how old for a neuter?

[Petunia]

I tried searching for this info, figured for sure someone's posted about it, but my search didn't turn up anything

how old does a male rat have to be before he can be neutered? and how long after the neuter before he's safe to go in with females?

 

[Moon]

Neuter age depends entirely on the vet. Some will do it as soon as testicles descend, others want to wait until they are a few months old.

Intros to the ladies can begin 2-3 weeks after the neuter. I think the rule is, 2 weeks is safe, three if you're paranoid.

 

[Petunia]

Neuter age depends entirely on the vet. Some will do it as soon as testicles descend, others want to wait until they are a few months old.

Intros to the ladies can begin 2-3 weeks after the neuter. I think the rule is, 2 weeks is safe, three if you're paranoid.

thanks, when do the testicles descend?

 

[Moon]

around 6 weeks I think

 

[Petunia]

oh wow, so you could get them neutered really young.
I wonder if there's any benefit to waiting, or if makes any difference at all

admittedly don't know a whole lot about boys, of ANY species LOL

 

[Moon]

Yes you can do it young, but not many vets are comfortable doing so.

In large/giant breed dogs often neutering is done later since they are so large and it helps with bone growth, but I don't think there's a medical reason to get them done later with rats, just veterinary comfort.

 

[Petunia]

ok thanks!!

 

[Kimber]

How long until hormonal issues are reduced by neutering?

 

[smilez_n_hugs]

Depends on the rat but I have seen them start to calm down after a week and noticed softer fur around 2 weeks but in some cases I think it can take up to 3 months.

 

[Moon]

Depends on the rat but I have seen them start to calm down after a week and noticed softer fur around 2 weeks but in some cases I think it can take up to 3 months.

Yeah, it can take many months to see a difference hormonally, and then sometimes you hear about people having an improvement almost the next day.