About Robin Bartlett Expertise I can answer any rat-related questions including feeding, housing, breeding, showing, genetics, health, and behaviour. I am a veterinary assistant and though I cannot answer in-depth health questions I am familiar with the most common ailments and treatments for rats. I have owned rats for 10 years and have been breeding them for 5 and have studied everything about them that I can get my hands on. I currently run my own rat care website at http://careguide.evergreenrattery.com and have been answering rat and other rodent questions via email and IM for several years now.
Experience I am a veterinary assistant who has owned rats for 10 years and bred them for 5. In this time I have learned nearly everything there is to know about rats and continue to study more about them every day. I have been answering rat questions via IM and email for several years now and I am currently ranked #3 on Yahoo! Answers for the best answers in the rodents category.
Organizations RatsPacNW, RMFE
Education/Credentials Though I am a veterinary assistant, I have not gone to college for it. My parents are both vets, and I have grown up with our family business and have learned what I needed to know on the job.
Question Hey,I'm 15 years old and considering on getting a pet rat.I've been doing alot of research on both male and female rats but still am not sure about the gender I'm wanting.Males sound like a "lap" pet and like to sit in your lap while a female is more active.Im wanting more of a less active rat,one that will sit in my lap, but im not looking forward to being peed on by a male.Ive also read that the males have more of a stinky smell than females.So which would you recomend for me?
Answer You're definitely right, males like to generally just laze around, but they do urine mark a bit more and their urine is a bit smellier. They also tend to be a little less diligent about keeping themselves clean and can grow stinky that way. They also develop what is called buck grease, an orange greasy substance on their backs which if is caused by hormones.
Females are smaller than males, more active, and generally cleaner. They smell a bit less, though still can stink if their cage isn't cleaned enough. Their fur is softer and not greasy.
Choosing a male or female rat is really a personal preference. If you're wanting a pet that lazies around I would suggest a male. To reduce the negative aspects of a male rat, get him neutered. It will cut down a lot on marking and buck grease. I would find a vet in your area who is able to do the procedure and ask how much it would cost; this may be another thing to think about when deciding if you want a male or a female.
Also, if you choose to get a neutered male, you can always get him a female friend to live with (rats should always be kept in pairs!) and then you'll have the best of both worlds with no accidental litters!
