How to Choose a Pet Rat at the Pet Store

Buying a new pet can be an exciting time. When it comes to choosing a pet rat you can have a lot of fun, but it can be a little scary as well. If you want to be sure you are getting a friendly rat then it is a good idea to buy from a breeder. They breed for personality and they handle their ratties a lot making sure they are very socialized. If you don't have a breeder or are looking to rescue a rat here is how you choose a rat from a pet store or a feeder bin (feeder rats are cheaper and usually bred for the sole purpose of being fed to other animals).

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• All the supplies to bring your new rat home.

1. Wash your hands thoroughly. Before going to the pet store make sure your hands are really clean. You don't want to take something from your pets at home and give it to the pet store friends or a chemical that you have used throughout the day.

2. Look at the rats. Check to see that they are all breathing normally. None of them should be wheezing. None of them should have moisture on their noses. They should all be lively. It is understandable that they be in a big pile sleeping, but they shouldn't look ill. All of these are signs of illness and should be avoided when buying your pet rat. If any of the rats look ill, avoid the whole batch and come back another day (or go to a different pet store).

3. Once you have looked them over from a distance then it is time to get to know them a little. Get permission or help from the attendant to get to know them better. Start by sticking your hand in. Watch for signs of nervousness. If the rat is overly nervous and doesn't want to be picked up it is best not to force them (biting can and does happen).

4. After the rats have had a few minutes to get used to your hand and your smell then you can pick up a few. Choose those that seem the least nervous. Talk to them gently. Grab them by the very base of their tail and then use your other hand to scoop them up. Make sure your hands are under all four feet.

5. Choose your rat or rats from those that seem least nervous and the friendliest. It may require that you dig through the pile of sleeping rats to find some at the bottom. Do this gently and carefully.

6. Don't buy a rat that is really nervous, threatens to bite, or shows violent behavior. Sometimes these rats can be rehabilitated, but other times you are left with a violent rat that bites.

7. Wash your hands thoroughly after handling strange rats.

Tips & Warnings

• Make sure your child doesn't ever do this. Rats don't bite often, but when they do it hurts. You don't want them to be bitten.