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-   -   Newbie's inquiries (http://www.pets.ca/forum/showthread.php?t=61913)

KanadianKrusty April 3rd, 2009 06:42 PM

Newbie's inquiries
 
Hello everyone, long time reader, first time poster here!

Here's my situation: I'm a 21-year old college student looking to adopt a pet sometime after this semester's over. I read a lot (and I mean a LOT) about different pets, from snakes to fennecs to ants and dogs. And since it would be my first pet ever, I narrowed it down quite a bit. Originally I wanted a rabbit which seems really cool but quite a commitment considering it's a first pet. So it would be either a rat or a gerbil, something like that. A few questions:

1- Just double checking, are these good choices?

2- With the appropriate amount of attention, what kind of bonding can I expect from small rodents anyway?

thank you in advance for the help

Chris21711 April 4th, 2009 05:10 PM

I used to bring the Rats home for the weekend when I was at school, I found them to be quite friendly and tame and they really liked human companionship.

Gerbils I know nothing about.

Bina April 5th, 2009 11:03 AM

Hello KK, and welcome!
A good first pet is a hamster, rat, or guinea pig. Gerbils are cute, but a bit more jumpy.
Guinea pigs will need more cage cleaning than a hamster or rat, but it's up to you.
If you get a rat, try to get a young male and handle it every day. They are super smart and can even do tricks.
Whichever one you decide on, do your research and don't use cedar chips as bedding for any rodent.
Good Luck.

kmd April 6th, 2009 12:53 PM

Hi,
Any pet is a committment. If you are worried about that, then a bearded dragon might be a good start. Of course it isn't furry, but if handled often will get to know you. Their care isn't very time consuming,they don't get too big, are quiet and can be left for a few days. Shouldn't be too much of a problem with allergies either. Good Luck.

KanadianKrusty April 12th, 2009 10:39 AM

Thanks for the help guys, and kmd, I know that all pets are a commitment but I just didn't want to invest hundreds of dollars a month and multiple horus a day for a decade as my *first* pet commitment heh. Anyway I decided I'll get a rat sometime in the near future, do my best and see where it goes!

LavenderRott April 12th, 2009 10:44 AM

I had a lovely rat when I was in the military. He was great fun and didn't get mad at me when I had to work a couple of days at a time.

Bina April 14th, 2009 11:39 AM

A young male rat is a perfect first pet. He will sit on your shoulder while you study, or re-arrange things on your desk.
We would love to have one, but our cat has other plans......:(
I think there are rat lover web sites you could check out. Good Luck.

animaladvocate May 1st, 2009 12:04 PM

I'm new too but I have to commend you on your decision that a rabbit would be a lot of work! They live 8-12 years and require spay/neuter (for health/behavior) which is quite pricey. I have four and a rabbit shelter and I can tell you definitely that rabbits are very expensive and time consuming-not easy when your still in college!

For my two cents-I've never owned rats but know many who own them and they are apparently fantastic, smart and clean pets. They play, they can be trained and they seem to love their owners-I'd think a rat would be a great pet!


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