I am getting a fancy rat?

Question

I am planning to buy a fancy rat. I have a few questions. Can I have only one rat by itself? If i need another one can i have 2 males? Thanks so much, any other help would be appreciated!

Answer 1

Yes, you could get only one rat, although it is reccommended to get 2. This is because they tend to get very lonely, which can lead to depression, and can even be fatal. If you do choose to only get one, you just have to be sure to spend lots of extra time with it, esp. within the first 2-3 weeks so that it bonds with you. I'm seriously talking 2-4 hours a day. You would also need to make sure that your rat has lots of toys to play with, so it doesn't get cage boredom when you're away. A larger cage could also help so that it has more room to run, explore, nest, etc. even if it is just for one rat. Actually, one of the upsides to only getting one rat is that they bond with you closer. Two males would be just fine, as long as they were both neutered. When they don't use their reproductive organs, they tend to get cancer in those areas, which can lead to expensive medical bills. Males are also aggressive towards eachother when they are not neutered because they feel they have to compete for a female. Remember to do your research. Make sure you take everything into consideration before buying a rat. I've found that looking up supplies and making a WishList on PetSmart or PetCo has helped. Hope this helps, and best of luck!

Answer 2

well some organizations consider keeping only one rat cruelty to it because they really really need another rat, even if you were with them 24/7 they still would need another on and you can have 2 males yes if they are in the same cage from  where ever your buying it thought!

Answer 3

Absolutely get two males. They should not be kept alone. Instead of buying, why not adopt?: http://www.petfinder.com/

Answer 4

yes rats do better in same s*x pairs as they are social animals so this sounds like a perfect idea :)

Answer 5

I would never get just one rat. People that have any knowledge on rats will tell you this. Always get 2 rats. They say if you have up to 4 hours a day to play and spend time with them you only need one but I dont care. I would get 2. Rats are extremely social animals and in the wild travel in packs(so to speak). Domestic rats are the same. They need that companionship. Think of it this way. How would you like to be in one area all the time with no one to talk to? It would get boring and you would get depressed. Rats are the same way. I have been raising rats for about 6 years now and I have 17 females right now. I recommend getting 2 and if you get 2 males they should be fine together. Rats rarely fight and if they do its usually over dominance but once the pecking order has been established no fights usually break out.

Answer 6

if you want you can buy 2 if you think it will be lonly or you can buy on and  see in the futrue if it is  lonley