Rat or Hamster?

Question

I'm trying to decide which one would make a better pet. Which do you prefer? The following things are what i'm looking for in a pet, and you guys tell me which one would be best:

1) Something easy to hold. I want a pet that doesn't mind being picked up and held. How easy are they to pick up and hold? How long can you hold a rat or a hamster?

2) Something that won't "go" on me all the time. It's fine if it's for the first few times I pick it up, and then it stops after awhile because it's used to me. But I don't want somethign that for it's entire life it goes to the bathroom on everything!

3) Which one gets to know their owner better? I would guess rat, but i could be wrong.

I was considering a guinea pig, but apparently they need to be fed 3 times a day and i'm in high school so i'm not sure if i could follow through on that. Also i'll be going to college in like 4 years, and they live like 5+ years.

Anyway, which one would be better and why and what are your experiences w/ them?

Answer 1

Rats are easier to hold. If you were to go to Petco or Petsmart the workers would say a rat because at the Petcos and Petsmart I went to and I was trying to get a hamster they said they wouldn't recommend them and that they always get bit from them. This is why I am getting fancy mice.

If you like smaller animals get fancy mice. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fancy_mice

Answer 2

better to hold:  Hamsters, sense rats are smarter, they think that you will do something bad to it, but i don't know why.  

won't go on me: ?depends?

know owner better: Both, a hamster lives 2-4 years, and they LOVE to be talked to, and are SUPER friendly!

Rats are nice too, but not as cute as hamsters. Rats tend to stink more, and pee out of thier cages instead on inside, plus

they are harder to litter box train. Rats are smarter though too, you can teach rats tricks.    I would pick a Hamster, but it's up to you, if you want a pet that you can teach tricks to, then get a rat.......hope i helped!

Answer 3

I say you need a rat because its easier to hold and they love being picked up and you can hold them as long as you want

Answer 4

Here is information about rats and hamsters, hopefully this will help you decide if a rat or hamster is the right pet for you.

P.S: the rat and hamster information is in 2 section, I put the start of each section in parenthieses (sorry I dont know how to spell that).

(Am I the right pet for you?) RAT

Rats make extremely good family pets; they are very intelligent and become quite tame with regular handling. There are many different colour variations available such as ñ white, black, agouti and chocolate. Rats are not very expensive to keep; however you should buy the largest and most interesting cage you can afford. Rats live, on average between two and two and a half years.

Where did I come form?

Fancy rats are descendants of the brown rat, which are thought to have originated from Asia. The keeping and breeding of fancy rats became popular in the early 1900's. As a result of captive breeding there are now many different colours and coat types, such as the Rex and even Hairless!

Where do I like to live?

Rats need lots of exercise and stimulation, so buy the largest cage you can afford. There are many different types of rodent cage available, however it is essential that the cage you buy is designed for rats and NOT smaller rodents such as hamsters. Perhaps the most suitable type of enclosure is either a large wire multi level cage or an aquarium with a well ventilated, secure lid as rats are extremely agile and can jump up to two feet or more! The minimum size cage for one rat is 60cm x 37cm x 22cm.

You should provide your rat with an entertaining environment. Suitable items include apple tree branches, rocks, tunnels and pieces of rope. Nesting boxes suitable for birds can also be provided. The base of the cage should be covered with a layer of wood-shavings (sawdust should not be used as it is too fine and can irritate eyes and noses, and cedar wood-shavings can cause an allergic reaction).

You can also provide your rat with paper nesting material for him to nest with. Straw is not suitable as bedding as it is too sharp and may injure your petís eyes and mouth.

Breeding

Female rats are capable of breeding at an early age. She can breed from as young as 6 weeks, but should be at least 12 weeks.

Pregnancy lasts between 21 to 23 days.

Average litter size is 8, but can vary up to 18.

The young rats eyes will open between 12 to 15 days.

The young can be removed from their mother at 4 weeks.

How to handle me

When you first get your rat home it is best to leave him alone for the first day or two, to allow him to get used to his new home. Allow your rat to sniff your hand before you handle him, this will help him get used to your smell. Gently stroke your rat in this cage to reassure him, once the rat allows your to do this he will normally allow you to pick him up. The rat should be gently scooped up with two hands, never pick him up by this tail. Once your rat becomes tame he will enjoy coming out to play at regular intervals.

Remember your rat likes to chew, so whenever you let him out of his cage he must be supervised at all times.

Keeping me fit and healthy

Rats normally stay healthy throughout their lives. However they can be prone to a number of common complaints, most of which can be avoided with correct care and attention.

