Questions about Rats!
I am in a point of my life that ,weirdly enough, the best pet option for me is a rat. I unfortunately have never owned one, and am currently finding some contradictory information on the internet and wanted some answers from educated people instead of taking guesses.
How stinky are they? I am currently living with someone who has a sensitive nose, however, they said they will be alright with as long as they can't smell it.
I know i should change their bedding, but how often? Will they get upset when i change their bedding?
What kind of bedding is preferred, as in, which one collects less urine?
Are they skittish if / when taken outside?
I know grapes, chocolate, coffee, onions etc. are usually a no-go in animals. Can they feed on rat safe human food, or do they need some specialty feed?
Are males actually aggressive? Is their aggressiveness a prepatual thing or does it go away?
What things should i be careful about when i am buying a rattie? What behaviors in rat breeders are red flags? Are feeders great options or is it true that they are generally more sickly?
Are they actually as friendly as people claim them to be? Are they smart? I am looking for a friend, in a sense. Not something to purely look after for.
Can i bath them? Is it harmful to them? Should i towel dry if i do so? Are they scared of loud noises like hairdryers?
Can i keep my window open at night? I live in a country with four seasons and a very bipolar weather, for a better lack of word. I know budgies can get sick from open windows, are rats similar?
Is it possible for me to contract a disease from a pet rat? I am really concerned about this part. I have heard from someone that rats naturally produce some diseases in their bodies, is this true?