Tumors are very common in females, though males get them too (not as often). Spaying helps prevent tumors, and if they do crop up, getting mammary tumors removed is a pretty simple procedure (though a little spendy, depending on your budget and what your vet normally charges. Mine usually run me about $145).

 

Have any of your females or male got them? I live in the UK and unfortunatly there are no vets within a close radius that will comfortably spay or neuter rats :-\

 

Out of the 16 senior females I've had (that means not counting the girls I currently have who are too young to have developed tumors), 6 eventually developed mammary tumors. I've only had two males, and they don't currently have any tumors.

 

AW, :'(

Would you recommend male or females?

 

It's entirely up to your personal preferences. I appreciate different things about my ladies and my gentlemen. Female rats are more active and playful, while males tend to be better lap rats (though I have had a few female lap rats). Females supposedly smell slightly less, but males don't really smell that much to begin with, so it hasn't been a noticeable difference for me. Overall, it seems that my male rats have been healthier, but I'm working from a pretty small sample size.

 

HMMM...

males do seem more to my lifestyle.

Thank you for your help ;D

 

I prefer males, personally, although I have a doe who I like quite a lot. I'm just more partial to males being big squishes.

 

I've never owned females but I lovemy big funny squishy males

 

I own both!

I love them both, but I prefer males. Neutered males are the best! All the lovey squishyness, with less marking and no hormonal aggression

Females are fun, often they are softer in fur texture, smaller, and less cuddly but more 'fun' hahaha.

Of course there are always exceptions. My spayed girl Mrs.C is a lovebug, but at the same time she is like lightning on fire when she wants to run!

 

I've had several rats, males and females. I know they can, but none of my boys have ever had tumors. Females on the other hand, must be spayed. I've never had an unspayed girl who didn't eventually end up with them.

 

I've had several rats, males and females. I know they can, but none of my boys have ever had tumors. Females on the other hand, must be spayed. I've never had an unspayed girl who didn't eventually end up with them.

Likewise, I have never had a boy with tumors, it CAN happen but it's less likely. Males ARE prone to other illnesses like HED.
And I have had 2 girls with tumors who recently passed, and 1 more who currently has one.

 

Thanks guys!

I am defiantly going to get males!

Will males NEED to be neutered? I mean i understand they will get hormonal at around 6 months, but will that pass?

Also, i have been looking into local breeders, but they say they always keep their females pregnant or nursing a litter :-\ , I dont have a car so i cant go far from where i live... I spoke to my local pets at home, and they told me their litters come from local good breeders, and that they have changed from the "Mills". I am really stuck on what to do. i hear, if i get them from pets at home, they will get very hormonal, however my friends have them from their and they are fine. Would it be better just to get 1 male? would that take away the hormonal aggression? I wouldn't want fighting rats! It is also quite difficult to find a vet that will neuter, or that are comfortable with doing it.

Any help appreciated!

 

Are you in range of any rescues? Rescues may have babies, and often have babies born and raised with them.

They don't NEED to be neutered no, but it's a good idea if you can afford it and have a competent vet.

 

I only know of 2 RSPCA's near me, there arnt any rescues within a 50 mile radius, and i cant drive :-\

The pets at home store sometime have rats in their adoption part, usually aggressive or ill though.. :-[

 

Do you mind giving your general location? There are rescues that will transport rats.

Also, CL has rehomes listed (check for sale AND community).

Also, rat forums often have rats listed for adoption.

 

Try CL, the humane society, or a rehome from a pet store. Those tossed aside rats need homes, too.


Of my 4 rats, 3 are rescue situations. One was from an owner who no longer had time for her, but wasn't caring for her well at all, anyway, and two are from the humane society. My eldest is a pet store rat.

My rescues are wonderful, the two brothers I recently got are the lickiest little guys alive, they're loving and friendly and adorable! Rosebud is also very sweet. Just because it's a rescue doesn't mean it's not a good rat.

 

I personally prefer males. I've had both, but my preference definitely lies with the bucks! I've only had one female who's company I really enjoyed. As to the smell, my does have always been dirtier and stinkier than my boys. Our newest addition, Dargo, has a weird smell right now but when I adopted him from my local Humane Society, he was covered in buck grease. When he came home, he got a quick bath, and I have noticed that the smell is starting to go away now that he's on a better food and getting fruits and veggies.

Of my females, two of the four developed mammary tumors. I had surgery done on both girls to the tune of about $500 USD. In the future, I'd probably spay my does to reduce the chance of tumors. Personally, I don't spay my males, but I've thought about it and most likely will neuter all of my future boys. As a side note, our local Humane Society is now neutering ALL male rats, guinea pigs, and rabbits that are surrendered to them. They also spay the larger female rodents that come in, but they don't do the rats.