Should I get pet rats or mice and how can I convince my parents?

Question

Hey,

Well I want to get pet rats or mice. Which one should I get and why? What is the basic care for it? And how can I convince my parents to let me get them? We've had mice in the past and they thought they stunk. Thankyou so much,

Matt

Answer 1

Did you have male mice?  I have female mice and they don't stink at all.  Of course, they live in a wire cage and I clean it pretty regularly.

Mice take up less room then rats, and don't need quite the amount of time, either.  And obviously, since they are smaller they don't eat as much, and use less bedding, etc.  

Rats are definitely more interactive, they love to be with their people.  But they also need pretty big cages.  For a pair of rats (and you want to have at least a pair) expect to spend at least 70 on a decent cage.  And really, you should get as large of cage as possible.  On top of that, they need a minimum of an hour out of teh cage a night, and they will only be sweet and social if you spend a lot of time caring for them.

Answer 2

well, both are great. rats are somewhat more loving but mice are cuter and maybe stink less. just print some information about them off google and tell them it's what you want. just beg them non stop until they get you them (at least get two, not opposite genders) thats what my friend did :)

Answer 3

I would go rats. Rats are 'cleaner'. they are also a little more playful. They dont smell either, but def talk to the guy at the pet shop and find out which would be better depending on the cage size and your cash flow and the amount of time you can spend with them. Good luck, if all else fails, get hermit crabs lol

Answer 4

Mice, but that's just my preference because rats are creepy.

As far as smell is concerned you could keep an air purifier near the cage with one of those smell inserts. We get ours from walmart near the air filters.

Answer 5

if u get them...buy the odor remover. i use it for my hamster and it works!!! you should get mice....they are easier to train in my opinion...hope i helped!!!

Answer 6

get 2 female rats and research allot {BEFORE} you get them you need to give them lots of attention and clean there cage once a week (they'll stink less)

Answer 7

Definitely rats.

They are actually pretty affectionate and loyal. Kinda like a dog. Also, if your rat gets sick it is ALOT easier to treat a rat than a mouse. they also have a little bit longer life span.

As for your parents, write a report. State all the reasons you want a pet rat or mouse(whichever you decide), some of the draw backs and what you are gonna do to remedy these. Make a whole presentation with diagrams and charts. Show that youve thought of this all the way around. They will be so impressed with your effort theyll have to let you get a new friend.

Thats what Im gonna make my kids do when they want something.

Answer 8

Rats seem to be smarter but also require larger cages and things they cant chew through

mice can obviously chew but not as powerful

i find that they both do have a slight odour even when the cage is cleaned

they are actually quiet hygienic animals, youve probably seen them cleaning themselves before

the smell comes from males more and the cage being dirty

basic care is fresh water and proper food as well as a running wheel and other toys, plus a small hiding area for them to sleep

if your parents are worried about the smell just make sure you clean the cage often :)

Answer 9

i got mice two weeks ago and they are really easy to take care of.  so i think you should get mice. i think they eat less so that is less money spent on food.  they don't stink, but they do have a certain smell just like any other animal if you don't change the bedding then the cage will smell.  basic care is clean and change the bedding every four to five days, feed when ever the bowl is empty and provide some activities like a wheel and some wood things to climb and chew on. they also need like some huts cause they like to sleep im them. make sure u get all females or u will have little mouse babies. two of my females were pregnant when i got them so make sure the place u bought them will take the babies!!! I don't know how to help you convince your parents. except say that they are inexpensive and easy to maintain. if you have anymore questions so search mice as pets on whatever search engine u like.

Answer 10

When I was in the 4th grade I  had a pet white rat.  She was very sweet.  Never  bit anybody.  She loved running up and down my arm.

I'd go with a White Rat.  There was very little if any odor and the messes are not bad at all.