Rats! *Pics Added!*

[Christmas_Hamster]

What ever works! I want pics when you are all done =D

[critter crazy]

So another question just popped in my head!! Male or Female??? I am gonna probably have a few, so obviously I want the same sex. Is there any big differences between Sexes?? do males get along together just fine?? How about females??

[IRescue452]

I know you aren't a hater of any animal just because of their color, I just meant you should be careful about the color comment and rat forums. Many rat people are especially sensitive about the pink-eyed whites being seen as lowly feeders. Your first post would have been taken the wrong way immediately if you were posting in say, the goosemoose rat forum (hint hint on good place for rat advice). You'd have been eaten alive.

As for gender, no big deal either way. Females get along with other females as often as males get along with other males. The rare male will be a fighter in its teenage years and be just asking for a neutering, but usually they are fine. Its always best to find two that are already buddies or to find a rather young one to introduce to an older one. Males tend to grow larger and be lazier and snuggle more, but that only comes with age. My 5 males defy all of those stereotypes, except the getting larger part. None of mine are over 400 grams though. You bet those picture of large "squishy" man rats on forums make me cringe.

[3muttsandaboston]

I have also heard that females are more prone to cancer/tumers than males. Am I right about this?

[IRescue452]

Oh yes, forgot about that one. Mammary tumors of course. And spaying hasn't proven to be very preventative. A well bred rat shouldn't get tumors at a young age, but pet store rats do more often. Most of the time the tumors are removable.

[Christmas_Hamster]

Typically females are more playful and hyper while males are lazier but none of my girls fit this description although Nattie certainly is close. My girls love to cuddle and be pet and are content to just snuggle. But they also love to play around and explore.

I think there is a fine line between cute a squishy rat and sadly obese rat. I do how ever love seeing squish photos, hehe.

Yeah some of the people at goosemoose will eat your heads off which has gotten them a bad reputation unfortionatly. I have been on jorats more often for this reason. =)

[critter crazy]

Hubby and I have started construction!!! Woohoo!!!! Hubby also found me a local Rat Breeder!! Yay!! I am so excited!!! I am hoping to have at least one rat by the weekend!!

We actually made out realy well!! Hubby has less work than innitially thought!! We found a very nice bookshelf, pretty much identical to what we were gonna build. It also already has the two storage cupbords on the bottom! All we have to do is build the two doors fot the top, and cut holes in the shelves for the Ramps!! It is also very nicely made, and solid wood! I love it!!