I have two questions about pet rats.?

1. Is it really best to get two rats or would having one be ok?


I personally only want one. I go to school early in the morning and come home at 2pm. So, the rat might get a little lonely but im definitly the type to play with animals and love on them too.





2. How much does some of the bedding cost and vet issues too?I have two questions about pet rats.?
Even if you play with it a lot, rats still need the companionship of another rat. They are very social and do a lot of things together such as mutual grooming, play-fighting, and cuddling. Another rat can do things you can never do for your rat, and it would certainly do better with a friend of the same gender.





The bedding costs depend on what you get. A giant bag of carefresh is $25 and if you only have two rats it should last you a while. Carefresh is the most expensive bedding, so anything else will be cheaper than that.





Rats are very prone to respiratory illness. Using a good bedding and picking a healthy rat in the first place will reduce the risk. If your rat does pick up something, an exam is usually around $40 and the medicine is around $20-$30. Different vets have different prices, it doesn't hurt to call around if you are concerned about prices.





For more information on rats please visit my website (link in profile) or feel free to email or IM me with any rat questions by clicking the link in my user profile.I have two questions about pet rats.?
Rats are very social animals and very much prefer another rat as a companion, although you would definitely have to make sure they are the same sex, unless you want a lot of little rats! The bedding I get, Carefresh, is made from recycled paper and costs about 5 bucks. Vet issues you shouldn't worry about too much, they don't need checkups and if they have problems, it is much less expensive than a vet bill for a larger animal. My rat is also alone much of the day and she seems to be doing fine, although she does get spazzy when I take her out.
Rats should be in groups of two, but I have had one rat for 4 weeks and he's just attached to me. He gets a buddy this weekend. It will need 4+ hours with you every morning and night to be alone. Make sure it is warm too.





I suggest litter training. I did so by taking a lid and filling with carefresh litter ($4) and then bought a vinyl tablecloth and cut to the shape of the cage floor. He potties in his box and when he's fully trained (no accidents in a week!) I'll get him fleece ($10?) Bedding gets costly otherwise. A bag of carefresh is 4 for 2 cage changes. Thats 4 dollars a week. 52 weeks a year WOW. Remmy had respiatory problems and it cost 35 for some medicine and vet check. It just depends what it's for.





I suggest bird cages for cages. Remmy is in a 30x18x18 cage that was only 50. It's a Prevue bird cage and is good since the spacing is 1/2 and he can't squeeze through. He's only 15 weeks.
I don't knwo much about the second question, but you should really get more than one rat. They will get bored and lonely, even if you take it out a lot it still won't be the same. I've heard of some rats getting along fine by themselves, but a lot of them don't, so I'd advise two or more.
1. It is best to get to, but one is fine. However, they are social animals, and you will need to play with them more. Having two will always give them a companion, and will keep them well socialized and happy. Two rats are actually less work than just one.


2. It depends on the bedding. I just use torn up cloth with some old towels thrown in. Sometimes I'll use newspaper. I've never taken mine to the vet.