Rats can be prone to breathing problems, if your rat starts sneezing and is scratching excessively and there are no signs of mites this may mean your rat is allergic to something. Cedar wood-shavings can sometimes cause allergic reactions in rats.

Your ratís teeth are constantly growing, and if they become too long he may be unable to eat properly. Signs that your rats teeth may not be growing properly are weight loss and a reluctance to eat and chew. Providing your rat with treats and a mineral block will help him to keep his teeth in trim. If your pets teeth do become overgrown your must take him to your vet.

What do I eat?

Rats in the wild are scavengers and will eat a wide range of foods. In captivity you should provide your rat with a varied diet. The basis of a good diet should consist of a dry rat mix containing a mixture of seeds, peanuts and biscuits. This should be supplemented with cooked egg and washed and dried vegetables such as sprouts, carrots, cress, tomatoes and apples. There are also a number of snacks and treats available for rats. Remember your rats basic diet should consist of a dry rat mixture, all green foods and treats should be fed in moderation to avoid upsetting his stomach.

All feed bowls should be sturdy earthenware bowls as they are heavy, gnaw proof and easily cleaned and disinfected. Uneaten food should be removed daily, and the food bowl thoroughly washed. Remember your rat will drink a lot compared to other rodents so make sure clean, fresh water is available at all times.

Do I like company?

Your rat can be kept singly providing that you give him lots of human contact, care and attention. If your prefer you can keep two females together provided you buy them as babies and at the same time. Remember that mixed sexes will breed very quickly.

Keeping me clean

The cage should be cleaned at least once a week with hot water and a disinfectant suitable for pets. Rats are very clean and normally do not smell. Your rat will normally use one area of his cage as a toilet; this may need cleaning daily to reduce any smell.

(MY HAMSTER) hamster

Am I the right pet for you?

Hamsters make good family pets. They need very little space, are easy to look after.

They are nocturnal and therefore like to hide away during the day but will come out to play in the evening. Hamsters live, on average, for two and a half years.

Where did I come from?

The Syrian or Golden hamster comes from the deserts of North Africa. They were first bred in captivity in Israel from where they were introduced as pets to Britain. More recently other breeds have appeared from different parts of the world, for example, the Chinese hamster.

Where do I like to live?

Hamsters need a lot of exercise, so buy the biggest cage you can afford, preferably at least 60 cm long

x 30 cm wide x 45 cm high.

Plastic cages with metal tops are best as wooden ones will be gnawed and splinters can damage the hamsterís pouch. The modular, stacking systems such as Rotastak provide lots of interest and fun for pet and owner and you can add extra rooms to make them larger. Use wood chips on the floor and add either shredded paper of Nestledown for bedding. Do not use hay.

Hamsters will divide their accommodation up into sleeping, eating, bathroom and play areas.

Hamsters like to exercise daily and if provided with a wheel and/or a ball they can run the equivalent of 4 - 8 miles in an evening!

How to handle me

When you first get your hamster home, leave him alone for the first day or two to et used to his new surroundings. After that it is important to handle regularly to build up a relationship, but remember hamster have very poor vision. First of all talk to him and let him get used to your voice. Then introduce your hand so that he can become used to your smell. Finally pick him up very gently by cupping one hand under him and over him. Young children should be supervised when handling hamsters and must take great care not to drop them. Eventually he should come to you and eat out of your hand.

Breeding

Hamsters can reproduce faster than any other mammal. Females can breed at 6 weeks, but should be at least 12 weeks

Length of pregnancy is 16 days

Average litter size is 6, but can vary form 2-15

The young hamsterís eyes will open after 10-15 days

The young can be removed from their mother at 3 weeks and will be fully grown by 3 months.

Keeping me fit and healthy

Hamsters normally stay healthy throughout their short lives. However, there are a number of common complaints, most of which can be avoided by looking after them correctly.

If your hamsterís coat appears ruffled, he loses his appetite, coughs and sneezes and has a nasal discharge, he probably has a cold. Keep him warm and if symptoms persist take him to the vet. Hamsters can catch colds form humans so avoid handling if you have one.

Colds can be avoided by keeping the cage out of draughts and the temperature between 18-22 degrees C. In cold weather put more bedding in the cage. If you hamster becomes too cold he may go into hibernation and will need to be warmed up in your hands to wake him up.

Hamsters are susceptible to a severe diarrhoea known as Wet Tail which should be treated immediately by a vet. The cage should then be thoroughly cleaned with disinfectant. Wet Tail can be caused by rotten or mouldy food or bedding or by stress from too much handling, particularly with a new hamster.

