Is neutering encouraged?

[Casey]

Hello everyone.
I am new here, we should be bringing home our 2 boys in about 3 more weeks. (seems like forever!)

I was wondering if it is common practice to get male rats neutered?

I do not plan on getting any girls, so that would not be the reason.
It seems scary to have something so little operated on. :sad3:
But if it was better for them, I would hate to not do it.

I read an article about it possibly prolonging their lives...

I also read about some males getting aggressive with each other, is that true even for biological brothers,
that have always been together and grown up together? and would neutering help with that?

 

[Jherek]

Actually someone just brought this up here: viewtopic.php?f=21&t=7479 hope that helps until someone else can answer Welcome to the forum

"I also read about some males getting aggressive with each other, is that true even for biological brothers, that have always been together and grown up together?"

To answer this - yes, it happens, but it's not always anything too severe, but it CAN be. It's something to consider if problems arise.

 

[sausage4ever]

I just found this http://www.ratbehavior.org/Neutering.htm

 

[Ktina]

I know people who have had their rats neutered and they have found it makes their males a lot happier. I've only had one boy neutered so I don't have much experience with it, but my boy is very happy.

Neutering isn't a really complicated surgery for experienced vets. I've heard it could take as little as 10 mins for an experienced vet.

 

[NezumiNeko]

pros
-no giant balls
-less stinky
-less aggressive
-better behavior in general
-can add a female rat if you want
-less likely to mark

cons
-risk (a small one)
-cost

personally, I'd reccomend it.

 

[Jherek]

"pros: -no giant balls" LOL that's not a pro; those things are hilarious!

 

[NezumiNeko]

I don't mind them, but it's a little awkward.
"Here's my rat, Luis."
"What's are those swollen things?"
"His balls."
"Ewwwww!"

They can be a turn off, but I guess they're also a turn on! I think I like it w/o em. But then again, my only male rats were fixed, so I never really got used to them.

 

[jorats]

The only thing I regret when getting my rats' neutered is them losing those wonderful furry dangles.

If you were to talk to my vet, she would convince you to have them neutered. She believes neutering prolongs every animals' lives.
If I were rich, all my males would be neutered. But I have a most wonderful exotic vet who is highly skilled with small animals which should be a huge factor when making this decision.
I see a tremendous difference in my males after a neuter. It's like they become babies again. They are no longer concerned with marking or being bossy, they just want to hop around and play. But that's not every one of them. I have adopted Remi, an older neutered boy, he came to me at already 2 years old. He's still a grumpy old boy and I think he always will be. My Sebbie is a real bully and he's neutered, he doesn't bite or draw blood on anyone but he did before the neuter. Once he gets used to a new rat, he'll be a real gently doll to them. But he needs to get used to them first.

 

[NezumiNeko]

So... I guess rat nuts (no pun intended) love those balls. I guess they're nice and soft and warm. And ridiculous. But I plan to neuter my male rats, as the advantages are truly worth it.

 

[sausage4ever]

Are you guys saying they won't get lazy? If so I'll never neuter. MUHAHA!!!

 

[jorats]

lol... nope, mine never get lazy but that's part of keeping them slim. :thumbup:

 

[Dewi]

So... I guess rat nuts (no pun intended) love those balls. I guess they're nice and soft and warm. And ridiculous. But I plan to neuter my male rats, as the advantages are truly worth it.

I'm not crazy about those balls. They look better without them imo. I neuter all my rats. Aside from the possible health advantages, their fur gets softer, they smell less, they become less territorial and they don't marinate in their pee anywhere as much.

 

[jorats]

That's so true, I can always tell when a rat is neutered, they are super soft!! and they don't smell like boy rats anymore.

 

[sausage4ever]

Unbelievably I love my boys for being...well boys!! I really can't seem my self ever neutering unless the situation was dire. I love my boys way more than girls. I never realized neutering changed them so much, it's incredible!! When you neuter/spay cats and dog they don't stop being boys and girls. Rats are amazing, aren't they.

I would say if you have the money, a great vet, and really think of boys as being full of negatives then go for it. But if you've never had boys before I would say enjoy them intact and then neuter the next set. At least then they'll seem different than girls.

 

[jorats]

I don't want to give you the wrong impression sausage4ever... but even neutered the boys are clearly boys, not at all like the girls. They still smell like boys, not the heavy musky, there's no heavy sebum either. It like having your boys remain 4 months old. And that's not all of them either. If you get them neutered at an older age, they may still keep some of the macho attitude. My Remi is a boy through and through. :nod:
But I also agree, have some intact boys and maybe the next set neutered or vice versa. It's a great experience.

 

[NezumiNeko]

Everyone knows girl smell better and have sexier hair!

Well, I'm the exception.

 

[allykatt]

I just got my first boy, and he was already neutered when I got him. I LOVE the way he smells! I'm sure he is getting tired of me pickighim up and sniffing him like crazy! He smells like a combination of popcorn and grape soda and it is addicting and intoxicating! I will definetly get more boys in the future, but I might want to have some intact boys for awhile, if I am able to keep them away form my ladies.

 

[rat.charmer]

I've never had an intact male but I've rat-sat intact males and what a difference! My neutered boy is the sweetest rat ever - he's so docile that when I have to do intro's, I do it with him first cause he's a perfect gentlemen. Interestingly enough, I haven't seen him hump a single female either - he seems more interested in play wrestling with them. I also can't get him to sit still right now; maybe he'll mellow out as he gets older but he explores just as much as the girls. His coat is soft and shiny, he never marks when he's out and there's no smell!