Should i get a male or a female rat?

Question

i can only get one rat so, i was wondering which is better, i have done reasearch and i like both, the only con about males is scentmarking and females are prone to tumors!!!

Answer 1

I'd recommend a male rat, its not that i dont like females, its just i've always had male rats and they are really sweet and easy to become friends with, although some of the answers said males have large testicles, it is true, but you can used to it really easily, it wont bite you or anything =P

Answer 2

Male rats are usually more laid back then female rats who are more frisky. But male rats need pants if you know what i mean! lol! Any way I would Base it mor on there personality. You can go to your local pet store or a humane society where they have rats sometimes. When you are there play with them and figure out wich are cuter and wich are nicer and have a good personality!

Enjoy your rat!

p.s. i have 6 pet rats!

Answer 3

I think male rats are more friendly.

Answer 4

if you don't want to touch something gross than get a FEMALE for sure   but make sure to get it young like when it is first put into the pet store so it will be a little nicer than an old geezer

hope i helped out  :-)

Answer 5

If you can only get one rat, I'd recommend not getting one at all. Rats are very social animals and you shouldn't get them unless you can get at least 2.

If you're totally determined to get them no matter what I say (and no matter what is best for the rat).. it just depends. As you said, males sometimes mark and females are more prone to tumors (although both are prone, females just a little moreso). Females are smaller, so they can squeeze of more spaces. They usually need smaller bar spacing than males. Males have...well.. large.. testicles. :P Some people don't like the sight of them, so that's a consideration. Although I have 5 boys and don't mind it. Males tend to get lazier as they get older, and will be content to hang out on your lap. Females will usualyl stay pretty active and aren't as cuddly as males. Females are also easier to introduce to new girls, although males can be introduced successfully as well.

Answer 6

get a male

males are less aggressive

Answer 7

two of my 5 female rats have tumors.. but u cant prevent them.. females in my opinion r sweeter.. and u should have two rats because they r very social and get bored easily. males r more tense i think.. but im sure they both make great pets..

Answer 8

Well, if you can not egt to rats, it is better to get none. Rats CRAVE copmpanionship just like humans. If you want one pet  get a hampster since they are solitary. Read and see why- http://www.rmca.org/Resources/apair.txt

Please put the rats needs b4 your wants. If you want a rat then get 2 or none, bottom line.

Answer 9

I hav a male and female for 5 yrs both rat i ll lay out a graph for you

get a female:::::                                    

- their sweeter

- smatter

-attach them selves easley

i my self would not suggest a male their more likley to bite but who am i to tell you what kind of rat to get

    a better suggestion

is to go to a local pet store hold all of their rats and see which one you like the best dont judge by sexes

   thats what i did and i dont regret it at all because i arigionally walked into the pet shop to get a male rat and walked out with a female dont judge ur opion upon others let nature take its coarse here and yes they both hav there ups and downs but what if your baby had a tumor that dosent meen you wouldnt hav it or take care of it all im trying to say here is dont judge by any of these opions

INCLUDING MINE!!!

Answer 10

You should ignore all diseases because your rat will most likely not get them. That aside, it's general that females are more accepting towards new owners. They're less likely to bite and more affectionate and won't be as aggressive with you. Males will take longer to get use to, they'll be nervous with you at first and may bite more.

And Males do develope an orangey discharge on their backs, which you may need to clean occasionally if it gets out of hand, just by giving them a quick bath in the sink. One your rats get to know you, people have noticed that males tend to like to snuggle and be with their owners more, while females will like to have adventures and explore. Males tend to be lazier. Either gender will be rewarding once you get to know them, I have two female rats right now and they're very loving.

Also, it should be noted that you absolutely cannot keep just one rat. Yeah, there are people who succesfully do it, but you have some things to consider. Single rats cannot be left alone for more than a day, they will go into panic, they will be distressed, and will begin to reject food. Single rats won't live as long or as happily. Rats are social pack animals and absolutely rely on at least another pal. Also, socializing with your rat will be extremely difficult if you just have one. I had a single rat who would not come to me or even let me touch her, and when I got her a friend, she was much more open, the effect took place immediately. I know some people worry that having two will make the rats bond with each other instead of with you, but I can assure you it won't happen at all. Both rats will bond with you and will love to see you, and it will result in you being more satisfied, and your pets being more satisfied, so I advise that you absolutely buy two. If you really must buy one, because you either don't have enough money or because you just can't take care of them, then you have some plans to make and you should understand that it's an even bigger responsibility to keep one rat. Two rats aren't anymore trouble than one, and they'll be so much happier!

Answer 11

Male.

Answer 12

I had a male rat and he was very friendly and loving.

Answer 13

Haha. I worked at a Petco all through high school and incountered many a rat in my day. Behavior-wise they are nearly identical... the only thing that was persuade me to purchase a female rate is well.... having to deal with the uh... male reproductive parts that the boys have. With adult rats their... reproductive parts... namely testicles, get very large and kinda hang off them/behind them. As a teenager it always freaked me out... these giant things being dragged along haning under their tails. Rats can suck them in a little, but they're still there. Hahaha. So that would be my only reason to try and get a female rat instead.     : )

Answer 14

I had a female rat when I was young.  It was the absolute smartest, sweetest animal.  Unfortunately she did end up getting a really bad tumor that we ultimately had to put her down for.  But...she was awesome!