Could someone describe some of the less desirable aspects of owning rats?

Question

I only ask because when I get my pair I want to be prepared, and not get any nasty suprises, especially with my first pair and all ;;

Answer 1

Don't listen to the person who said rats bite, they don't lol. I don't really see any down points in rats. They are amazing pets but male rats do tend to mark their territory (pee) more than females and males sometimes get in more scuffles than females. Other then that their awesome pets.

Good Luck!!

:)

Answer 2

The urine trail left by male rats is a little offsetting sometimes. I find they mostly mark my hands and feet. I have three males and all three of them love me so much they pee on me lol! I do not find that it smells tho.

Answer 3

i hateeee rats

Answer 4

They die at an early age. Average life span of about 2-3 years. Anymore than that you're considered LUCKY !

Answer 5

Um... Smell maybe? but if you keep the cage clean. And the environment nice, nothing bad can come of it! I like rats. I hate bugs though lol.

Answer 6

It's gonna attrack snakes unless you keep them sealed up...

Answer 7

When you first get a rat sometimes they can be scared of you and other thing to . But as the become more attached to you and will be more friendly. They may bite only if the are very scared or feel threatened or if they were raised badly. I have two rats and had one before that and none of them have ever bitten me.

Answer 8

They smell, and they're dirty

Answer 9

Rats themselves can smell.

They can bite if they're in a bad mood or if your hands smell like food.

At the start, they may pee and poo on you-but they stop once more trained.

They're over curious and it can be hard to let them run loose unless you've rat-proofed the area.

That's...really about it.

Answer 10

Well, if you don't keep up with the cleaning, it can get pretty stinky, as with any animal. Having them litter trained, and changing their litter boxes every day will help a lot.

If your pair is male, they will at first urinate on everythign in small amounts when out of the cage. They do this to mark unknown territory. At first, it's a bit unpleasent, but honestly, for me it's easier to just accept the fact rather than get upset each time. If you don't want them peeing on you, keep a towel handy to they aren't on you directly. Most males will stop marking after they get used to the place.

Like any rodents, they defend themselves through biting. So avoid terrifying them, especially in the beggining. Give them a good few weeks where you don't try touching them at all. Just so they can settle down. If you stress them out too much at once, and if they are not used to people, they will probably give you a nip or two. Reemmber that rats "see" through their mouths, and test new things by, not biting, but gently nibbiling. Sometimes when they get really excited, those gentle nibbles can surprise you, but know that they are not bites.