Should I get two male rats or two female rats

I know that if I get two male rats, they might fight. If I get two female rats they might get mammary tumors and I don't want to pay the vet fees. I can't decide!!! Help!!!

There is soooooo much misinformation in the answers that you have been provided so far. I can't explain everything about keeping rats as pets in my answer here because it would take up too much space. The best thing that anyone can do if they are truly serious about keeping rats as pets is to join one of the many excellent Yahoo groups specifically set up for pet rats.

Holistarat at http://groups.yahoo.com/group/holistarat...

First I must commend you for choosing two same-sex rats as rats need the companionship of their own kind. Two males will NOT fight, especially if they are from the same cage when you purchase them. Female rats are more active then male rats. Male rats get calm and lazy as they mature. So it depends on your own lifestyle as to which sex you choose. I have both males and females and I love the qualities of both.

PLEASE, reconsider getting rats spayed or neutered for any reason. You need to have a vet that knows everything about rats and how to do surgery on rats because surgeries are not the same for rats as they are for cats and dogs.

Yes, mammary tumors are practically a given if you choose to have rats as pets. Rarely so, but male rats also get mammary tumors. Rats also have Mycoplasmosis. Just as with any pet you need to put money aside for medical emergencies.