Do you find rats to be fun pets?

[redstormlax12]

Hey guys, I have my three snakes right now and i feed them F/T. But ive always wondered what the rats would be like as pets. Are they entertaining? I know that are really smart, do they ever learn to recognize their owner? Do they run around in their cage and play?

[WIpythonGUY]

that seems kind of morbid to think about.

[redstormlax12]

How is that morbid to think about?

[cinderbird]

contrary to popular belief, rats are EXCELLENT pets(andfood).

They are extremely smart and when raised well are very interactive and social. They each have their own personalities. I have heard that males are more snuggly than females, who would rather roam and explore but i've never owned males (only a pair of females a few years ago). If you want to raise them as pets, i suggest getting some weaned pups and going slow. Rats do well in groups and are social animals, get a pair or a trio of the same sex. Rats will squabble for dominance but once hierarchy is figured out there will not be fighting (even between males).

[temec]

I used to have rats as pets. They do make really good pets if you give them attention. Yes they run around their cage and play and they do recognize you...

[redstormlax12]

Thanks guys. I think i might get two males. They seem like awsome pets.

[Dianna]

Rats are *awesome* pets. My sister has a pair of females. They're friendly, super curious, and surprisingly smart. She litter box trained them in approx 3 days. She lets them roam around her room in the evening.. they will actually retreat to their cage to do their bathroom business. They even tease the small dog by chasing her around on the bed. (We don't let the rats and snake play together )

Not only has she trained them to use a litter box, she has managed to teach them to do tricks using treats as rewards. Here's one of her super short videos... Its adorable, enjoy

YouTube - Rat Dance

[Muze]

They are actually great pets. Mine respond to their names, beg for treats, and play-wrestle with each other. They are pretty interesting to watch interacting with each other. And the males are a bit more snuggly than the females. Best advice I can give you is to try to find a breeder. If you get feeder rats as pets they are usually not as healthy.

[Capt._Howdy]

i have two pet rats murphy and chowder they are awesome there both are dumbos but i think chowder may be a dumbo rex cant tell yet but murphy is a licker ill hold him and hell lick my fingers and run up and down my arm or just sit on my shoulder he doesnt poop or piss all over me its just a pain to clean his cage since its three levels chowder is a baby that my wife decided to save ( i got him as a feeder) here is a pic of both

heres is a pic of chowder

and heres murphy

[singingtothewheat]

I allowed my children to talk me into keeping to rats. They are good girls and we love them but of course I clean up after them as well as all the other pets in the house. If you wanna clean up after more animals go for it.