He sprung one on me...lol

Dazzle87 · Nov 7, 2011

I'd still highly suggest spaying or neutering your rats. Spaying saves money in the long run with tumors, uterine problems, etc, and having one sex altered prevents accidental litters, which can happen to even the most experienced rat person:

http://www.ratshackforum.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=4&t=26857

Good luck with your new girls.

MadamBelladonna · Nov 9, 2011

Update: My mother and I have decided to name my new girl (the dumbo) Antoinette. My mom has also redubbed Tweak as Esmerelda lol

I will definitely see about spays. Should I wait til they're a little older though or does it matter? It makes me nervous, they're so tiny right now I don't even wanna think about taking them for surgery...

Dazzle87 · Nov 9, 2011

Nice names.

It is best to get it done under six months for the most benefit. How early you can do them depends on the vet, but mine does it as young as three months.

victoria · Nov 9, 2011

Dazzle is right, the sooner the better. Some vets want to wait until the rats are a certain size or age, but some will do it as soon as they reach sexual maturity.

MadamBelladonna · Nov 9, 2011

Ok, they're between 6-8 weeks right now, safe to spay then?

Joanne · Nov 9, 2011

MadamBelladonna said:
Ok, they're between 6-8 weeks right now, safe to spay then?

It really depends on your vet. Many will not spay them until 3 months of age so that their body is more mature. That being said, there is one vet here that will do them at that young age. Find out about your vet, what their preferences are and what their reputation is for rat surgery.