[Leirda]

I just got a sweet little 4 week old fancy rat...He's male and my friend said that MALES would be a problem because of their testis...that they are super large and will drag on everything and can cause health issues to me and my family...

Is this true?

I don't want to take him back to get a female because I already really like him (just bought him yesterday).

I'm also a new rat owner and ANY info would be appriciated!

 

[twitch]

males don't cause any health problems unless it turns out you're allergic to them. and that can be true with any animal. they do get big gonands and because of their size they do tend to drag but again, it causes no health problems, just male envy perhaps.

as for more info look around this site as most every question has already been asked and do some research yourself online. here's a few links to get you started.
http://www.ratsrule.com/diet.html
http://www.ratbehavior.org/rats.html
http://www.rmca.org/
http://www.rattycorner.com/odds/calc.shtml

and consider getting another male rat for a friend for him. rats are VERY socail and will be happier and healthier with a same sex ratty cagemate.

 

[Darksong17]

You will be happy to know that that is completely and totally false =)

I agree, it would be a good idea to get him a male friend as rats are extremely social creatures. To add a link for research here is my website:

http://www.petinfopackets.com/rats/ratinfopacket.html

 

[Sky14]

I agree, it would be a good idea to get him a male friend as rats are extremely social creatures.

A cagemate is a good idea but be careful males can be very aggressive at deffending there terf. It shouldn't be a problem though he's still yuong and might not be aggressive but be VERY watchful any blood and remove the new rat fast.

 

[Darksong17]

I agree, it would be a good idea to get him a male friend as rats are extremely social creatures.

A cagemate is a good idea but be careful males can be very aggressive at deffending there terf. It shouldn't be a problem though he's still yuong and might not be aggressive but be VERY watchful any blood and remove the new rat fast.

With proper introductions there is usually little problem. It's very rare that a rat male or female cannot be kept with other rats ^^