www.everwildrattery.com

So, you have decided that you would like to have a rat as a pet  You researched their care, and personality and decided they were the best choice for you and your family.  The next obvious step, is to select a gender.  There are many pros and cons that come with owning either a male or female. In some cases, if you are willing, you can have a male or female neutered or spayed (respectively), and keep a mixed gender set up.  If you are interested please email me for more information.  What ever you decide, they will surely love and bond with you. 

The information provided is from both expereience, research, and impromptu interviews with fellow rat owners.  Also, please remember, there are expections to the rules! 

 Pros and Cons: (you decide)

• Males are usually larger than females.
• Males are more focused on you.
• Males are usually more content to sit on your shoulder longer than females.
• They are also more likely to be cuddly and sit on your lap, wanting to be petted. 
• Less likely to get tumors!
• Males are more likely to scent mark.  They do this because they want you to smell like them.  It is a way they can say, "We like you and you smell like us." and neutering helps.
  
• Males have a slightly stronger odor than females, and neutering helps!
  

Pros and Cons: (you decide)

• Females are usually smaller than males. 
  
• Females are usually very curious and love to run and play. 
  
• Females are less likely to stay quietly on your shoulder.
• Females are more likely to get mammary tumors.
• They produce less of an odor and are sometimes neater in housekeeping.
  
• Spaying a female rat diminishes risk of tumors greatly.