Keeping a Pet Rodent?

The problem I have with males is that they dribble when they walk around. It's ok if they stay in a confined area that you can keep cleaning but it gets to be a problem if they're walking around your bedroom.

I like the ladies. They explore a ton and are really friendly. My boys sort of just lumber around and seem like they could care less that I'm there or that there's anything else in the room with them. They also had to be separated because they started fighting and I would have liked to neuter them but it's pretty expensive. I would also urge you to go to a breeder or rescue (like someone else said) as pet store rats don't seem to ever calm down. I have rats from a litter that I handled since day 2 and they're the most amazing rats in the world. Any of the rats that came from a pet store are skittish and ornery.

I had 3 hairless pet rats and they were VERY messy and they do stink as well. Nonetheless great pets and very social.

I find the combination of good bedding and a good diet will decrease odor. Before when I only had 3 rats, I used kaytee granule bedding. Its a great bedding. I couldn't smell my rats at all, even when I stuck my head into the enclosure. I switched to aspen when I got more rats cuz granuel bedding was a little pricey for my multiple enclosures. Aspen is ok, but I don't like it as much.

And litter training will heavily decrease any mess or smell.

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Originally Posted by satomi325

My males have a strong odor compared to my girls. It's not bad, just musky. The girls just smell like their bedding, aspen.. They're really clean animals so as long as you clean their cage weekly or litter train them, they'll have little to no smell. And I think both genders are equally active as yearlings. The males start getting lazy after that. And by lazy I mean, they'll be content with just sitting on your lap. However, girls are always going to be active and explore. I personally enjoy playing with my girls compared to the boys. They're silly little things. I'm sure everybody's rats are different. You're going to have active males and laid back females out there too.

I suggest finding a breeder or rat rescue. They know their rats best and will properly pair you with the most compatible. Rescues may have neutered boys, so you can have a mixed pair if you really want to.

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I've tried finding one, but the only person I could find in the area sells feeder rats, so I doubt they're socialized. We drove a total of 6 hours to adopt a Ball, so making another trip so soon (for a pet), would be impossible considering someone would have to take me. The only option I have at this point is the pet store. I'll wait and see if anything turns up, though.

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Originally Posted by satomi325

I find the combination of good bedding and a good diet will decrease odor. Before when I only had 3 rats, I used kaytee granule bedding. Its a great bedding. I couldn't smell my rats at all, even when I stuck my head into the enclosure. I switched to aspen when I got more rats cuz granuel bedding was a little pricey for my multiple enclosures. Aspen is ok, but I don't like it as much.

And litter training will heavily decrease any mess or smell.

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I saw they also made some lavender and cinnamon scented granules...I wonder if that's safe? ;) It's probably pricier, regardless. We'll probably integrate a litter box once they've gotten used to being with us, and we'll probably use Aspen, seeing as how we always have it on hand for our Corn, Apollo.