I have heard of cage-escaping rats, but that is the exception rather than the norm. My rat cages are held together with plastic cable ties, and the doors are shut with a single bread tie. Escape would take all of two seconds with those teeth, but they have never bothered to try. I guess they know they'll get play time every night anyhow.

They actually do best in groups of two or more,( even the females:-) ) and often people who have trouble with them chewing the cage only have one rat. They get bored and lonely very easily on their own.

My daughter is 5, and she adores them. They love to be held, and love getting petted. They are very tolerant of her more awkward handling. The males are generally more "lazy" (hee hee)and are better lap pets, while the females like to explore and play.

The tails do seem to be a problem for many people.. so I can understand. There are "Manx" rats which are born tailless but these are very hard to come by.

Ok there is more information then anyone needed to know about rats:-)))) Glad to see there are some other Rat fans, though...