

Do they actually use rat sized wheels, or is it like hamsters and rat wheels aren't actually big enough?

You can guy a silent spinner on the internet for £15 or so. You can also buy a less good verson at p@h.

Does one sex smell more than the other?

Not really as long as cleaned out often.

Where's the best place to get them from?

The best rats I ever had where from a pet shop that my friend owned but she bred the rats...HOWEVER I did go to a great breeder for my blue rex and my blue satin. They where fantastic.

And is it easy to find ones with black eyes (not so keen on the red ones!)?

Yes....very easy.

Do they need any special care?

Dont all animals?
Just keep a eye out for off behavour because they are prone to tumors.


Good luck!!

While the footprint is huge, rats like to climb and they dont give them that so no. People do use them as retirement cages when rats are getting a bit doddery though.

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From Rowan and the fur-kids
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Also, with rabbit/guinea pig cages, the bar spacing is way too big for young does. They'll squeeze right through, and girls, being the springier, more active gender, will seriously appreciate the climbing space and tons of things to climb up/all over/jump off etc

I have my girls in a Jenny, and I don't find the doors much of a problem (usually because my girls fly out to greet me rather than me having to pull them out of the cage!)

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RIP - Marsh, Hugo, Mako, Rufus, Seamus, Lavender, BigBoy, Tetley and Fitch <3

That's OK then, I quite like the tall cages, they take up less space as they go up!

I think when I am in the pet shop next time I'll pick up some leaflets and a book, and have a good read

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Do you not find putting shelves, toys, ropes, and hammocks etc in a pain? I have one in my cupboard after purchasing the Furet Tower because I wanted to kill it! Nows its just a hospital/emergency cage

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From Rowan and the fur-kids
Visit RatPad Hammocks! 10% of your order helping a fuzzy rescue!

Books tend to be outdated! Forums are far more up to date, I have yet to find a decent rat book/leaflet that didn't give some odd information!

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From Rowan and the fur-kids
Visit RatPad Hammocks! 10% of your order helping a fuzzy rescue!