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Which makes a better pet2007-11-24 22:19:43

We got rats because hubby is allergic to cats. Hubby also has kept many other rodents as pets in the past, so we bypassed the hamsters, gerbils, bunnies, and mice.

Initial cage we got for the first two was about $50. We upgraded to a much larger cage that was $120 about a year later. They need 2 square feet per rat - big cages. You can use aquariums but I think mine certainly prefer their cage. I totally enjoy "decorating" with box houses with holes cut out and multi-level hammocks made from scrap fabrics and old t-shirts and towels. Things that you would throw out can be made first into rat toys - tubes, milk jugs, paper, fabric, etc. Just get imaginative and let the rats do the work.

I make their food mix so it's <$10 a month overall. They are omnivorous - like humans. From the pet store, they average $5-9; from a breeder $20. If you can get one from a breeder, they are better pets because they are handled from birth and were bred specifically for temperment as loveable pets.

Vet visits can get expensive if they get sick, but it's not like a dog where you have to get them vaccinated and checked for worms as long as you keep them inside and away from other animals.

A downside to them is that they are highly prone to tumors, particularly mammary tumors in females. On average, they live 2-3 years. This is good or bad, depending on your commitment level and ability to deal with all the phases of life and death.

My recommendation: rats (and get at least two)

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due to having children I have had both.I have to say though as much as I don't htink rats are ment to be pets,I really loved ours.she was awesome and knew tricks and was a great rat for about 5 years.I was depressed when she finally passed and I would for a second hesitate on another rat where I would with a guinea pig.

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I'd get a Guinea pig.But I have to warn