Rat questions?

Question

How important is it to keep rats in pairs or more? For my next pet, i'm probably getting rats and i was just wondering, what if the pet store only has one rat? Can I just take it without a another one. I don't really want to do the whole introducing thing because i'm scared of what might happen if they hate each other.

Also, is there aything different about hairless ones or dumbos? I hear dumbos are more gentle and docile than regular ones, is that true? And what's different about taking care of a hirless rat than with a haired rat?

Answer 1

Very, very important. You shouldn't buy from a pet store anyway. Pet store rats tend to be sick and the females may come home pregnant. Plus it's not a good idea to support pet stores and their mills.

I'd adopt a pair from a reputable breeder or rescue. Dumbos are no different than standards personality wise, they just have different ears. The bit about them being more docile is a myth.

Hairless care: http://ratguide.com/health/figures/conge...

Why rats need to be kept in pairs or groups:

http://www.nfrs.org/company.html

http://www.ratfanclub.org/single.html

Breeders and rescues:

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

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

Answer 2

we have had "stripes" for 3 years.on two seperate occassions we tried to  place another rat with him. after the first week or so he ate the other rat.both times.i dont know if stripes behavior is typical of all rats .in the pet shops they are housed together.anyways,stripes lives alone and he does just fine.

Answer 3

aq rat will be fine by itself aslong as it gets plenty of attention. If you won't be able to give it alot of attention, get another one.

Answer 4

you can have 1 rat my sister had two pet rats but oth at different times in her life and they where each by themselves and lived a long time