Rat Care Hints and Tips

Boy Rats or Girl Rats?

With rat care the question often arises as to whether it is better to get boy or girl rats and what are the differences between them.

In the world of rats it is generally the case that males are larger and become more cuddly as they mature, than females who tend to remain more active throughout their lives. Though there are always exceptions to every rule and while I have never had a particularly large female rat, I have had some small and active male rats.

Even with the general differences between the two sexes there is no change in the amount of affection they will show you. As with all animals, the more time and attention you give to your rats the closer the bond you will share with them. All rats will have their own unique way of showing you love, whether they groom your skin as if you had fur, or lie perfectly still while you do all the work, it is still love and will depend on a rats personality rather than gender.

The most important rule when choosing the gender of your rats is do not mix sexes unless you are planning to have one rat altered (castrated or spayed) this will lead to pregnancy. While the idea of baby rats may seem appealing, the reality is very different. You have to separate the parents to prevent further pregnancies and you will also need to find suitable homes for the babies and this is not as easy as it sounds.

What gender rats you get may be decided for you, by the breeder, pet shop or animal shelter you visit only having either males or females available, and this is great, especially if you really don’t mind. Or you may find that a pair of beady little eyes watching you from the cage steal your heart and then your decision is made for you.

Other than size and temperament, which isn’t always a given, I have found little difference in rats between males and females. Scent marking (leaving small trails of urine) is something that is often attributed to rat males, but rat females can do it too. As a male rat matures his fur usually becomes coarser, but a happy and well kept boy rat is always beautiful and it should have no impact on your relationship with your rats.

Which ever gender you choose it will be up to you to encourage your rats to be the most confident, affectionate, and well trained rat companions they can be.