New pet- what to get- Rat, Gerbil, Hamster

Jellicat

Ratties ratties ratties!!! They are superb little pets, I have three of them! So much more social than gerbils or hams, IMO, although I do love my hammy Cuthbert too lol. As other people have said though, do get more than one they are such social little animals its a shame to keep them on their own!

buttercuplch

Definitely go with rats again - one of my housemates had syrian hamsters, and I had a traumatic day when I discovered one of them had eaten the other one! Still can't get the image out of my head...And not child-friendly!

But remember to get rats from a breeder if possible: that way they're more used to being handled and will be a lot more sociable. Pet shops tend not to care/handle them as much, and therefore the ratties are more likely to bite or be reluctant to play. Girl rats (does) are more playful and active, but bucks are lovely for curling up on your lap and cuddling. Good luck with your new pets whatever you decide!

MrsTinks

I've had a hamster - angora one at that... constantly trying to get sawdust and stuff out his long fine coat - NIGHTMARE
Anyway - they're very nocturnal and that means you have to put them out of earshot at night or they'll zoom round their little wheel and drive you nuts! And as mentioned if you wake them during the day they get pretty grumpy...
I'd never get a hamster again but having "met" loads of rats I'd have one of them in a heatbeat

the_devil_made_me_do_it

I've got a mini !!!!!, or in other words 4 gerbils. Never owned a rat, although I think they would make great pets.