Choosing Your Rat (or being chosen...)

I'm going to assume that you are here because you like rats, you have rats, or you are interested in finding out more about what they are like as pets.

It goes without saying, that ANY animal you decide you want as a pet must be thoroughly researched.

Pets aren't an accessory whatever Paris Hilton or any of her ilk would have you believe.

With pet ownership, their lives are literally in your hands!
RESEARCH RESEARCH RESEARCH!

The reason so many animal sanctuaries are filled with animals, is not just because of cases of stupidity or cruelty. It's because people want a pet, go out and buy a pet, and then sit back and think
''Oh (Insert profanity here) I don't know what to do with it''

That's simply not good enough.
Especially now we have access to the Internet, and the many thousands, if not millions of pages devoted to care, and advice for your chosen animal.

I've probably patronised you enough by now, so I am going to assume that you've done all your research, and

this is just some handy hints to bear in mind whenever you get a rat.

Watch the rats interacting with their cage mates first!

It's tempting to go for the one you think is prettiest, or just to pick up the first one that shows an interest, but please, step back, and watch them for a few minutes first.

Seeing them interacting can give you a great insight into their personality, and if it's one thing rats have in abundance, it's personality!

I always seem to go for the underdog. The one that looks a bit sorry, and dog-eared, usually desperate to come over and see you, but pushed back by some of the more keen rats.

Why?

Because I find them to be the most laid-back, and the most appreciative of a big new home with lots to see and explore. I like building their confidence. I love watching them blossom.

With this comes it's own problems, often the underdogs are fairly nervous, they need lots of reassurance, and plenty of nutritious food, as I've noticed them being shoved away from the food bowl by the more confident rats. Occasionally my underdogs have come to me with illnesses, or injuries. Obviously most people would prefer not to have to deal with that when getting a new pet, but again, it's personal preference. If they come home with me, I know they will get medical care, straight away, no questions. 

See the parents whenever possible!

Obviously in most cases this isn't possible. Pet shops very rarely have the parents, especially not chain pet stores..

I prefer to go to breeders who breed rats as pets, because they will usually have the parents available for you to see. Or at the very least they will be able to tell you a bit about them.

If your breeder knows where his babies came from, you're more likely to have a rat free from genetic problems, or defects.

They will also usually refrain from breeding any animals who bite, and anyone who has been on the receiving end of a rat bite, will know that's a good thing!

Put your hand in the cage, carefully and watch how they react!

This should be done, even if you're in a normal run of the mill pet shop, or chain pet store.

I don't care if the bored-looking assistant can't be bothered to open the glass front of the cage, I want to know how those rats are going to behave when I get my hands near those teeth!

Pet chain store rats tend to be the least hand-tamed. I have had some absolutely beautifully behaved rattys from places like that, but they were few and far between. Generally they are sources of badly bred, badly behaved rats. Although if you've had better experiences, do let me know!

Local pet shops tend to have rats that are at least used to hands going in an out all day, and most pet shop owners or assistants do give some of their time when feeding them or doing out the cage, to play with them, or give them some attention.

You want a ratty that is interested in your hand being there. Nervousness is completely normal, You don't expect them to get straight on your hand or anything like that, but interest is key.

Rats are naturally curious little things, disinterest or absolute terror can be a sign of illness or ill treatment. 

If the rat you like the look of doesn't seem bothered, move your hand closer to them and see how they react.

Again if it's disinterest, they might be feeling a bit under the weather, and if it's terror, then that brings with it a whole new set of things to think about. (Confidence building etc)

I would never advise NOT getting a very nervous, or frightened rat. My passion for working with underdogs, and building their confidence, has taught me, that some of the rats who haven't had the best of starts in life, can often with time and patience, become the most loving of pets.

Beware ''feeder animals''

Some people who stock rats as live-food for snakes and lizards, have started selling them as pets.

I feel so sorry for these Rattys, and my heart breaks when I see them. I wish I could re-home them all.
These rats are mass bred, they have all sorts of illnesses and congenital problems. They have usually never been handled, or shown any kindness. (Why would they, they are just seen as food..?)
That's not to say that I would never take in rescued ''feeder rats'' I just think if it's your first experience of the rat world, it's probably not a good idea to get one of these.
Again if you've had a better experience than me, please do let me know..

Note; I'm not going to debate live food here, everyone has their own opinions on the subject. Snakes and Lizards have to eat, it's sad for animal lovers to see.. that's all I'm saying on the matter..

Rescue centres

 There are a great many rats in rescue centres, and sanctuaries across the UK.
If you've had experience keeping rats, and are looking to get a new one, please consider one of these little guys or girls.
They take a bit more time, effort, and patience, but they are absolutely worth every single second of it.

A note about aggression

Aggression for me is and always has been a big no-no. 
Luckily rats aren't naturally aggressive animals, and I've rarely come across this particular issue. 

You can train a rat out of being aggressive, especially if they are young, but with adults it is usually a long, and painful process.

I fostered a pair of older rats, who were biters. They weren't timid or worried, but sank their teeth in with abandon at any time, for no apparent reason whatsoever.

It wasn't fun for anyone, and they were eventually rehomed with a retired lady with LOTS of experience with biters. (She has my absolute respect and admiration)

As I've mentioned before, breeders will not usually breed from a rat that has shown signs of aggression, and their rats are usually hand tame.

Pet stores however, are a different story. You have no real history for that animal, so putting your hand in, and seeing how they react, is about as much notice as you're going to get..

Of  course none of this info is of any use if that rats are asleep.

My advice in this case is to go as early or late in the day as you can, when they are at least a bit more active.

Though generally as soon as the cage is opened most are up and about scouting for food, or a means of escape..

So in summary, you want an interested, alert rat. With clear eyes, clear nose, without snuffles, who doesn't hang off the end of your finger by their teeth...

;)

xx