Male Rats as pets -Pros and Cons?

Question

I want to get 2 male rats for pets. I like the fact that they tend to be more laid back and lazy. What are the pros and cons to having male rats? Also, what are the pros and cons of rats in general?

Thanks. :)

Answer 1

You are right about the males being more laid back and lazy as compared to the females, but that is not true for every male.  Also some of the things you need to consider.  Males are about twice as big as the females, and unless they are neutered, they have a stronger odor, greasier fur and do more urine markings than the ladies.  However, providing they are not superhyped on hormones, they will usually be the ones to sit with you happily, where as the smaller, sleeker female will be much more curious and quicker.  They may be half the size of the males, but they are twice as mischievious.

I have currently 10 adult rats, and would never trade them in for the world.  They are highly intelligent, which can be concidered both a pro and a con.  I makes them very easily trainable, but at the same time they require a lot of mental stimulation to keep them happy.

Answer 2

Male rats

PROS - Laid back *once they're older, they have the active childhood to get past*, big & cuddly.

CONS - Tendency to 'mark' with urine *this includes you & your furniture*, can fight with each other for no other reason than raging hormones. Unneutered males get 'buck grease' *orange coloration on skin* which can be a tad smelly, but a nice bath can keep that in control.

Rats (in general)

PROS - Intelligent, social, full of personality.

CONS - Short lifespan (2-3 yrs on average. Some have reached 4-5 years, though), prone to tumors & respiratory infections.

P.S. The cons may SEEM like more, but their pros, no matter how ''short'', are WELL worth dealing with the cons. :)

Answer 3

Rats are amazing pets!  They are super intelligent and social.  Personally they are my favorite rodent.  I also personally prefer females because of their curiosity.  But if you are looking for the laid back and laziness you are right with going with males.  As mentioned before, they can become quite a bit larger than females. Because of the laid back personality I have found that males are less likely to bite unless you really make them mad (or they are a mean unsocialized rat which yours should not be).  In the case that you do have an unsocialized, mean male it will bite much harder than females.  This is just from my own experiance, but females tend to just give "love bites."  Anyway all in all I think rats are definitely very good pets to go with.  Either way, males and females both have thier own personality qualities and I think you will be happy with whatever rat pet you choose.