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Anonymous
Me and my housemate are getting rats, does anyone have any advice about what gender to get, and tips, where to get them from?
We want to get them from an animal rescue place, is this a good idea?
>> Anonymous
I prefer males because they're cuddly and squishy. Girls tend to be more hyper and less lovey-dovey, but they're all different.

It would be very nice of you to get them at a shelter, just know that if you adopt older rats, they don't live very long so you might only have them for a year or so.

Get two or more, get a big cage, don't use pine or cedar bedding, keep the cage clean, have money ready to take them to the vet when they get tumors and respiratory infections (when, not if). That's all you need to know.
>> Anonymous
>>340852
thank you so much. That's good advice.
>> Anonymous
>>340850
Personally I'd recommend two females and a large cage, as they fight less than males and don't grow to be as big.
>> Anonymous
>>340872

I agree.

Also, play with them a lot and make sure they get 12 hours of light and darkness, to the best of your ability. They need to sleep just like we do and studies show that allowing them the appropriate amount of light/dark lessens the amount of tumors they will develop. Also, try feeding them roasted soy nuts as a snack - another way to help decrease the amount of tumors.