Rats as pets, the best you can get! (Rats)

Member Name: leanne8686

Product:	Rats
Date:	09/08/08 (73 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: loving, intelligent, clean, friendly

Disadvantages: none

I want to change everyones stereotypical view of the lovely rat!

Firstly I'll introduce my two, 2 boys an albino and a dappled grey, they're brother Chip and Dale. Gorgeous!


The reactions when I, a girl say I have 2 pet rats range from "erghh the filthy animals?" to "don't they bite?".
Nobody seems to have a positive comment except my mum and dad!
thanks mum and dad xx


---The main 3 things people 'hate' about rats---

*their tails - apparently horrible looking

*the fact they bite (NO they don't)

*they smell (again NO, they're one of the cleanest animals in the rodent family, my two are constantly washing and preening themselves and each other)


They are also so intelligent, again one of the most intelligent of the rodent family, this includes squirrels, hamsters, mice etc.

My two's favourite snack is carrot and now when they hear me open the fridge door they rush to the part of their cage where I feed them! the same happens if they hear me chopping on the glass chopping board I chop their carrot on! so clever!

And the way they eat is so cute, they hold it in their tiny hands and turn it around nibbling whatever they're eating till its almost circular.

When we went on a weekend away recently one of them missed us so much he wouldn't eat for my mum who was looking after them! They are so loving!

I've had cats and dogs and rats are easily as loving and friendly as these other pets. I
f you have a hamster or a mouse its unlikely they will be "friendly", yes they'll let you hold them but rats are a different matter as they are so intelligent and love human company!


If anyone does decide to buy a rat please buy at least two as they are such sociable animals, they need companionship unless you will be there 24/7.

TIPS FOR LOOKING AFTER RATS
They do need a lot of looking after, they need a good diet with plenty of fresh food for nutrients, we give our boys a cereal mix i've researched meticulously so its perfectly balanced for a rats needs plus fresh fruit and veg. (the shop bought rat mix just isn't good for rats)
Rats also aren't very good with wood shavings or sawdust as they have very sensitive respiratory systems!
My two are in an indoor rabbit cage so loads of room, they need a big cage as big as you can afford i'd recommend!
Don't keep them in a room you'll only be in in the daytime as they are partally nocturnal.


Overall, one of the best pets you can have, you really fall in love with them and they love you back BUT THEY DO NEED LOOKING AFTER, please don't buy unless you have the time and patience for them.

Summary: a gorgeous little animal, it does need a lot of love though!!