Hi, are there any rat fanciers? I'm going to buy one rat baby and I need an advice if I should buy a male or a female? I'd like having a girl but I read that they are more social and need to be with other female rats, so I don't know... Thanks for any opinion. Edith
I had two female rats, I think it's best to get two any way. From my experience with keeping rats they definetly like company because they are very playful.
do not buy one rat! a single rat will be incredibly lonely and less healthy no matter if its a male or female. beleive me, ive owned rats for years. they are not meant to be alone. two rats are the same amount of work as one so theres really no reason not to get two. that being said, males are lazy and make good lap rats. they are bigger and can smell a bit but you can bathe them if you like. females are more active and fun to watch but will be less likely to settle down on your lap or shoulder. they never smell though and are smaller and less threatening to people who are scared of rats.
Me and my girlfriend each have a rat, both are male. I bought my rattie about two days ago so we're still getting the two of them used to being together. If you get more than one don't wait to get one, because introducing them takes some time and work. Our boys still don't agree about everything, but they're getting better. My girlfriend's rat is a homebody. If we take him out of the cage he sits for a minute then ambles back to his home and climbs in. My rat, on the other hand, will curl up in my lap for a while and then eventually get curious and go explore. We bathe them to keep them from smelling too much. Spartacus (the older rat, my girlfriend's rat) likes asserting his size and dominance over Riff Raff (of course, my rat). I'd suggest, if you get two rats, try to get two that are similar in size and age.
Ive only ever had females, I had two and they got along great. Personally, Id go for 2 females again because theyre so social and clean. Good luck!
Rats are sociable creatures and prefer to have a friend....so I have to agree with everyone that said get two! I prefer female rats.......mine were always very sweet and sociable.
Never had a female rat i've had many male rats and they we're all very sweet. My friend had to female and they where NUTS! bit everyone
