How old do female rats have to be to get sprayed?

Question

I heard that spraying female rats can prevent tumors later in life. I have 2 rats that are 6 1/2 weeks. I also have 2 rats that are 3 month old rats (almost 4), and 3 rats that are 6+ month rats. I don't know their age exactly, since they were bought at a pet store.

Answer 1

1. its "spaying"

2.ask your vet,they might have different age preferences,and some don't spay rats :)

Answer 2

it really depends on the vets. some vets do it later than others and some dont do it at all. rats can start to breed at the age of 6 weeks so im guessing around 8 weeks of age.

Answer 3

'm not sure of the earliest age that you can spay rats but I would imagine it will vary from pratice to practice.

I've heard various sides of the debate on spaying rats.

It is said that it might reduce the risk of tumors but there seems to be little scientific evidence to back it up.

Because of their size it is a serious operation for a rat and does carry significant risks.

If you decide to go for it find a vet that has lots of experience with small animal surgery and talk all the pros and cons over with them.

Answer 4

Yes, it is true that it can prevent mammary tumor in female rats. It is said that a rat that is not spayed has a risk of 74% of getting one rather a rat that IS spayed has only a 4%risk. It is not nesscary, unless of course you want to keep a female rat and a male rat in the same cage. I have never spayed my rats and am not considering, at any time soon, doing it.

If you decide you do want to get your female rat spayed, see your vet and he will tell you the risks of surgery.

This website may help:

http://www.prrr.org/ratcare/spayneuter/s...

The website Darksong mentioned before, also looks good!

http://www.petinfopackets.com/rats/rathe...

Good luck! What ever you decide to choose, is all up to you. I hope this helps.

Answer 5

Information on fixing rats:

http://www.petinfopackets.com/rats/rathe...

Answer 6

never heard of spaying rats....ask vet