you should join a rat forum. like www.rodentfancy.com or www.petratscanada.com they are both good sites. you shouldent get one rat, you should get two because they are highly social. make sure you have the following things:

raw hid,

food mix with *shreddies, ice cream cones, dog treats, dog food(Nutro), Cherios, oat meal, lil bit of meat, freash veggies, and small amopunts of fruit, only feed at bed time *

Dentibone,

Hammock,

good drinking water bottle *place water bottle at top level of cage so ratties dont pee on it*,

Toys *cat bells bird toys*,

litter box,

house *igloo type house*,

Cage *BIG cage 2 or more levels*,

Soft baby shampoo for the occasional bath ,

yesterdays news bedding, carefresh bedding, or Aspen bedding. *any will due*. NEVER house small animals on pine bedding or Cedar.

That is really all I can think of right now lol.

But yes be sure to join one of thoughs forums ubove. they are great sites and have great ppl on them to give info.

I think that both females and males are great both have their ups and downs. Males tend to *Spot pee* and thats how they mark their territory. Females dont do this but females are generally less cuddly. Males will sit on your sholder and rid around and cuddle you, females are more curious.