What type of pet rat should I get?

Question

I want to get a pet rat and I want to get one that is really friendly and bonds with you. Also, one that doesn't bite a lot and playful.

And how much are rats at pet stores?

Answer 1

adopt one! or save a feeder! feeder rats are like $3 and rats and humane societies are the same as the ones at pet stores and are usually spayed. and rats from pet stores are usually sick when you buy them so save one in need!

Answer 2

All rats are the same, there are no specific breeds at pet stores. They should cost between 5 and 10 dollars. Most of the rats that are sold in pet stores are Snake food.

Answer 3

First of all, please do not get a single rat. The minimum amount of rats to have is two. They are social animals, and keeping one alone will be depriving it of its basic requirements. You will in other words be neglecting it.

Secondly, there really are no "types" of rats. All rats are the same. The only difference is in the way they look. So no matter what colour, pattern, fur type, or ear type you get, it will be the same rat, no different than any other. All rats do have their own personality, so it is a gamble either way.

Please avoid petstores as much as you can! Rats are very sensitive, and if recklessly bred, like they are in all pet stores, you are bound to wind up with sickly rats. Most rats in pet stores are ill with mycoplasmosis, which leads to respiratory problems. If you want healthy pets, find a reputable small breeder that does not sell to stores. Or, even better, find a shelter, and SAVE some rats. They will not be as healthy as breeder rats, but at least you will save them from being put to sleep. All my rats are adopted, and so incredibly loving! It is the way you treat them that counts.

Edit: Cassandr... there is NO difference between "fancy" and "blue" rats. Fancy is just a bogus term for ALL rats that are domestic. So the only rats that are not considered "fancy", are wild ones, and they are never pets! And blue is not a type of rat, but a colour. Just like fawn or black, or agouti. Technically, blue rats are "fancy".

Here is a very nice site which lists and pictures all the variations of rats: http://www.afrma.org/fancyrm.htm

I'll also add that there is a difference between males and females. Males are usually a lot calmer and thus are often better for being cuddly. Females are more excitable and don't stay still. But this is only a stereotype. I have had plenty of lazy females and active males.

Rats in general are very pack-oriented. Once bonded, they will accept you into their "family" and beg you to interact with them.

And no animal will bite for no reason. A rat will only bite if extremely threatened. Just respect their space, and never worry about bites!

Answer 4

well i got mine at the pet store i got the feeder rats cause there only like 3 to 5 bucks.and i wanted to save there life.its not that hard to get them use to you.and ive never been bit by them.but its really up to you

Answer 5

I advise you to get a hamster instead of rat.. because hamsters is more cute and friendly, and they do not grow so huge, and don't have a long tail...

Answer 6

rats normaly cost around $3-15.00 at the pet store. some breeds of mini rats are very playful and friendly.  

Answer 7

My advice, if you want a rat that is all of what you mentioned, don't get one at a pet store, get one from an actual breeder who has handled the baby rats since they were very young, those rats are already used to being handled by humans, in the right way, unlike pet store rats who are treated like food.

Answer 8

All rats are NOT the same.

There are Fancy rats and Blue rats. Those two are the most common at pet stores. You might not find the Blue rats at yours, but maybe in a larger town near-by?

Most rats DON'T bite. I have never heard of one that bites, actually. All rats love to play and all rats LOVE humans.

It ALL depends on how you treat her from day one.

And some personalities can vary. Sometimes you get adventurous ones, sometimes you get the kind that only like to be on your shoulder. I have two adventurous rats, and a scaredy rat, but she loves me very much.

If you walk around the house with her on your shoulder, she'll bond with you. Have her out while you're watching t.v. and let her run around on the couch.

The better you treat your rat the better the treat you. The more you play the more they will love you. It's true.

They are great pets! Lots of fun! and good companions.

My rats are great listeners, too :). Never talk back or tell you your an idiot.

Good luck!

Answer 9

There are no particular different types of rats, the pet form's scientific name is Rattus Norvegicus, they are larger than their wild cousins, Rattus Rattus. These two types of rats hate each other with a passion!!  Within the pet or fancy rat population there are however many different colours and coat patterns/types, none of these have a certain temperament, they're all pretty much the same.

The four main types are:  Standard - just a normal rat.  Dumbo - a rat with bigger ears more on the side of their heads.  Hairless - some have just a little bit of hair, others have none at all.  Tail-less - yeah you guessed it no tail.

Colourwise/Coat patterns include selfs: one standard colour all over their body.  Hooded: Head to shoulders a solid colour, with a line extending down middle and back to and can include tail.  Berkshire: Solid coloured body but has white feet and white patch on bellie.  Downunder: a pattern developed in Australia, solid body and a white stripe along bellie.  Irish Berkshire: solid body, white feet and a tryangle white patch on chest.  There may be a few more but i am unaware of them.  Colours include Agouti based coats:  These rats if you look closely have three bands of colour on each hair and black based coats: hair is entirely the same colour.  You can get rats from black and chocolate to dove(a soft grey) to Albino(Pure white with pink eyes).  Their colour or type dosen't change their attitude.  

I live in Australia and have purchased rats from pet shops and they have cost me anything from between 10 and 20 dollars each.  It is advisable to try and get into contact with a breeder, you are pretty much guaranteed a rat who has been bred from parents with a good temperament and will become a well adjusted member of your family. Pet store rats are sometimes bred to be snake food and temperament has not been taken into account.  Hope i've helped!! Good Luck!

   Ratz Rock!!!!!  

Answer 10

Ok, first congRATS on choosing pet rats!!! They are truly addicting, I have 27. But I have to take some to the pet store in the next few days..................... ANYWAY! There are different kinds or rats, but their personality's differ, all rats are different! They are no breeds, only varieties, color, fur texture and body. What you are looking for as a socialized rat, bo to your petstore or liik for ads on builiten boards and the newspaper, go take a look at all the rats avaibale. Look for one that comes up to you, and which ones seem to take a special interist in you. Young or old, they all are truely great!