My son would like a rat for his birthday-any advice on what types of things to consider when looking for one?

There is no doubt about it, rats make great pets! They are intelligent, inquisitive and affectionate little animals, rats are also low maintenance and low cost, which gives just about everybody who loves animals the opportunity to own a fun pet.

Rats generally bite as a last resort and are usually given too much opportunity to do so when the handler is unsure and hesitant.

Rats are naturally prey animals, this means that anything bigger than it will probably have it for dinner. To better understand a rat, you should observe it and it's reactions to you and it's environment and any other existing circumstances.

Choosing a rat as a pet is not as hard as people think. It is no different to choosing a dog or a cat as a companion animal. The main key is to first look for a healthy animal.

The eyes should be large, round, clean and full of life, the coat sleek and glossy ( if the rat is a rex, the coat will be curly) younger rats will have more of a fluffy downing, but the hair should still be clean and soft.

There should be no red staining around the paws, eyes, ears, or through the coat, and no urine staining around the genitals. Rat droppings should be firm and pelleted, with little smell.

A sick rat will demonstrate a huffed up withdrawn state, staining around the eyes, ears and through the coat, particularly around the back of the neck. Urine stains may also be present with yellowing around the genitals with a possible redness to the skin of the vulva or penis area.

Avoid rats that snuffle sneeze or rattle when they breath, as this could lead to future respiratory problems. Unusual soft or hard lumps anywhere on the body could lead to tumors, so avoid rats that have them.

Not only do you want a healthy rat in body, you will want it to be healthy in the mind. Look for a rat that is curious about you and everything else that is around them.

Rats that huddle with their backs into the corner usually are feeling threatened and may bite, this is usually due to lack of handling and will also demonstrate jumping, squealing and making a run for it when attempting to handle them.

A well socialized rat will approach you, grasp your fingers and sniff you all over following your wondering hand about the enclosure, this is what you want in a pet. The rat should let you gently scoop it up into your hand without a fuss and continue on with investigating you. If the rat cleans itself or chatters (ruxing), then it is relaxed and comfortable with the situation at hand, this is a good sign that you have found a friend that is right for you.

If you want an animal you can train or bond with you, it is best to choose a rat kitten that is 5 to 8 weeks of age. Although I have found that even adopting older rats can have just as many rewards and strong bonding friendships. Remember, a rat is a smart animal and will learn anything no matter what their age.

If in doubt on how to choose a healthy pet, it is good to visit a number of ratteries, and compare the differences in appearance and behavior.

Good luck 2nd time around.

Your best bet is to find a local person who also loves rats- a breeder or pet shop employee would be the easiest. Let this person help guide your selection.

I prefer males, purchased pretty young. I look for clear eyes and clean tails, a certain amount of inquisitiveness and a willingness to be handled.

I avoid rats that are bullies, hide, are too skittish, are the runts of the litter, or look 'off' in any way.

When I get it home, I put it in it's cage with food and water and leave it alone for a day or two, then begin a program of acclimitazion and socialization with a few brief handling periods and treats a few times a day. I increase the time and frequency as time goes on.

One great thing about rats is that there are a LOT of good care sites online for you!

I buy my pet rats when they are young. Take your son with you and let him choose his new pet. Make sure the pet shop will let him handle his selection in the store to see how they interact with each other. My rats usually pick me. I put my hand into the cage and the first one that is curious enough to come check me out is usually the one I bring home. Go to a large pet store like PetSmart. They have a larger selection and usually have rats from very young to older because mostly people buy rats to feed to their snakes. I love it when I tell the sales person the rat will not end up in some disgusting snakes belly. The look on their faces is priceless. Some people just don't comprehend how someone can love a rat for a pet. Let your son be part of the purchasing process as he should be the main handler of the rat and your son and his rat can have many good years together if you buy a young one. Met a girl at the vets office who was having her pet rat put down. He was 12 years old!!! Mine usually end up being male when they grow up. Don't know if sex can be determined just by looking when they are very young. Rats can be harness trained too. I had a picture made at Feeders Supply one year with Santa and my pet rat, dog and cat all in the same picture. The look on Santa's face was one of pure fear. No one went after nobody but I do not recommend letting the cat hang out with the rat without vigilant supervision. As for making it comfortable, get a roomy cage (remember babies grow up, I use a 20 gallon long fish tank) a food bowl it cannot chew up (I use the metal ones you buy at the pet store) and for the first few days until it gets used to its surroundings don't handle it too much. Sounds silly but I talk to mine through the screen over the top of the tank. NEVER grab at the rat to pick it up. That's alot of the reason they bite. To them you may as well be a cat trying to eat them. Gently talk to your rat (no matter how long you have it) while feeding, cleaning the cage, changing the water and before/during the picking up process. Let it know you are not a threat and your son should get a lot of enjoyment out of his new pet. Also, the look on the faces and the reactions of people who visit your house are priceless. I am a grown woman and the first time my mom walked into my house and seen I had a cage and realized I had a rat instead of a hamster or gerbil she screamed like she had seen a wild rat in the kitchen cabinet or something similar. I couldn't stop laughing at her.

If you can find a personal breeder, that would be the way to go. I don't care what pet store you buy from, they are all mills, mass producing their animals. The conditions are deplorable. Yes, they have a so many day guarantee, but why purchase something that has great potential of dying in such a short period of time, after someone has become so attached to it. You will want a baby, ask if it has been hand-raised/fed. I'm not too sure which sex would be best, that information you can research right online. One thing you want to remember, is never ever use cedar chips. They are not a natural bedding material for any small animals. Cedar is coated with an oil, and this can be very dangerous to small animals. The best thing you would want to have is the dry hay, you can get these in the compressed small bails, or better yet, the stuff that looks like shredded egg cartons; it's a little expensive, but worth it for a healthy little pet. Good luck and happy researching.

I have had rats as pets many times. I am a teacher and have also had a rat a few times as a classroom pet. I have had good luck with both male and female rats. The only problem I've had is when I purchased an older rat who was not used to children. He bit a couple of children in my class. From my own experience I'd suggest buying a baby and making sure that he/she gets contact every day. Have fun!

I prefer males, they seem more even tempered. Also, when looking for a rat in your area, go to petfinder.com. There are all kinds of animals looking for forever homes almost all the time. Good luck.

BTW, if it's nipping, not biting hard, it can be trained not to do that. Rats are very intelligent and loving animals. Just too bad they don't live very long.

I have had both a male and a female rat in the past. the male was probably the more friendly one, but both were very friendly. no problems with either. got both of mine (seperate times) at a local pet shop, and both were very young when i bought them.

Get a MALE rat. Also, pet shops are fine, but insist that you be allowed to hold it and play with it first so that you can see it's temperament. Biting is very unusual in rats. I prefer adult rats.

avoid pet shops for purchasing ANY pet... they should be considered more for food and supplies...

they get pets who were raised in mass amounts so often have very little handling, and very little regard to genetics or overall health.. they are bred for making profit (a rather unethical business.... think puppy mill on different level, equally cruel)

anyhow enough of that... males are more friendly, get a hand raised one from a breeder OR contact your local SPCA, or animal shelter to see if they have any friendly ones for adoption!!!!!!!!

If you only plan on having one rat, then either gender is fine, but more than one, definitely females. male/female mixes will get you lots and lots of babies, males will fight.