- Would it be necessary to get another rat to house with him, even if he's been housed alone?

If he's used to being by himself he may very well object to a cagemate. I know my boy Dexter did by the time I did the research to know he should have had a friend. >.< He seemed happy on his own though, and he lived almost to four!


- How much are vet appointments and such, and do they get any kind of expensive shots? Is a vet necessary? (Need to know because i'm not sure if the pup's vets do small animals too)

Normally rats don't need shots or anything like that. For my girls the checkup usually runs about $40, plus any extras. (and I go to an expensive clinic in an expensive area) The most common problem is respiratory infections, which aren't horribly difficult to treat. If there aren't any problems, a vet isn't really necessary. (In my experience, boys have less health problems than girls, esp. later in life!)


- Would it be okay to switch foods if i'm not happy with what they're feeding him?
( I'd like to feed them/him?: http://www.ratsrule.com/diet.html )

Suebee's!!! WONDERFUL rat diet! Definitely a good thing! Just transition him over a week or so if possible.



- What things do you think are necessary to keep in and out of their envornment?

No pine or cedar, and I'm always careful about what they manage to pull into their cage. (When they manage to get plastic bags it makes me really nervous.) Really, I give them just about anything to play with as long as I'm not worried that it might be toxic. My favorite toys to buy for them are parrot toys.


- Is it okay if rats are around dogs? (of course with supervision)

Yep! Wilbur is a royal Pain-in-the-you know what about the rats, but they're not really intimidated or stressed by him. Rats are pretty versatile, they can handle just about anything.


- How much does bedding/toys/food/everything cost you? (those with lots of rats, what do you think it would cost for 1 or 2?)

For my two, I'd say I spend about $30 a month on everything. Sometimes more because Chloe has chronic health problems, but if this boy has been living happily I wouldn't worry about it.


- How long do rats generally live for?

2-3 years.


- ANYTHING else you think I should know

They are NONSTOP FUN!! ^_^