During the pandemic, many families turned to adopting dogs, but we chose a different path — we welcomed rats into our home. My wife, Emily, and I have always been dog enthusiasts, particularly fond of Labrador Retrievers. Our chocolate lab is completely devoted to Emily, while our yellow lab has a special bond with our twelve-year-old son, Jake. Meanwhile, our nine-year-old daughter, Mia, adores the dogs but has been yearning for a pet of her own. “How about a goat, Mom?” she suggested one day.
“Reptiles are a no-go,” Emily replied, expressing her strong dislike for anything that slithers. Cats were out of the question due to my allergies. This left us considering smaller pets like guinea pigs, hamsters, rabbits, and, yes, rats.
Exploring Pet Options
Guinea pigs are social and friendly, but they require a lot of space and daily cleaning due to their sizable waste. Hamsters are adorable and tidy but can bite, and their nocturnal nature makes them less than ideal for our light sleeper, Jake. Rabbits are fluffy and charming but need extensive space and can chew through cords and shoes. After weighing our options, we decided to look into adopting rats.
Now, before you cringe, it’s important to know that pet rats, or fancy rats, are quite different from their wild counterparts. In fact, they’re often likened to the dogs of the rodent realm — they can learn tricks, recognize their names, and even come when called! These charming creatures are odorless and can be trained to use a litter box, making them quite low-maintenance. Their lifespan is around two to three years, which feels manageable. However, some people still can’t get past the idea of having a rat as a pet.
Discovering the World of Fancy Rats
If you’re curious, check out the “ratfluencers” on Instagram under #ratsofinstagram. You’ll find adorable photos of these little companions. We reached out to a local breeder who asked if we were interested in a pet or a show rat. Yes, showing rats is a real thing! In Southern California, where we live, there are numerous ratteries offering a variety of fancy rats in all sorts of colors and types.
When we decided to adopt, we quickly learned that rats are social creatures and should always be kept in pairs. The ratteries often have waiting lists and require families to undergo a vetting process, much like adopting a dog. We explored Craigslist but worried about the sellers’ expertise, and pet shops were also not recommended as their rats may not be well-socialized.
Finding Our New Family Members
Fortunately, we discovered a wonderful rescue organization called Tiny Companions, which fosters a variety of animals including guinea pigs, hamsters, and yes — fancy rats. Upon visiting one of their foster homes, we met some adorable five-month-old female rats who had recently been surrendered. The kids instantly bonded with the curious little sisters, who were affectionate and playful. As the foster mom shared care instructions, the rats scampered across my kids’ shoulders, tickling them with their whiskers.
Setting up for our new pets was surprisingly affordable — under $300 for a spacious cage, food for several months, and all the necessary accessories. The adoption fee was only $20 for the duo. Their diet consists of inexpensive pellets, fruit, and veggies, which made caring for them a breeze. The joy my kids experienced while engaging with their new pets was priceless. Two years with these little companions won’t be long enough!
Further Reading
For more insights on family dynamics and adopting pets, check out this blog post on home insemination. You may also find valuable information at Healthline regarding intrauterine insemination, which can be a great resource for those considering pregnancy.
Conclusion
In summary, while many families opted for dogs during the pandemic, we found joy in adopting fancy rats. These charming pets require minimal care, provide companionship, and have brought immense joy to our family.