I have had both rats and mice and male mice have the worst smell. I have 22 rats at the moment (2 litters) and considering the amount they smell better than the mice ever did. Also I tend to use a cage deodoriser normally for in between changes although not while I have young ones.

Thanks for all your help guys

Thats ace! Can't believe tiny little mice smell more than rats lol! Gonna have a big think about all your advice. i really like rats though like you say they have amazing personalities.

Thanks

If you do go for a pair (or more) of rats make sure you either go to a breeder or a local rescue centre - don't support the awful pet shop trade.

Definately rats, i had mice before and they smelled worse than my boy rats ever have. They say if you cant have a dog get a rat- they are really intelligent and being bigger than mice they are easier (i find) to handle and they are much more responsive.

they do need more space than mice but you need a lot of time to coax the mice into being your friends

hope this helps

wow you guys certainly know your stuff. I think I might look into it a bit more before deciding.
Your advice is fab thank you so much for taking the time to help me out. I will try and post some helpful hints and tips aswell - if i know any lol just kidding.

LT

If you have harvest mice they don't smell like normal mice and they are soooooo loving, I have 3 and 5 babys at the moment and they really are a joy to own, they love being handled and always come out when they hear me and because they aren't nocturnal you do see them a lot in the day.