First off we need to get past the thought of Rats as being those nasty city dwellers that live in the sewer systems of all major cities and know pet rats are very sociable as well as very clean and better know as fancy rats which are domesticated and make very good pets.

Domesticated rats are physiologically and psychologically different from their wild relatives, and—when acquired from reliable sources—they pose no more of a health risk than other common pets.

Before you go out and buy a rat you should know a few things first. Many people will go to a pet story and purchase their rat which is a very bad choice since you never know where the rat came from. The best choice when it comes to getting your rat would be to purchase your rat from a Rat Breeder.

It is best to buy your rats direct from a responsible breeder, for many reasons. A breeder who has only a few litters of baby rats (called 'kittens') at a time should have handled them from an early age, so that they are well socialized. The rats will have been spared the traumatic upheaval of moving to a busy shop at a young age, and so will have suffered less stress. They have had fewer opportunities to catch diseases from other animals. You will be able to meet the parents and relatives of the baby rats, and to check that they are healthy and friendly. A good breeder will be able to give advice after you have taken the rats home, and will usually take her rats back if you have any problems with them.

Before you buy a rat you need to do some research.

• Where to get your rat
• Type of cage to get for your rat.
• What to feed your rat.
• Type of toys that should and should not be given to your rat.
• Type of bedding (pine and cedar are harmful so never use it.)
• Should you get a boy (Bucks) or girl (Does)
  

So many things should be researched before you go out and spend all kings of money. Doing the research before hand will save you not only lots of money but also allow you to not waste your time.

Rats are very sociable and love to be handled and played with and its best to have at least 2 rats since they get bored pretty fast.

You should start off with either 2 females or 2 males. As a general rule boys (called bucks) are larger, heavier and have coarser coats than girls (call does). They are also generally lazier and slower so more likely to stop on your lap for a cuddle. Does are more playful and busier. They aren't less friendly than bucks but are more likely to use you as a climbing frame than snuggle up for a cuddle!Bucks are often recomended for first time rat owners because they are slower and therefore easier to handle. If are planning on training your rats, you are better off getting does as they are more inclined to learn and are more enthusiastic. If you are planning on showing your rats, it is worth checking to see if bucks or does in your chosen variety show better. More information


Resources:
AFRMA - American Fancy Rat and Mouse Association
Rat Breeders in your area
Pros and cons of having a Pet Rat
Rat Information - Great resources for all pet rat owners