Pet rats??

[Vicky1110]

We are looking at getting rats, I know they need an extraordinarily large cage and need to be kept in at least pairs, but apart from that I don't know too much about them and just wondered if anyone has any advice?

What cages are good?
Male or female?
Can you toilet train them?
Where to get them?
Would they be bothered by other pets being around? (Presuming other pets paid them no attention).

Tia x

@Vicky1110 Hello. I've fostered rats for my local Rescue, but never been a long term owner. I can't answer all your questions (hopefully a fully experienced rat owner will come along and do that) but in terms of where to get them, please try your local rescues first. You're giving an animal a 2nd chance and you'll get great advice too. Always to be kept in groups, which can be mixed providing the males are nuetered. Warning: they are super intelligent, super addictive and like owning mini dogs in terms of attachment.

There are some Facebook groups you could join Rat Care UK or Rat Rescue Network UK etc

My daughter got a pet rat at uni then developed an allergy to it so we inherited Lola. She was a clean and friendly little thing, much more so the all the other little furries the children had at one stage or another. My husband used to spend hours building obstacle courses for her. Good fun to watch too. I do remember her tank was huge!

What cages are good?
Depends on how many rats you are looking at keeping to be honest but in general the Furat cages are good as are Cozy pet.

Male or female?
Depends on your preference! Boys are more cuddly and lazy and girls tend to be a little crazier. I keep boys and they can be absolute idiots at times but my daughters girls are incredibly naughty and forever breaking or chewing things.

Can you toilet train them?
Absolutely! It's incredibly easy too - just pop in a litter tray filled with a different substrate than you use on the floor (Paper based cat litter is good for this!) then pop in a smooth stone. Rats love peeing on smooth things like my phone.

Where to get them?
A Good rat breeder! You can check the NFRS for registered rat breeders or join us in Rat Care UK for more recommendations and help with anything you need also cute rat pictures.

Would they be bothered by other pets being around? (Presuming other pets paid them no attention).
It depends on the other pets. They are prey animals and as such won't appreciate predators scent but keeping them in a room the other animals can't get into is usually fine.

I've been keeping rats for 7 years now and I'm happy to help however I can.
Picture of a two week old baby boy for tax

I used to Foster Rats in a Liberta Pioneer, which is small compared to some of the amazing cages out there. Aim for that size and larger. A lot of "Hamster style" cages advertised for rats, are too small.

Thanks everyone for the replies, and all the information. I will join the Rat Care UK group, sounds like there's lots of info and support on there and I want to get it all right!

@KilljoysDutch he is adorable 🥰