I want to get a rat, but I work 9-5 Mon-Thurs... is that ok?

GobblyNob

I'm very interested in getting a pet rat, they seem pretty cool from the random youtube vids I've been watching.

I have two dogs and two cats back in the family home but since moving away I've missed having an animal around. I don't have time to get another dog or cat, but I think a rat would be cool. He could play around in the cage while I'm gone to work.

So would it be ok to leave a rat alone while I head off to work?

Also, how easy is it to potty train them?

Also .... can I just let him sit on my shoulder while I watch a movie or make a cup of tea? (like in the movies:pac:)

Last Also ... do they respond to names?

Thanks

boomerang

It'd be unfair on a rat to keep it singly. They are extremely sociable animals and do best in at least pairs or trios. (All same-sex, of course.)

With each other for company it wouldn't matter a whit if you are out of the hosue during the day.

baby and crumble

I never had a rat, but I did research getting one pretty thoroughly before deciding on a hamster. You should keep 2 at minimum, that way they can entertain themselves when you're not there. They need lots of socialisation with you too, especially if you want to train them. They need a good big cage (which is one of the reasons I went with a hamster, but I actually have ended up getting mostly rat sized things because I don't like her to be cramped :rolleyes:) and lots of toys, because they are super smart. Most of my research said that if you spend time training they are like miniature dogs, but you do need to train them well and consistently.

ShaShaBear

As above, you would need at least a pair. They are mostly nocturnal, so would be asleep for those hours.

A cage for two rats must be bigger than a large hamster cage if you want them to be comfortable and happy, but once you get past the initial cost, toys and food is relatively cheap.

They love human company, my two will chill with me (they have their own room in the house due to my dog) while I read, sometimes they'll crawl up my sleeve or sit in my hood and have a nap. They both know their names and will come when I call. Both know how to "give mammy a kiss" but I haven't succeeded in any other tricks yet

Potty training is easy - they're quite like cats in that they're naturally clean and tend to pick an area they like to go. Simply get a little tray, put some cat litter in it and put a few pieces of poo into it (with tissue of course ) and then keep moving them to it if you notice them go. If there is a particular spot in the cage they target, move the tray there.

Only other complicated choices involve where you will keep the cage, and what sex you want. Boys are bigger and more placid, but their rear ends can be quite intimidating they also have quite a strong smell. Females are smaller, much more hyper and also have a unique smell, although not as strong as males. If you are keeping a cage in your bedroom, you would need to keep the room well-aired and spot clean the cage daily.

Lastly, there is only one reputable breeder of rats in Ireland that I am aware of, and there are one or two rescues. In general it is a terrible idea to get rats from a pet shop. They are not socialised, almost never kept in the correct cages or with the correct bedding (sawdust is a nono for rats) and can sometimes even come to you in a rather... pregnant condition.
If you go to a petshop and the rat is kept alone or in a large group in a glass tank, you see sawdust as the bedding and next to no toys (rats need a LOT of stimulation) you can assume they are not being properly cared for and will likely be more difficult to rear.

Zoundz

Seconding what's been said really - two or more is a must Also, I would avoid petshops and feeder breeders. The main reason to go to a good breeder or a good rescue is so that you have backup for the life of the animal From my point of view, we're always available day or night to anyone who's had rats off us - always offer advice, take them back without question if circumstances change and you can no longer keep them, and also have them back for boarding if you go away Always have been this way because we feel 100% responsible for the lives of our babies I know many other good breeders who would be exactly the same.

xx