To neuter or not to neuter?

[mia9_28]

Testosterone and it's effects on personality are beneficial to animals in the wild but in a domestic environment, they don't need to always be on edge and on the defensive. It's very beneficial for most species, even in the individual is not ever going to be in contact with females or aggressive. With rats, you have to consider their health and the availability of a good vet (not easy to find for some people) but if you can afford it and you have a good vet, I think it's in the best interest of the rat to do so.

:yeah:

If I could afford it, I would have all of my boys neutered, but for now I only neuter when they can't settle down, like my Yoshi for example. He's not aggressive, but he's always on edge. So he's up for a neuter.. for his well-being. A stressed out rat is more likely to get sick and die younger!
I've had 2 neutered boys so far, and they are definitely more relaxed and happy than intact boys. I'm not saying that intact males aren't happy.. most of them are! But they can be even happier once denutted.

 

[victoria]

But they can be even happier once denutted.

Exactly.

 

[Dazzle87]

To expan upon what Jorats said, even castrated humans live longer without those nasty hormones!

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/09/24/castration-life-expectancy-eunuchs-men_n_1910455.html

There are certainly tradeoffs, and things to consider, but like I said earlier, all my rats are altered regardless.