Wheels, Tails, and the Bubonic Plague

I do not claim to be a rat expert. I was simply browsing the Articles section of this site and discovered there were NO articles on rat ownership. Thus, here is my attempt at sounding intelligent.

Why A Rat?

When most people think of getting a small pet, a rat isn't what comes to mind. Hamsters, cavies, gerbils abound- and are generally accepted as pets- but a rat? The fact of the matter is that I have owned many different kinds of pets and the only pet I have found that even compares with my two rats is a dog. Like a dog, rats quickly show affection for their person. They enjoy snuggling, "grooming", and spending time with people. In my opinion, you cannot find a better small pet.

So, You Want a Rat?

Do you have time to devote to a small pet? Rats need at least an hour of running around time. Do you own lots of sheets? Rats CANNOT be "housetrained", they WILL urinate on you, your bed, your sofa, etc. If you do not want rat pee everywhere, put a sheet down. Will you clean out a cage every week? Can you afford a cage? Expect to spend about one hundred dollars on a pet shop cage. It is possible to make your own cage- an economical solution to getting a large enough cage. Cages for mice, hamsters, and gerbils are not acceptable. Cavy cages do not employ a rat's climbing desire as cavies tend to be firmly anchored to the ground. A cage designed for chinchillas or ferrets is typically better. Keep in mind, male rats are much larger than does. My two does live happily in a chinchilla cage (that I would NEVER put a chinchilla in, far too small). If you have larger does, bucks, or multiple rats you will need a larger cage. Make sure that the bars are adequately spaced- about one-fourth of an inch is the max, for does and smallish bucks. Always err on the side of smaller when it comes to bar spacing.

One or Two/Males or Females?

Many people ask, "Should I get one or two rats?". Two. I personally believe that no responsible breeder would sell a rat to anyone so misinformed as to believe that they can adequately provide for the rat's social needs. As far as the battle of the sexes goes, there is no good answer. Does tend to be more playful, "hyper", and less smelly. Bucks tend to be more laid-back, calm, and snuggly. Potential owners of buck rats should know that many people find the buck's testicles disgusting. Some people go as far as to neuter their bucks simply to get rid of this rather ample section.

Where To Buy

Most people automatically assume that the place to buy a rat is the pet store. After all, it is quick, convenient, and cheap. However, the pet shop rat is typically not socialized, in poor condition, and of questionable background. People have come around to getting dogs off responsible breeders, and rats are no different. Breeders are typically more knowledgeable than the average pet shop employee. The rats are (usually) well socialized, healthy, adjusted, and as close to purebred as rats can be. (There aren't rat breeds, only colors and varieties.) Breeders tend to have more attractive rats, often with unusual colors such as himilayan or platinum. You can usually see the pup's parents and possibly half-siblings, cousins, etc. If you are interested in dumbos, hairlesses, or a specific color, breeders are the way to go. Make sure the breeder you chose has healthy, active rats with shiny coats. Make sure no single rats sneezes multiple times throughout your visit. The breeder should ask you as many questions as you ask her.

Myths:

Bubonic Plague- this is a rather sore spot with most rat owners. If anyone bothered reading a history book before accusing rats of spreading the Plague, everyone would Hoover their house, Frontline their dog and forget the whole thing. FLEAS not rats spread the Plague. Rats were infected and died just as humans died. They were no more to blame than humans who thought a flower would "save" them.

Not Clean- My rats spend more time fluffing their fur than I do. They

Author: Jackie

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Wheels, Tails, and the Bubonic Plague

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