Should i get a pet rat?

[Annalyse]

Okay so I got my chickens on February 29. All 7 of them are at least 6-7 months old I lost count. Well I always ask my dad can I get another pet like jokingly and he says if u get rid of the chickens yes as a joke. Not the point but what I'm trying to say is I kinda want a rat but u cant get one u have to get 2 so there happy. I would be a beginner. I've done most research and know the basics. I've had hamsters in the past and understand. They last almost 4 yrs but would chickens and having 2 rats be alot or should I wait.

 

[EverythingDucks]

Having multiple will mean they will keep each other company so I think it would work. If you haven't already, you should check out this channel called Emiolidgy

 

[Yorkshire Coop]

Do you have time & funds for both? For me if you have the time & commitment for both I would say why not. We have quite a list here ~
12 chickens.
7 quail.
2 ferrets.
3 dogs.
2 cats.
1 tortoise.
1 horse which I keep on livery at a farm a few villages away.

Yes they are all a commitment but I wouldn’t swap them for anything & they are very rewarding.

 

[EmmaDonovan]

Do not get one pet rat - definitely get two or more! They are not happy without a ratty buddy.

Rats are like little pocket dogs in their personalities and intelligence. They make excellent pets. Give them lots of space and plenty to do: toys, tricks, diving for frozen peas... the possibilities are as endless as their playful curiosity.

Keep in mind that if you buy rats from a pet store they are almost guaranteed to be sick and you will have to treat them for murine mycoplasmosis. It's better to buy from a reputable breeder if there's one nearby you.

I kept rats for many years, usually females in staggered age groups (they have tragically short lifespans), before I developed a severe allergy to them. I miss those little guys!

 

[rosemarythyme]

Just as with chickens, you need at least 2, as they're very sociable they need a "buddy." Actually they're like chickens in a lot of ways: they require a certain amount of space and lots of ventilation, and have very sensitive respiratory systems.

I haven't had any for the last several years due to their lifespans being so short, plus mycoplasma was an issue for ours. Even though we took care to not be anywhere near our rats after going to a pet store, for example, they all still ended up developing it.

 

[Annalyse]

Thank you for all the replies. I am very responsible for my chickens and attend them any time of the day and to me, it's easy because I do it every day. I'm thinking 2 rats will be the same way and I will be there for them if they need me. I was thinking of getting them at PetSmart but I've read things were there sick or not the right gender and they end up prego. I will keep looking for a breeder near me. My cousin has a bearded dragon and I think the place she goes to has reptiles and bunnies so most likely they have rats its a nice place so I will check there. I think I'm going to wait for an do more research cause the more I know the more easy a decision will be for me. I don't want to rush into this. How big of a space do you think they will take up because I would have to get 2.

 

[Yorkshire Coop]

I think I'm going to wait for an do more research cause the more I know the more easy a decision will be for me. I don't want to rush into this.

Very wise choice. I took two years of research etc before I finally got my tortoise and certainly didn’t rush the decision!

 

[rosemarythyme]

How big of a space do you think they will take up because I would have to get 2.

General rule of thumb for minimum amount of space is 2 - 2.5 cubic feet per rat (unlike chickens, vertical space counts). If the rats are bigger, more space, if you have dwarves (rare) they can have a little less space.

Cages to consider: https://squeaksandnibbles.com/rat-cage-size/ has some nice options, or the brand that many breeders/enthusiasts use is Martin's: http://www.martinscages.com/rats.html (I have the R-680). With Martin's cages you will want to cover the ledges with something as rats can get bumblefoot with wire floors.

Might also want to look into rat rescues, if you happen to have any in your area.

 

[Chickenhappy8708]

Thank you for all the replies. I am very responsible for my chickens and attend them any time of the day and to me, it's easy because I do it every day. I'm thinking 2 rats will be the same way and I will be there for them if they need me. I was thinking of getting them at PetSmart but I've read things were there sick or not the right gender and they end up prego. I will keep looking for a breeder near me. My cousin has a bearded dragon and I think the place she goes to has reptiles and bunnies so most likely they have rats its a nice place so I will check there. I think I'm going to wait for an do more research cause the more I know the more easy a decision will be for me. I don't want to rush into this. How big of a space do you think they will take up because I would have to get 2.

My aunt works at petsmart, and has rats! Petsmart actually doesn't have rats any more, not enough people wanted them. I don't like rats, but hers are friendly, and she recommends them. She says if you get a hairless rat, to get a furry one as a companion, so it has warmth. Never keep bald rats without a furry rat.

 

[Annalyse]

My aunt works at petsmart, and has rats! Petsmart actually doesn't have rats any more, not enough people wanted them. I don't like rats, but hers are friendly, and she recommends them. She says if you get a hairless rat, to get a furry one as a companion, so it has warmth. Never keep bald rats without a furry rat.

Thank you and I wasnt planning on getting a hairless rat no offense lol