How old before neutering?

[zippytoltec]

My new baby rats are four weeks old today, there are four girls and three boys. So far they've been living in one cage together, with mommy, Trouble and daddy, Jingles (who's neutered). We are planning to separate them today, at four weeks old, just to be safe because, well, these guys were "OOpsies" and I don't want that to happen again. The thought that I could have about 400 rats in about two months is very scary. On the other hand, I feel kind of bad, afraid I'm doing them a disservice by separating them from their mom. The three boys will have to live alone in a smaller cage. They do nurse still, althugh she seems kind of tired of it and they do eat solid food also. I was thinking about putting Jingles (the dad) in with them but I'm afraid he'll be uncomfortable in the cage because he's quite big. He truly is a gentle GIANT. So my first question is, am I separating them too early? I've heard anywhere from four to six weeks. The second question is, how old does a boy rat have to be before he can be neutered? The vet rceptionist told me "six months" over the phone, but that seems a bit old to me and I know that Jingles was younger than that and he was ok.

 

[Dahlas]

You don't have to take the boys away from their siblings and mom until the first day of the fifth week....that is safe.......
I had my boys neutered at 11 weeks but Jorats had hers done at 5 weeks...It depends on your vet.......earlier is better but it is whenever your vet feels comfortable......

The receptionist must have thought you where asking about a dog maybe??