by Trenna Sue Hiler

Created on: September 25, 2008   Last Updated: September 26, 2008

It's a good idea to understand rats and their social behaviors as you are selecting your pet. Rats are very sociable for them to be the healthiest and happy they should live in pairs. Typically, they should live in same sex pairs to entertain each other. So truly you should be looking for two pet rats.

You want their house to be prepared for them before they come home. You want to transport them in a large carrier and deliver them to a great home with all the necessities. If you want to bond nicely with the animals sleep with a small dish towel and put it in the carrier and their new home. It's important to reduce as much stress as possible when moving rats. So getting the right rats and setting up a home will require more than one trip to the pet store and perhaps to a local breeder. So the house is all set up with the proper ventilation. They have a place to hide. They have water and toys. They have proper bedding. We get to pick the rats.

It is vital that you make sure the females and males have been separated. Rats are very fertile at a very young age. You want to make sure you are not leaving the shop with a female in a family way.

You want to wear comfortable clothes that can get dirty. Rats tend to defecate when they are nervous or afraid. They also scent mark territory. You want to be prepared for any accidents so you can focus on the rodent instead of the mess.

Rats have very different personalities and you want friendly outgoing pets. Put your hand in the cage. Hold it open and palm up. You may even want to put a treat in your hand. Speak quietly and gently and see which rat may actually choose you. Stay still and allow them to approach you. Don't make the mistake of looking for the "cuteness" or most "gnarly". Be yourself and see which rodent seems interested in you.

Now that you know you have a pet that is interested ask the professional to remove the rat from the cage. Prepare yourself by folding your arms together so if the rodent is nervous he/she can comfortably find a place to hide in your arms. Remember the rat may defecate on you. This is a natural stress and fear reaction. Be prepared and don't jump or become concerned. You can clean up after the rat in back safe in the cage.

If the rat bites you, don't take it home. This is not a habit that will change.

After a few minutes in your arm a rat will normally calm down and begin to explore. It may begin crawling around and using its great sense of smell to get to know you. They have very good hearing so you want to speak quietly so they can adjust to the sound of your voice. You will know if you can be long life friends.

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