Where should I get my rat???

Question

Pet shops are the cheapest and I will not rescue one but there isn't any breeders near where I live. If I do get one from a pet store should I get it from Petsmart or Petco. What breed should I get also Male or Female

Answer 1

Whether you want male or female rats, you need to either get them in a pair or a group. A lot of people think male rats can be alone and they fight with others all the time, but this is not true. They need rat companions just as much as female rats. If you can only get one rat, I'd suggest not getting one. Rats with no buddies can get depressed and even fiesty.

Yes, pet shops are usually cheapest, but why won't you rescue? There are a lot of rats who need homes, and I'm sure rats at animal shelters would appreciate a loving home, too. If you can't rescue, then check craigslist in your local area and see if someone is trying to rehome their rats. That is a good idea.

But, if you must get one from a pet store, I suggest PetSmart. Compared to all the Petcos and PetSmarts I have been to, PetSmart always takes better care of the animals and they always seem healthier.

There are no different "breeds" of rats. They are all rats, but the fur type, color, and ears can be different. The personality does not differ because of this traits. It all depends on the rat. I would ask an employee to let you play with all of the rats and then you can choose the ones you like best.

Now, there *are* differences in personalites in males and females. Males are a bit more lazy and don't mind laying around with you. They do tend to get in a few more scuffles with their cage mates, but this does not mean they can't live with others. They sometimes smell a bit more than females, and tend to pee and "marinate" themselves. (They just lay in the pee). Females are more active, and would rather explore than stick around for a long petting. They will occasionally come up to be scratched for a second, then they run off again to play. They do usually smell as much. A downside to females is they are prone to tumors. This risk can be reduced by getting them spayed. A lot of rat owners do this. It is very good for the help. Neutering males is also a good idea. It calms them down.

Rats are great pets and very enjoyable to have. Good luck!

Answer 2

If you want to get just one- It doesn't matter but females smell better

If you want to get multiple rats but not breed them get two es so that they don't start killing each other

It doesn't matter which store.

Answer 3

Can I ask why you won't rescue one? Lots of rats need homes, and they're usually healthier and better socialized than pet store rats.

Anyway, if there are truly NO breeders around, I suppose a pet store is your only option.. I would go to Petsmart. While neither store is the best choice, Petsmart only sells rats as pets, whereas Petco sells rats for feeders as well. I think they'd both probably be equal healthwise, but Petsmart's rats may be slightly better socialized. Either way, check both stores and handle the rats there. Whichever seem healthiest and most friendly. You should also make sure to get 2 rats, they should not be kept alone.

Males tend to be a bit more mellow and laid back, while females are a bit more curious and hyper as they get older. These are just generalizations, though, as a female may be lazy and a male may be full of energy. Sometimes it'll vary. Males tend to 'mark' sometimes, which some people dislike. I haven't noticed a significant smell difference, personally, but some say males smell more.

Answer 4

If you want one you should have male. If you want more then one you should have female. If you want baby rats, buy one of each...

Answer 5

I'd stay away from pet stores. Eventhough they are cheaper and closer to you, with pet store rats you just never know what you are going to get. You may end up with an extremely aggressive rat, or one that has many genetic health problems that shorten their lifespan. It is always best to go with a reputable breeder, and the second best option would be a rescue - but if you would prefer not to rescue, that option is not really available.

Have you tried checking the many breeder listing sites to find a breeder near you? I'd recommend www.ratster.com, and it has the most up-to-date listing.

You can also look into rat clubs and shows in your area.  Attending one of these would be a great way to meet local breeders and obtain your new rats.

Answer 6

You really should look into adoption. I've recently adopted 2 from a local rescue and they are SOOO healthy. The adoption fee is really cheap. If you live near Maine visit mainelyratrescue.org. They are wonderful people to go through. A lot of shelters will meet up with you as well. Petco and Petsmart usually only have white rats too, because they're usually feeders. Goodluck on your search!

Answer 7

Breeders really are the best places. If you go to a shop, please check on their living conditions - are they clean, is there enough water? Do the rats look well? (bright eyed, no discharge from the nose/eyes/a**s, no scabs) Ask what they're fed and what they're bedded on (avoid rats bedded on wood shavings - this is bad for their lungs) If the rats look well, then go ahead.

It's better to buy two or more of the same gender, as they are very sociable animals and get lonely quickly. Males are more docile and tend to be lazier, and females more lively (and some say better to train) so it's down to what you want in a pet. Be aware that females are quite prone to tumours, so it's likely that you'll have to pay for vet care at some point - if you can't afford that, don't get the rats!

Make sure you get them a big cage. Commercial hamster cages are just too small. Ferret cages are best, but make sure they don't have wire floors as this can hurt the poor rat's feet.

Enjoy your pets!