In this article, you will find some basic things that you should know about fancy rats, before you decide to get one. As with selecting any other pet, you should also ask the breeder or rescue if you can interact with some rats and get a feel for which you prefer.
What are fancy rats?
The term fancy rat is another name for the domestic rat. Domestic rats are not the same as wild rats, just like domestic dogs are not the same as wolves. For hundreds of years, rats have been bred to be sweet, submissive and affectionate pets. Domesticated pet rats are incredibly intelligent and quirky- making them entertaining for both adults and children.
 |
| Rats can be very inexpensive to care for |
Fancy rats are able to understand behaviors, reward systems, and even parts of the human language. They learn their names and can easily learn about what is going on around them and what to expect.
The wonderful world of rat ownership awaits you, and it all begins with your first fancy rats!
Why get a rat?
Rats form bonds easily and make great pets for both children and adults. They are particularly good pets for people who have limited space and/or busy lifestyles. While they are a serious responsibility, fancy rats are reasonably easy to keep happy and healthy. Because they are nocturnal animals, they are happy to sleep during the day while their human is at work or school; then they are ready to come out to play in the morning or evening. You can satisfy your rat’s needs for attention as long as you can spend at least 1/2 to 1 hour a day together.
Fancy rats are people-lovers and they enjoy being held and played with. Rats are exceptionally intelligent, clean animals; many can even be trained to use the litter box. The basic needs for pet rats are not very expensive, and you can use all sorts of materials to create their homes, toys, and jungle gyms yourself. They are also able to eat many of the foods we eat, such as meats, vegetables, grains, and fruits. Therefore, you can feed them a little bit of your own cooking when you have extra available.
Choosing a pet rat
 |
| Rats are very social and they should have at least one cage mate |
Buy your new rat as part of a pair. If you want a happy rat, make sure to get a buddy. Fancy rats are very social animals and they need to have at least one cage mate. Because rats are intelligent, they are prone to boredom and listlessness if they are isolated. It is not uncommon for a healthy rat to become depressed and suffer illness when living without another rat. The two rats will spend their time playing, grooming one another and cuddling. In addition to making for happy pets, this will also serve as fun for you, because these small creatures are full of personality.
“It is not uncommon for a healthy rat to become depressed and suffer illness when living without another rat.”
 |
| Playtime with pet rats is entertaining for children and adults |
Male and female rats. Because of their nature, both male and female rats make great pets. However, it is good to know that there are differences in the overall personality traits of fancy rats, based on their gender.
The descriptions below are simply generalizations, the actual temperament of your rat will depend on much more than it’s sex; but the following details will help you to have a starting point as you consider what type of rat you should get.
“Bucks are male rats and does are females”
*IMPORTANT* - Unless you are adopting rats that have been neutered or spayed, it is important that you properly identify the sex of your rats in order to avoid accidental litters. Rats can reach sexual maturity as early as 5 weeks old and the average litter size is 10-12 rats. Also, rats have no concept of incest and does will go into heat every 4 days that they are not pregnant. It is very easy to determine the sex of your rat: only females have nipples and males have large testicles.
- Breeders will encourage new owners to take two or more rats of the same gender from the same litter for starters.
 |
| The average litter of rats is 12 pups |
Bucks - Male rats, bucks are often mellow and cuddly, with the ideal personality for laying around. Bucks tend to bond easily with their humans and they are often outwardly affectionate, many times following their human around the house. If you’re looking for a lap pet, the buck may be right for you, as they seem to be more reliant on their humans and less independent than female rats.
Marking - Most unaltered males tend to leave urine trails when they are out
playing. Many owners will have a blanket or towel to throw on the furniture
or floor when playing with their rats because of this.
Neutered bucks - Male rats who are neutered are less likely to display
Aggressive behavior towards other rats or initiate a conflict. Neutered male
rats are also half as likely to be attacked by intact male rats. Neutering can
either significantly reduce or completely eliminate scent marking behavior.
An altered buck's coat is also smoother and less coarse. Male rats are sterile
three weeks following a neuter surgery.
- Neutered bucks can live peacefully with a male or female cage mate
 |
| There are lots of rats that need to be adopted |
Does- A female rat is called a doe. Does are independent, inquisitive and adventurous. They are always on the go and they like to do their own thing. A doe will enjoy using your body like a climbing frame, sitting on your shoulder and exploring everything on your desk. If you are looking for an entertaining pet, you should consider a doe.
Adventures - Does are quite clever and they like to be busy, so they are often responsive to learning tricks. If you give your doe free-range of your home, you should expect that she will steal treasures and hide them in one of her many “secret stashes”.
Spayed does - Female rats who are spayed have a reduced chance of developing tumors; this is a massive health benefit for female rats. Before being spayed female rats go into heat every four days, and during this time they can be excitable, frantic, grumpy or have other changes in their personality. It is an ideal time for female rats to be spayed between 3-6 months. Female rats are sterile immediately after being spayed.
- Although the doe is less needy than the buck, she is still an affectionate pet; she simply will show affection on her way to the next great adventure.
So, you need 2 rats and you know a buck from a doe…..
Where do you get pet rats?
 |
| Rats come in such a variety of looks and personalities |
Rescues and shelters - Adopting a rat from a rescue or local shelter is not only a charitable gesture but you can also find great rats. There are unfortunately many rats looking for homes out there, usually at no fault of their own. The rats at the shelter will be spayed or neutered before adoption. Giving some of these rats a permanent home can not only be a gift to the rats but also be incredibly rewarding.
Breeders - This is often the safest way to get your rat. Responsible breeders will only mate their best rats. They look for health, body shape, affection and outgoing personalities; you will also be able to choose breed and color markings. Fine bred rats will be yours at about five weeks old and they will have a strong start in life. Be selective about who you contact and email or phone them with a tailored list of questions.
-Breeders often come across unwanted rats. They may be able to guide you through the adoption process.
Pet stores - Pet stores are easy and convenient. And some of them are informed and do buy pet rats from responsible local families who carefully raise their critters. However, many stores sell these rats as food also and so the rats may not get the human interaction they require to be good pets. In the end, most rats will flourish with your love and patience. You can't change their past, but you can make a huge difference in their future.
Let Us Know….
If you found this article helpful, please share your rat story with us.
