I might be getting a rat. First, I have a few questions:

Do they have to be in quarintine before going in the cage if they are the only ones in there?

Is it okay to have one rat for about two months? I am selective about who I adopt...

Where is it best to get a rat?

Which do you perfer? Boys or girls?

What do you think of these names:

Lily and Amy? 


Thanks a bunch for your time! 

Do they have to be in quarintine before going in the cage if they are the only ones in there? No, if you own no other rats, then there is no need for quarantine ((someone correct me if I'm wrong))

Is it okay to have one rat for about two months? I am selective about who I adopt... I think this is based on personal opinion. I had Gypsy for about 3 months before I got my second rat, Thistle. Rats get lonley without others around, but I personally feel a month or 2 wouldn't hurt it traumatically like others seem to think.

Where is it best to get a rat? If possible, try to locate a breeder in the area or a rescue.

Which do you perfer? Boys or girls? Again, a matter of opinion. I love both my boys and girls equally, because they are so different. My male is more laid back while my females are more playful. It's up to you really.

What do you think of these names:

Lily and Amy? Adorable

Do they have to be in quarintine before going in the cage if they are the only ones in there?
If you have no other rats then no, there's no need for a quarantine.

Is it okay to have one rat for about two months? I am selective about who I adopt...
It's better to get two at once.  That way, you know they're already bonded to each other, and there's no issue of them possibly not getting along after quarantining the second rat.  (A minimum 3 week quarantine would be neccesary for the second rat purchased/adopted, preferably in a different building to minimize possible disease transmission)

Where is it best to get a rat?
Really, it's a matter of personal preference.  Personally, I prefer rescue rats, while others prefer purchasing theirs from ethical breeders.  With a rescue, you may not always know the entire history, there may be possible health risks, and you're less likely to find babies, but, you are saving a life.  (That said, I've only had ONE rescue rat with serious health problems, and I knew about them when I adopted him.  I've got one rescue boy that turned 2 yesterday, and is in great condition)  With an *ethical* breeder (not all breeders are good - you need to do your research before commiting to one), you have a better idea of any possible health problems, are more likely to get a young rat, and usually have less issues with fear/lack of socialization.

Which do you perfer? Boys or girls?
I like both.  It's all a matter of what YOU are looking for in a rat.  Do you want a cuddly couch potato that will fall asleep on you?  Or, would you prefer a zany rat that is always on the go?  Generally, males are larger and more laid back.  They are more content to cuddle with you and laze around all day.  They are also messier.  Males urine mark more than females (just little dribbles, nothing bad), and can be worse for allergies.   Females are smaller, more active, and always getting into things.  They love to explore, are cleaner, and can be easier to littertrain.  There is a higher risk of tumors with females, although spaying can reduce this risk.

Also, is a small normal rat cage okay for quarintine?
How small are we talking?  In general, a rat requires two square feet of space - 12"x24"x24".  If it's only going to be used as a quarantine cage, it can be smaller, but, I wouldn't really go any smaller than 12"x18"x18" myself.  As always, the bigger the better though.  For a permanant cage, I'd suggest checking out Martins Cages.  They are reasonably priced, and one of the better cages on the market.  I've got one, and I LOVE it!

How much can they be handled in quarintine?
This depends on the rat, but, you should be able to handle them as much as you would normally.  If they are really stressed out, I'd give them a little time to settle in before trying to play with them constantly.  If they don't seem too bad off, you should have no problems handling them as much as you like right from the start.


In the meantime, I'd suggest you check out the reference desk section of this forum.  There is a TON of information there, and it can never hurt to learn as much as you can before bringing any 'kids' home. 

I see...That makes things more difficult. I guess a good petstore is my only option then...

why would a pet store be your only option? there are TONS of rats in rescues all over the world. Why do you need to get just one for now? When it comes down to it, there is no such thing as a good pet store that sells animals.

Every wanted to write something but you're afraid it'll be read wrong?   Well, here goes.   It looks like you're dealing with a teen whose has talked her folks into letting her get a rat.   It might be the old "well if you can take care of the one then we'll think about letting you get another."   I'm just going by feel here 'cause I've read quite a few of these type of posts on this forum.

(I did have some help from a profile check.)

Excuse me....actually I am a teen. That doesn't matter. Quite a few people here are, and they have no problems caring for rats. I did not "talk my parents into it" yet, I want to get all facts straight before discusing the whole issue with my parents. I know rats NEED a companion, or cagemate. When I do ask my parents, I will ask if I can get two rats. I hope you guys will continue to talk with me on this issue and help me out here. Btw, your first sentence doesn't make sense.

I think nightdoc's first sentence was referencing exactly what ended up happening. The post wasn't, at least the way I read it, saying that teens cannot care for a pet properly (as many can and do). I took it to mean that that could be why only one rat was being adopted to start with. Surely I can't be the only one who has read posts by younger people saying that they can only have rats because that's all their parents want them to have. This may not be what happened in this situation, I believe it was just a suggestion as a possibility. I don't think any harm was meant by the statement

To add to what everyone else said, it really is easier to get two at once. Having an extra cage, as well as a proper area, to quarantine can be a pain. And then worrying whether they'll get along  

On the male or female preference, I choose mine based on personality, rather than their sex:) and, since i have both males and females,  with my last lil guy (Tolstoy) I was able to pick the one that I 'clicked' with.

And Lily and Amy are splendid names, as long as you have girl ratties

Go for two rats right off.  Why?  Because:

1.  99% of rats live better in social groups. 
2.  If you add rats later, you need to quarantine.  This means:
                -At least two cages.
                -A separate building that has NO shared air between. 
                -Clothing changes and showers between handling one rat and the other.
                -Three weeks of this.  It's not fun.  It's also something you need to be prepared for when adding any future rats.
3.  Introductions don't always go smoothly.  What if you can't find the second rat for 6 months?  Now you've got an adolescent rat, and a baby.  What if the adolescent doesn't want a new cage mate?  Now you've got two single rats. 
4.  If you get a rat from a petstore, chances are it's not been well socialized.  Some rescues are also not well socialized.  So, you've got to start trust training.  Rats are braver in pairs.  If one rat sees another eating treats from your hand, s/he is more likely to come and take a treat than if s/he were living alone. 

If you really are that particular about your future rats, wait until you find the perfect two (or three or four!).

only....I don't feel your research is doing much good...as you've decided to get a single rat from a pet store, which is NOT the responsible route.

I'm glad you may get two rats they will not bond with you less if you have two...actually, there is more of a chance of them bonding with you more quickly if there are two(or more), as they will be less frightened settling into their new surroundings, and will be happier all around.

I do want to encourage you, again, to NOT get them from a pet store. Especially not one that is keeping males and females together. If you do, however, I would get males for sure...the last thing you need as a new rat owner is two pregnant females

Hi there

the difference between boys and girls are like this.....

Girls...
might come pregnant
are smaller
more active and playful
have softer fur
are more prone to tumors that may need surgery

Boys....
are bigger
have coarser fur
may be harder to introduce
more likely to mark
wont come pregnant
are usually lazier for the most part and make a nice lapful of pet

I have boys....always will....LOVE SQUISHY BOYS!!
I hate tumors.....