rats

[bobcinem2004]

does anyone have pet rats? I want to get them, but i dont know if they will make good pets.

[B00]

I had one a few years ago- called Basil- he was ace. He used to sit on my shoulder and eat Maltesers.

They need constant handling as they become very timid otherwise, other than that they are superb pets.

Hope ya get one- they brilliant animals :-)

[Buenchico]

The RSPCA website has some useful information about pet rats:
http://www.food.gov.uk/enforcement/imports/want_to_impor t/cakes_sweets

Chris

[Buenchico]

Oh, rats!!!
I've just copied the wrong link for the second time tonight! (I'll have to try a different type of beer!).

Hopefully, this is the right one:
http://www.rspca.org.uk/servlet/Satellite?pagename=RSPCA /AnimalCare/Animals&articleid=996827944564

Chris

[WendyS]

We knew somebody who bred pet rats. and showed them at exhibitions.   They were totally tame and absolutely delightful.  They are also highly intelligent and will welcome the amount of time you spend with them.  Suggest you get yourself a good book on rats first and read up all about them before you acquire one, just in case in aspect cause you to have second thoughts.

[gingerflaps]

I used to have 4 pet rats, i started out with 1 called queenie, she was an albino with pink eyes, then she sadly died so i got 3 brothers. I strongly recommend rats as pets, they are as loyal as a dog, and are so freindly as long as you get them from babies and hand rear them all the time, then they will let you pick them up as much as you want. I used to take mine all over the place, they sat on my shoulders under my hair and go to sleep. I would love to get some more but unfortunatly my bf doesnt like them.

[mycatis]

Just to basically agree with everyone else, I used to have 2 rats and they were lovely, great pets, go for it.

[nicola_red]

Just to add to what everyone else has said - think about what you want before you decide whether to get a male or female rat.  I've had both and found that males are easier to handle and slower, but less active, and females are more entertaining to watch but harder to handle - which I find frustrating!

[gingerflaps]

and if you get more then 1 male you'd better be ready for the squabbling. Males always fall out and fight with each other, i think females are more intelligent, but i only ever had one female.

[loopey]

I used to have 4 rats, lovely pets, brilliant with children but I found a bit expensive on the vets bill as they are prone to tumours which is what eventually killed all of mine