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What kind of sex you want is one of the first choices you’ll need to make if you decide to obtain some rats.
Bucks and does refer to male and female rats, respectively.
Both male and female rats make excellent pets, albeit there are distinctions between the sexes. It really depends on what you personally want from your rats.
Please note that the descriptions that follow are simply broad generalizations. There are always going to be exceptions, and you can never predict how your rat will act.
I’ve known both girls and males who behaved more masculinely. But the following will at least provide you with a point of departure:
Males
Bucks are often a little bit rougher in appearance and are bigger than does—sometimes almost twice as big. Bucks frequently mark their territory by urinating very little amounts on objects they want to claim as their own. This includes you! More than others, some bucks mark. Some don’t even make a mark.
Rats in general are more tolerant, affectionate, and soppy when they are male. A buck rat is the kind that will want to watch TV with you for hours on end. Once they are about 18 months old, they can be extremely indolent.
For folks who want a pet they can hug and relax with, bucks are the best gender. They appear to be less independent and more linked to their human, in my personal experience, and they are more outwardly friendly than females.
Females
Does are generally more active than bucks and are smaller and sleeker. They enjoy discovering new things. Some toys are fantastic for does but would be completely overlooked by bucks because they tend to be more nimble and acrobatic than lads.
Does are very independent and enjoy doing things on their own. They are constantly moving. Dos may become more wary and possibly detest handling when they go into heat every 4 days or so for about 12 hours.
They are more likely to develop breast tumors, which are mostly innocuous benign tumors, but can be expensive to repeatedly remove. This is important to think about if you’re interested in getting females, especially if you’re going to get girls from pet shops or rescue organizations since rats from these backgrounds have a greater prevalence of tumors.
A doe will be the rat that climbs up your body, perches on your shoulder, or investigates everything on your desk. They are the perfect gender for those who enjoy keeping a pet as a companion and source of entertainment.
Your choice of sex is entirely a matter of personal preference. Go for a buck if you want a large, mellow, squishy rat who will be happy to sit on your lap. Choose a doe if you want a fascinating, lively, and busy pet.
The sexes may be distinguished incredibly easily.
Males lack nipples while females do.
When you put male rats next to one another, it is obvious who is who because they are both very well endowed. But here is a photo for comparison:
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FAQ
How can you tell a male rat from a female?
Take a look at your rat’s underbelly around the tail’s base. You have a boy if you can see his fuzzy testicles. Otherwise, she is a girl. Rats that are mature males frequently have bigger body sizes than adult females.
What features do you find on a female rat but not a male?
Teats are a female feature. Look at the tail; rats don’t have hair on their tails.
Are male or female rats more friendly?
Males are also less likely to flee, according to her. Bassett said that the various behaviors are caused by hormones. While males are more social and engaging with people, female rats, hamsters, gerbils, and guinea pigs all appear to be more autonomous and active. She also claimed that castrated rats are the friendliest.
Do male or female rats smell more?
Typically, male rats cause odors more often than females. Male rats tend to scent mark about cages and their pee is considerably more strong, so it may be found anywhere and on anything! This makes managing everyday cleaning much more difficult.
How can you tell a male rat from a female rat?
Take a look at your rat’s underbelly around the tail’s base. You have a boy if you can see his fuzzy testicles. Otherwise, she is a girl. Rats that are mature males frequently have bigger body sizes than adult females.