I have been owning, breeding and showing rats for several years and let me tell you , they are NOT cheap animals to keep as pets. However they do make very wonderful pets. I am not going to repeat everything YLL said but she has it right on the button.

Get two, for the sake of the animals and try to go to a breeder if you can. Breeder breed for health and temperament, and the animals are usually very social and healthy. They are less prone to tumours, Myco and othe ailments. I have yet to have a doe affected with a tumour, and am still keeping my fingers crossed. Of course I have rescues here too who are not so healthy.


Price for a breeder rat can vary tremendously. I charge $25 dollars for all pet dumbos, and $30 for dumbo breeder or show rats. Tailless bucks can sell for as much as $50 dollars. All my babies are sold with adoption agreements as well. If you do go to a breeder, I would suggest looking them over very thorougly. Make sure their cages are clean and big, that the animals are well socialized, and ask to see the parents. Ask the breeder where she keeps her older does and bucks, and retired animals. If they come up empty handed with older animals I would think they are breeding just for money.

As far as male/female, I have one doe here who is so squishy and lovable. Bucks can be spazzes too, trust me. I have one boy here who is so full of energy!



I would direct you to my website which contains a heck of a lot info, but it is in the process of being redone by myself. Of course you can still browse it if you want, and look at the pics.