Well first off, if you get a rat, make it TWO. Rats really do better in same sex pairs, and enjoy spending time with a companion of the same species. If these will be your first rats, I would suggest two males, unless their testicles are not appealing to you. They really are a lot less active, more opt to cuddle and not as flighty when out of the cage, however, I do have doe's that act the same way. So either sex is fine really. I love my energetic does, and enjoy letting them romp around on my bed during the day while I clean, or they like to go under the dresser to play "Find the ratty!" etc.


If you are worried about getting a doe who is already pregnant, then I would opt for boys.


Rat Gestation is around 23 days, sometimes shorter, sometimes longer.