Should I have my rat neutered?

Question

I know a lot of sites say you should get your rat neutered. I just got a young male and am getting a second within the next couple of days. I don't have to worry about little ratties, but its a common request of breeders and experienced rat owners. I've heard it stops aggression, but what if there are no signs of aggression? Should I have both male rats neutered or leave them be?

Answer 1

I agree with Kenzie K.

There is no clear-cut RIGHT decision on neutering.

You should do whatever you're comfortable with. There is always a risk associated with putting a rat under anesthesia, but neutering does reduce the risk of tumors and tempers some aggression.

I chose not to neuter my boys, because they are not aggressive and I'd rather not put them through a surgery. That means they are more likely to get tumors, so I'm building up my vet fund just in case.

Whichever you choose is perfectly OK.

Answer 2

Yes, get them neutered.

Answer 3

It simply depends on what you think

They have to put rats under anesthetics to neuter them and they don't always survive the anesthesia.

I think personally that neutering should be up to the owner, but also used as a last resort, because its a pretty dangerous .

If your rats don't show signs of aggression, then I don't see why you should. But there's also a phase which they go through which they go through a macho-man phase sort of thing. Its somewhere between 2months and 6 months I think but I can't find the website that says so..

Good luck with your babies :)

Answer 4

According to my sources, it would probably be better for the rat's health to have him neutered.

Looks like there's health/behavioral problems if he isn't neutered...

Hope it helps.