Should I get rats or gerbils?

Question

I'm getting one this weekend, which one should it be? I know gerbils need to be in groups of at least two, but is it the same for rats? And are rats really that smelly compared to gerbils? Also, male or female (for both). Thanks :)

Answer 1

Rats. They're friendlier and give you lots of cuddles and kisses. Just like little dogs! Andddddd if you're upset they won't leave your side and they are very very loyal and you can train them to do cute tricks!

Answer 2

I'd perfer a rat. Rats are much nicer and can be more hand held than gerbils. Gerbils also seem to bite more.

As for the smell, just buy a bedding that absorbs the odors more, stay away from the wood shaving bedding thought, they tend to cause respiratory problems.

Rats are good in pairs, but they can also do good alone if you spend a lot of time with them.

Answer 3

from a personal experience i can tell you rats are way smellier than gerbils. and males are way better.  i am happy to help!

Answer 4

i'd go with a gerbil, just because i find rats to be disgusting. and also, pick a female, just because ;)

Answer 5

gerbils just because they rock

male! like me

Answer 6

Well, my answer is going to be slightly biased since I am a rat owner. I honestly don't believe that you can even compare the two. Rats and gerbils are different in so many ways. If you are wanting a pet that doesn't require much care or attention, then I would go with a pair of gerbils. I know that gerbils do better if kept in pairs of the same s*x so I would recommend getting two.

Now, about rats. Rats are considered to be the "dogs of all rodents" because of their nature. Rats love lots of attention and have a high tendency of bonding with their owners just as a dog would. They are very affectionate unlike gerbils and do not bite if tamed properly. Here are some downsides to rats though. They have a short lifespan of about 2-3 years...mine live longer, but that is mostly genetic. Anyways, rats require an hour of attention outside of their cage. This is extremely important for rats and if you can't provide this type of attention than you're better off owning gerbils. Rats also require lots of care because they are prone to respiratory infections. They must have a certain type of bedding, either Aspen or Carefresh, that does not contain pne or cerdar as this can irritate their respiratory tract and cause illness. Rats should have monthly vet checkups, all of mine do. They need lots of living space. About two feet per rat. No aquariums!!! Aquariums trap ammonia from rat urine which can also cause severe respiratory infections. Rats need to be kept on a select diet of fresh fruits and vegetables accompanied by dry food without a lot of nuts. You can find many sources online about rat diets, or you could even find a recipe for homemade diets which is what I do. Rats chew a lot so you will have to provide them with plenty of chew toys.

If you do really want to get a rat, spend some time doing your research because a lot of rat owners make the mistake of purchasing a rat without reading up, and then they come to find out that a rat was not the best choice of pet for them. Rats really do make great pets and if you give them the time and attention they need, you will see how rewarding owning one can be. Goodluck!

Answer 7

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Answer 8

definitely a gerbil when i think off rats i think low income housing  

Answer 9

Rats also must be kept in groups of two or more.

I prefer rats. Maybe it's because I have 5, but I've had both before and I just think rats are so much more loveable. They're very smart, can be litter trained and learn their names. Although they require a much larger cage and lots more time spent with you than gerbils. You'd also need to save up for vet bills for both, but rats seem to be more prone to respiratory infections. Rats are a bigger responsibility than gerbils.

So if you don't have much spare time or don't have much money gerbils would be the way to go. Gerbils can be sweet, as well, with taming. :] They can have smaller cages and need wheels.