Rats Vs. Hamsters...

LHUhannah · Joined: 04 Dec 2006 Posts: 1000

Ok, so I read this funny quote today

Jinxx · Joined: 28 Nov 2006 Posts: 1906

I prefer rats. If I've been bitten it would only be once or twice by rats and I've handled many through the years. They're more people sociable as well and want attention much more than hamsters or gerbils.

Charlie1 · Joined: 30 Nov 2006 Posts: 2555

Well I know rats don't bite well not that much but do they have bladder problems? I've heard that but correct me if I'm wrong. True, hamsters do bite more but that's because you have to socialize with them first. I have 6 hamsters so I prefer hamsters because I absolutely adore them. They only bite if your hands smell like food, if they are startled, haven't been handled, or if they have a litter. One of my hamsters had a litter of four and when the babies were about two weeks old she didn't mind us taking them and handling them and she never bit anyone. Three out of all my hamster never bit or nibbled on anyone's gfingers, the other nibbled but one actually bit me on my leg. Anyways I just adore hamsters and the ones that usually bite are dwarf hamsters, I have syrian hamsters. I've never had a pet rat, but wanted one but my dog would attack it. But I wonder what everyone else thinks.

LabNut · Joined: 28 Nov 2006 Posts: 136

RATS I have had 18 rats in the last 5 years and 2 hamsters. both hamster were really mean no matter how much i handled them and tried to socialize them. were as none of my rats had to be socilized becuase they prefer to be with people rather than be mean and bite them. also rats are way smarter than any other rodent so it makes it more fun to play with them becuase they can learn games.

I_Like_Meerkats · Joined: 20 Oct 2007 Posts: 512

I prefer Squeakers

Know what I mean by that?

Charlie1 · Joined: 30 Nov 2006 Posts: 2555

Well LabNut, what type of hamsters were they? How old were they? Where did you get them? Can you explain further by "mean" like did they bite you or just nibble on your finger?

Jinxx · Joined: 28 Nov 2006 Posts: 1906

I've owned and raised both rats and hamsters (several varieties). Rats are by far the better of them. Can't stand gerbils are all. Rats are much more social and lovable with humans than either of the other two. I even suggest rats to people before I'd suggest a dog or cat, even when they're looking for a dog or cat. Smile

Rats make wonderful pets.

Charlie1 · Joined: 30 Nov 2006 Posts: 2555

Gerbils I don't like, they always scratch at the glass and lok like small squirrels, but it's fun to watch them. Well I can't really judge on which is better since I've never had a rat but I like hamsters. I want a rat but my parents won't let me, they say my dog would attack it but it's basically the same thing with a hamster. Then my dad says they have bladder problems, do they?

Jinxx · Joined: 28 Nov 2006 Posts: 1906

No, they don't have bladder problems. You should look to see if you can find a reputable breeder near you that is open to questions. A good breeder is working on breeding healthy animals and they're willing to help/answer questions for people interested in keeping rats.

If you get the 'I don't like their tails' line btw, there are tailess rats as well. Wink

LHUhannah · Joined: 04 Dec 2006 Posts: 1000

I hate when people say that! "they're ok, but that tail is just disgusting!"

It's a tail...not a fifth leg, not a second head, not a behavior problem....it's a tail....blah....

I have two gerbils, which I am giving to my brother cause he wants something that is mean and "misunderstood" and my mom said no snakes Wink

But my two girl rats are so sweet, and they are even allowed to free-range at night in my room (rat proofed of course) and they come when they are called and they use a litter box.

Jinxx · Joined: 28 Nov 2006 Posts: 1906

Ours used to get free range in the evening..and that was with cats and a dog in the house. (they all stayed clear of the rats!). Most of them would come sit with us on the couch while we were watching tv. We had harnesses for when we'd take them out and most of them loved outtings. We took them to fleamarkets, shopping, walks, carnivals, parades and anywhere else we could. Granted they rode on our shoulder but it was no different than having a dog. And several of them would even go fetch the harnesses when you said it was time to go out.

White Frost · Joined: 02 May 2007 Posts: 329

That is so cool Jinxx I am trying to get my parents to let me have a rat but they say our cat would eat it when I think she will just play with it seeing we had mice in our garage and over the summer we found 2 sick ones and she just played with them.

LabNut · Joined: 28 Nov 2006 Posts: 136

Chilly Girl · Joined: 15 Apr 2007 Posts: 1712

I prefer rats definatly! I have two and neither of them have bladder problems. They are both so sociable, my dog, a labrador loves them. When my cat tried to chase one of them, my rat turned around and made a chattering sound and jumped at her. It probably would have gotten worse if I didn't come to split them up.
My friend once had a hamster and was afraid to feed it because it would attack her every time she got close to the cage, she ended up having to sell him.
In my opinion, it is a shame that the best animals have the worst reputation. Sad

Cowgirls Rule · Joined: 29 Apr 2007 Posts: 10721

I always look at the rats at the pet store, I really think that they are so cute, so I prefer rats better becuase my friend had a hamster, whenever you would go in her room, it woud like try and bite your finger even if it was inside it's cage, it was really evil.