Hi everyone

I've not been in the rodent section much, as I've not had rodents for a while now. But yesterday my sister (who lives with me) got 2 baby rats after having 1 a few years ago who was a dream but sadly died at the age of 3.

They are really lovely, from a great breeder (who's happy for me to go back and get some if I decide too.) and they are soo friendly and socialable! I've really loved rats for quite a while and done quite a lot of research, and also have experience as I Looked after my sisters rat for her quite a bit in the past. They are lovely pets and really misunderstood by the public (most people I know think they are dirty, smelly, aggressive animals who live in the sewers,despite me trying to explain that pet rats are not the same!)

So I need some help! What do you recommend/think I should have.. Here are a few boxes I'd like to be ticked.

1) I'd like them to be friendly and enjoy being handled/roaming/playing.

2) I'd like them to be able to live inside in a large cage.

3) I'd like them to be fairly calm, I can't handle something that's 'skittish' and shy and not enjoying being handled.

So please post what you think, any info/stories on the breed are welcomed and much appreciated! Thanks!

P.S
At the moment Rats are top and I think gerbils probably second (not too sure.) I'm not overly keen on the size of ferrets as they are a little bigger-but whatever suits best! also I'm not keen on hamsters, sorry.

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I would have rats again in a heartbeat but my O/H's dog has HUGE prey drive so its not really fair on him

If u get them from a good breeder they will be calm anyway to be honest, u get more problems when u get the from pet shops etc x

Thanks for the input really helped! the rats are from a lovely breeder, who ensures all her pets are socialised, tame and very friendly when new owners come to see them. I went with my sister to pick them up Friday, and they were all adorable! I got to handle and stroke quite a few and they were all active and came to sit on me We stayed for about an hour and a half at the breeders, just generally talking about rats. She was really good! x

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To be honest i would stick with her then, rat breeders seem to be few and far between at the min (i've hunted lol)

God im so jealous right now lol xx

Thanks again for the input, I hope your dream comes true one day and you get rats! they are a lovely pet and from the start I was pretty sure I was going to choose them, which I most probably will! xx

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It sounds like you have your heart set on a rat so I would go for them if I was you .
Plus you know lots more about looking after them.

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http://snugfuzzlove.piczo.com/?cr=3 Fuzzie hammocks

I've just phoned the breeder we are going to pick up two more ratties tommorrow!

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YAYY I bet you cannot wait, are you getting boys or girls?? looking forwards to seeing some photos.

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http://snugfuzzlove.piczo.com/?cr=3 Fuzzie hammocks

I can't wait, very exited! literally jumping off the Walls! I'm getting two boys hopefully, or maybe 3 if I'm lucky. She said I'm welcome to take three, but I think two will be enough for now. and don't worry, when they are home you'll be soo bored of me, showing everyone all the pictures!

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Who is up for banning the OP!!! BLASPHEMY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!


Joking!! Rats are great...can't wait for pics!!

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