Whats a good Small pet?

[blue]

Fresh Water Sting Rays bring the cool.

[moosmom]

I rescued a one eyed rat named Winky that I rescued from Petco. They were gonna sell him as snake food!!!! Not as long as I'm alive. He lived for a year and a half and was diagnosed with testicular cancer (common in marats). He was wonderful. Very loving. My cats didn't bother him. As a matter of fact, they were afraid of him!!! He went to the bridge about 5 months ago and I miss him alot. I'd get another one (a female this time) if I didn't have Bad A$$ Buddy here, I'd definitely get another one. He is so mischevious and unpredictable.

[Tora Oni]

I might e-mail the local rat rescues, and ask them about their rat adoptions and such. Though I think that probably will conclude that because I will have to think about this more seriously in 6 months from now... So One more question.

I also read Rats are Nocturnal which working 2nd shift and sometimes overtime is causing me to be somewhat nocturnal from time to time... but over all do they cause a lot of noise at night would you suggest a room away from the sleeping quarters?

[amberlynn]

i have mice and the only noise that they make is their running wheel.....it squeeks real bad but they make non-squeak ones....for the most part it isnt to bad...we live in a 15X20 cabin (meaning one big room) and u can hear them squeak to eachother but for the most part they dont make a noise.....my friend who owns rats have them in their kids rooms and they seem to be very good....sometimes pets will adapt to their humans/owners schedule.....

[MonicanHonda]

I used to have two rats. They were so sweet. They actually played super well with my dalmatian. They were so cute together. They would climb on her and she would paw at them. GENTLY of course. They are super fun. Just don't fall asleep when you're playing with them. I did once... actually, nothing happened, I just found them chillin' out under my bed. haha I have a multi level cage for them. I would make sure they have high sides or put something around the cage because my rats loved to dig and would always kick out their bedding. Lol!

[lilybean]

PS: One thing also, esp. if you get babies, make sure you hold them as often as possible, so they are properly socialized and you will end up with some very snuggly, lovey rats. And always keep them in at least pairs, as rats do not do well alone and need a buddy to snuggle with and be 'rats' with. There is nothing like sticking your hand into a pile of snuggling sleepy rats lol. So cute.

[Tora Oni]

Thanks a bunch, that was very insightful advice, Lilybean. I have only seen one rescue close by and it is 1.5 hours away. So drive wise its tad on long haul, though I think the people with the rescue really seem to know about the animals they rescue.