Joanna you hit the nail right on the head. I swear that is exactly what I do and how I do things with my rats too.

I've never gotten any of my male rats neutered. They imo are fine being intact. I've yet to own any nasty male rats that didn't get along with the other males. Yes they do have a "musky" smell to them, and they do mark... but I don't find that to be offensive or a problem. Then again I've own rats most of my life so I'm used to them doing what all rats do. On the other hand, I've had some female rats who were just crazy and mean as all heck. Like Jo said pet or not, I do not accept rough boys or girls and will not have a mean rat in my rat colony.

I'm use you won't have a problem with those two little guys who are so adorable!

Rats do make awesome pets!!! They remind me of little cats. I'll probably always have at least one pet rat in my life at all times.