Pet rats reputable breeders in Glasgow?

[Maybee]

We've given in to getting a pet for our ds 8th birthday and a rat seems like a good option. I'd rather avoid the pet shops anyone know of a breeder near Glasgow? Also would it be cruel to buy 1? Which are better male or females? I read that males pee more when you let them out. Is this true? Are they ok with toddlers?
All advice appreciated.

Yes cruel to buy one. 3 is a good number, make sure the cage is big enough. Have you asked around on FancyRats -- should get a link to a reputable breeder there, or you might be able to pick up some young rescues in good health.

They are as robust as any pet can be with toddlers, but I wouldn't leave Tot+rat together unsupervised. Males have fewer health problems, I believe; I'd go for fellas and not females, if I was acquiring them today. I don't have a very sensitive sense of smell, though!

Pet rats are cute! WE have 3 boys - 2 babies and one around 2. I'm afraid I couldn't find a breeder or rescue rats so got ours from a pet shop. THey do get a bit smelly - and having had one rat for about 4 months after 2 died I really notice how much more young ones smell. However you get used to it! I wouldn't leave them alone with teh toddler - they are really quick especially when small and tend to scratch (not intentionally).

Thanks I've got a few contacts for breeders. I know that you need to let them out for a roam daily. I was thinking I could restrict them to the hall and porch but do they pee everywhere? cos I don't fancy that!

There are a few really good websites. Google. You'll get some great rat advice.

Definitely don't get from a pet shop.

I have 2 female ratties. My 4yo adores them and they spend most of their time in her pocket / on her shoulder / on her head. They have never once nipped her (and although she is very careful, she is only 4 and is sometimes a bit rough with them without meaning to be).

Not smelly.

Really, really great pets. Sweet, affectionate, bright, easy to look after.

Why not use pet shops? - Seriously, please read this.

Rodent owners' forum

Fancy rats

NFRS

Thanks Yuno, I've been in contact with a breeder not too far from me. My ds is v excited now. He will soon be 8. We also have a 2yr old and a baby but intend to keep them well out of reach until the tots are bigger. I remember my brother having his rat on his shoulder often. My only issue is do they make a mess around the house when you let them roam and would they pee while you 're handling them?
All advice appreciated.
Thanks

They will chew everything experimentally to start with, they espeically like soft plastic (like power cords or pencil rubbers) and any kind of ball. They only start pooping outside of the cage if something makes them become overly territorial (like if wild rats have been there). I've almost never been peed on by them, had much more trouble with mice or guinea pigs doing that, tbh!

Thanks lljkk, that is reassuring! My ds is so excited and so am I. Dh is not so keen but he will come round I'm sure. I've seen photos online and they look v appealling. Is it harmful for them to chew plastic? I know they will need a big cage. Where might we get one?

It's only harmful for them to chew plastic if it's wrapped around an electrical wire Seriously, mine used to LOVE speaker cables, just the right size, was regularly plunged into silence.

Agree, rats are lovely, full of character and very clever. Train them early to sit on your shoulder. They don't poop outside the cage, but sometimes "dribble" if excited!

I only ever had one at a time, but I was a student, so they had pretty constant human company. If I had one now I would get two.