Your hamster may suffer a mild form of diarrhoea from too much fruit or vegetables and too many dry pellets can cause constipation. In both cased an adjustment to the diet is required.

Your hamsterís teeth will grow constantly and if they get too long he may be unable to chew properly. Hamster treats and a mineral stone will help him wear his teeth down.

The hamsterís cage should be cleaned once a week with hot water and a pet safe disinfectant. Normally a hamster will use one area of his cage as a toilet so remove the wet litter from here daily.

Never let your hamster out of his cage unsupervised and remember he like to chew things, so keep him away form electric cables!

Do I like Company?

Well looked after hamsters are quite happy living on their own and it is best to keep Syrian hamsters alone. Females can be quite aggressive at certain times of the breeding cycle and males will almost certainly fight. If you want to keep

The rest of the info is at my website listed in the sources.

Answer 5

get a rat.they are the greatest,they love being picked up,you can hold them as long as you want,it only takes them a few weeks or a month at the most for them to learn not to pee on you.rats love atention but you always have to get 2 rats they are better in pairs.nor hampster or rat lives that long,a rat lives  up to 3 years,hamsters about the same.i have loved rats since i was 5.7 rats and all of them have been great.

Answer 6

FERRET!!! =D

http://img250.imageshack.us/img250/3919/...

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ferret

Answer 7

Having owned both:

1. Hamsters take a while to tame and usually only "tolerate" being held. Rats, once socialized, are usually quite chill about being held though they might be squirmy and want to go exploring. Male rats tend to get lazier as they get older and make better lap rats then females who remain active and inquisitive.

2. Rats usually learn not to potty on their owners. They will probably mark you with little urine dribbles but as they get older and learn to control themselves more they usually don't let loose on you.

3. Rats definitely get to know their owner better. When well socialized they come to see you as part of their family, almost like a dog, and can be very affectionate and eager to greet and play with you.

All in all, it sounds like rats are what you're looking for. You need to keep in mind though that rats NEED to be kept in same s*x pairs or groups. Unlike hamsters who are territorial and must be kept alone, rats are highly social and should not be kept by themselves.

I have a website on rat care here (if you go to the main page and into small animals there's a page on hamsters too): http://www.petinfopackets.com/rats/ratin...

Answer 8

Rats are smart and can be very sweet.  Hamsters are a little moody and prone to bite.  I recommend getting a rat and handling him a lot so he's well socialized.

Answer 9

Hamsters are evill..Get a rat!

Answer 10

RAT RAT RAT!

They are so much more social than hammies and if you get two or more at once they will fight and sometimes eat each other! It's horrible! and rats have the most wonderful personalities they will be way more social than any hamster and they get to know you alot quicker!

I have two right now so . . .

Answer 11

Hamster. It depends on what kind of hamster you get though. I would recommend the teddy bear hamster because....

1) they do not mind being picked up and can be held for 10-20 minutes.

2) It only "goes" on you for the first day or two.

3) Teddy bears get used to their owner very quickly with just some soft words and gentle handling. Hamsters live a usual lifespan of 2-4 years.

Answer 12

rats are absolutely amazing pets :) i have 2 they live for around 2-4 years they are very easy to hold and love human contact and socialization with other rats so dont just get 1- same s*x pairs are the best :) they are very easy to look after and a full bowl of food will last them at least a day or 2

however they do have no bladder control so they do dribble pee a lot but only let them out where the pee is easy to wipe up but they are fantastic pets and extremely cute and do funny things at times :) i recommend them to every small animal lover and i would have a million of them if i could lol

hope i helped and hope you find a pet that is great for you :)

Answer 13

positvely...a RAT for sure. They are very intelligent, emtertaining and surprisingly clean.

Answer 14

rat

Answer 15

A rat is a social animal and a far better pet.  I have had both.  Hamsters are easily scared, can be prone to biting, and often want to escape.  I did have one hamster that was totally awesome but he got sick and died after about 3 months. :-(

On the other hand.  I had rats that adored me (or so I felt).  I could leave their cage open and they hung around the room and then always went back home to the cage.  When I came to the cage the ran TO me.  They loved to be held.  They never bit me, and lived to be more than 2 years old.  Which is a good long life for a rodent.  

Which ever you choose, the key is to get them young and hold them allot so that they know you.

My choice is definitely rats.  

As far as "going" on you.  All rodents do that.  Not much you can do about that.