Ratscallions

Males Versus Females

Congratulations, you've chosen to add a rat as a member of  your family! For such small creatures, rats have huge personalities, andyou're sure to be impressed and charmed by their intelligence.  Now that you have decided on what type of pet to adopt, you need to decide whether to get girl or boy rats.

Both girls and boys make excellent pets. However, there is one thing that needs to be considered. Do you want a lap pet that will relax with you while you watch television? Or, would you prefer a more energetic playmate?

Rats, depending on their sex, are influenced by different instinctual drives. In their natural habitat, male rats are interested in two things: food and making more rats. Females, on the other hand, must find a mate, search for food, build nests and rear their babies. That being said, male rats are typically more laid back, while females tend to be more active and busy.

Whichever sex you decide upon, one thing is certain; you need to adopt a same sex pair. Rats are prolific breeders and can reach sexual maturity at six weeks of age. A breeding age female will come into heat every five days until bred and can become pregnant within a few days after giving birth. 

There is, however, another option to just boys or just girls. Neutered males are a fantastic alternative for someone who might want to experience both the playful nature of girl rats and the laid back companionship of a boy. Because they have been neutered, these boys can live with other males (neutered or intact) and females(without unwanted babies).

 Another wonderful aspect to owning neutered males is that they don't mark as often as intact males. In fact, many neutered males do not mark at all! They also retain the silky soft coat of a girl and never develop the strong odor our sweet boys are so known for.

Whether you choose to adopt two females,  two males or a neutered male with a female,  one thing is certain. Your new family members will soon earn a place in your heart!