For me, it's MUCH cheaper...I don't have to smell rats/mice from breeding them, I don't have live rodents in my house, IMO it's easier because you don't have to supervise feedings...I can leave a rat in the tubs overnight for my picky eaters and not worry about injuries, I can buy in bulk and just store them and not worry about having a pet for the next week if one doesn't eat, and I don't have to give my son the "circle of life" talk anytime soon.