Choosing Your Pocket Pet
First it is important to understand that rats and mice suffer from bad press. A lot of prejudice and misunderstanding has been directed toward them. Domestic rats and mice are NOT the same at their wild counterparts! They have been domesticated for over 100 years and have about as much in common with their wild cousins as your pet dog has with a wolf.

Pet rats and mice are easy to keep in this day and age with minimal space and care requirements. They are inexpensive to obtain along with required cage and accessories. They require no vaccinations, do not need to be walked every day, nor do they make a lot of noise.

Rats make excellent companions for children as well as adults for they are intelligent, clean, and very social. Watching mice play an be a lot of fun. They are great stress relievers - in the same way an aquarium of fish can be.

Time to Choose Your Pocket Pet!

With rats there is no preference between males and females. Males tend to be larger than females and as they grow older become 'couch potatoes'. Females tend to retain their playfulness. Rats will have no odor other than a pleasant smell often describe to resemble sandalwood incense. Female mice are preferred by many as they do not have the odor that is natural for male mice.

When choosing your pet, the two most important things to look for are health and personality. A healthy rat or mouse will be active, curious, and have a nice glossy coat. Pick out an animal that is friendly and curious when you put your hand in the cage. When you pick them up, they should be calm. Be aware that baby rats nibble on your fingers. Do not confuse this with biting!

Try to buy from a reputable breeder. They will know their animals, have healthy stock, and socialize their babies from birth. The best age to get is between 4-6 weeks so they can grow up with you. But do not overlook an older animal that has an nice personality and temperament. They can make just as nice a pet!