Female rats learn trace memories better than male rats and consequently retain a greater proportion of new neurons in their hippocampi.
Male rats are known as bucks, and I love them unconditionally, because a good male rat is a personable, curious chonk of affection and intelligence. Female rats, known as does, tend to be smaller and livelier, but if well-handled can be just as cuddly. No one who loves rats will be disappointed by either.
Females tend to be more smaller, lither, and generally more active than males once they pass that 6 month mark, leading many to assume that training them is just easier. My own experience has been that young males, like young females, are full of energy and easy to get into training.
Introducing rats to each other
They should be kept in small same-sex groups and are perfectly happy without the opposite sex. Remember: Separate young males and females as soon as possible after weaning so that they don't produce pups, which are difficult to find good homes for.
For example, compared to male rats, female rats have twice as many AVPV neurons that express markers of both glutamatergic and GABAergic signaling (Ottem et al., 2004). These 'dual phenotype' neurons may synapse on GnRH neurons to modulate the effect of E on LH secretion.
By analyzing licking behavior on each drinking port, we characterized quantitatively individual recollection profiles and showed that rats are able to incidentally form and recollect an accurate, long-term integrated episodic-like memory that can last ≥24 d after limited exposure to the episodes.
Rats are perfectly content to be housed in single sex groups. Never house unneutered males and females together unless you wish to breed from them. You should only breed rats if you have already found good homes for all the pups.
Some people believe male rats move slower, cuddle more, and are more easygoing. Females are known for being playful, energetic, and less likely to cuddle.
Many believe Dumbo rats to be friendlier than other types of rats. (Dumbo rats' ears are on the sides of their head rather than on top—similar to Walt Disney's “Dumbo the Elephant”.) Burmese are also often considered to be very friendly. I once had Dumbo Burmese rats who were exceptionally warm and loving.
Unlike most small pets, rats love being picked up and handled by their human owners. While rats do enjoy human interaction, they'll need to be picked up and handled from a young age so they're used to it. Rats rarely bite and their larger size makes them easier to pick up.
Can you keep two male rats together? Yes - both entire male and female rats will live happily in single-sex groups, and neutered males can live with either males or females. However, if you keep entire males with females, they will usually breed constantly.
Rats are extremely sociable and really thrive when they have the companionship of other rats. Lone rats crave this attention so will often become depressed or display aggressive or nervous behaviour.
A well-socialized rat is a good pet for children and adults. It is always best to have at least two rats as they are very social animals and become lonely and bored living alone. It is important to make sure that your rat has a large enough house to move freely and get exercise.
Rats make lifelong bonds with their owners Ask any rat owner, and he or she will tell you: Rats recognize their owners and respond to their sight and voice. They are very social and love to hang out with human family members on the couch or on peoples' shoulders or in their laps.
Rats are clean, intelligent, affectionate animals which bond to their owners in much the same way that dogs do, and with the right care can provide a similar level of companionship. Rats become very attached to their owners, make playful, sensitive pets, and can be taught to come by name and learn tricks.
Males are more likely to mark than females. Castrating males may decrease the behaviour; but both sexes (entire and neutered) and all age groups will mark to some degree. If you have fertile rats, this marking behaviour may vary with intensity in line with the female's heat.
Rattus norvegicus domestica
Fancy rats are generally easy to care for, and are quite affordable, even compared to other small pets; this is one of their biggest draws. Additionally, they are quite independent, affectionate, loyal and easily trained. They are considered more intelligent than other domesticated rodents.
Two of the most dangerous and widespread rodents are the black rat — known scientifically as Rattus rattus — and the brown rat — referred to as Rattus norvegicus. These two originated in Asia but have since infested many other regions.
Interesting facts: Dumbo rats are known to be the sweetest and gentlest of all the fancy rats. Their slightly larger head compared to jaw, along with their low-set and large ears give them that adorable innocent look.
Rats might show affection by greeting one another with a friendly sniff or nose-touch, or by grooming one another - and it's thought that they'll even help each other target those hard-to-reach spots! They'll also huddle together, even when it's warm (so we know they're not just doing it to keep cosy).
Dogs have “puppy eyes,” but rats are just as gifted at looking pitiful to get your attention. You've probably noticed your rats hovering at the cage door, staring at you with pleading eyes. Whether they are begging to be fed, let out to play, or looking for a snuggle, this is a sure sign they want your attention.
If your rat nibbles or licks you, he or she might be showing you affection by grooming you. Rats also have an excellent sense of smell, so your rat might nibble or lick your hand or smell you after you eat or prepare food.
The best way to tell if a rat's happy, according to a new study, is to look at its ears. A happy rat's ears hang relaxed to the sides (right), instead of perked up (left).
Pet rats enjoy human interaction. Once your rats are used to interacting with you, going an entire week without human contact can be stressful for them. Not only do they thrive by receiving love from their humans, but they also do better when stimulated intellectually.
Rats are sociable animals and should live with other rats. Litter mates of the same sex are advisable, although rats can be mixed at any age it is best to introduce them before they are fully grown, which is 12 weeks of age.