Which rodent to get?

[Chinchi]

Animals who eat meat do smell.
You might get use to the smell, but a rat has a quet "sharp" smell, if you compare it to an animal that doses not eat meat...
Even though I don't have any experince with rats, I would say a rat would be the best choice too

It is not true that the degu is born diabetic. It would be impossible for the species to survive, if this was the cace.
They do easily get diebetes though, that's why they need a special diet

I wouldn't recoment a chinchilla.
Most of them don't want to be handeld for more than a couple of minutes. They want to run around instead.
They are quite intelligent though, semi-social, and they only smell if they get frightend

[mulder]

i still say rat all the way. picture a rat, now imagine a dogs personality in it, it's great!

[LongClaws]

Quote: Originally Posted by Chinchi I wouldn't recoment a chinchilla. Most of them don't want to be handeld for more than a couple of minutes. They want to run around instead. They are quite intelligent though, semi-social, and they only smell if they get frightend

i dunno, my chinchilla loved to be cuddled and rubbed. he also loved to sit in pockets and sacks lol

[BrokenEclipse]

Definately a rat, hands down. I've had 2 different types of hamsters, mice and rats and rats have won my heart over by far. I just got my second pair of rats, Eclipse and Charcoal and am utterly in love with them. They seem to be exactly what ou are looking for as i see the things your girlfriend is looking for in a pet (:

[Vanilla_Rat]

Quote: Originally Posted by BrokenEclipse Definately a rat, hands down. I've had 2 different types of hamsters, mice and rats and rats have won my heart over by far. I just got my second pair of rats, Eclipse and Charcoal and am utterly in love with them. They seem to be exactly what ou are looking for as i see the things your girlfriend is looking for in a pet (:

Just wanted to say,I had a ratty named Charcoal!!!

[kamper427]

I prefer Dwarf hamsters, they're cute sweet little, and more active than syrian hammies, not really nocturnel, and they don't have a hairless tail (CREEPY). I've never owned a rat though.......

[Mousey]

Let us know when you decided what animal you're gonna go with. . If none of these animals sound like an animal you'd be happy then ya'll can always look into reptiles and such.

[_Roxy_]

I dunno guys. College is a busy time, she might be to busy to take care of rats. I would say hamsters, but no go on the Syrian.(And don't let them trick you with "Teddy Bear") In my experience, (I have owned both) Dwarves all the way. They are nocturnal, so if she is up working late, they will want to play with her. But I'm at a loss. Because I've always wanted a rat or two, but my mom hates them so she got me the cutest hamsters ever. (She thinks it will fill the void)

[Mousey]

every animal needs lots of care and attention just some may need more time and attention, it'd prob. be good to choose n animal that can live happily with her schedule. Does she absolutely want a rodent?

[NJangel2000]

how about a couple of chinchilla's there awesome little fury balls, I love my two they are very entertaining to watch, and they greet me every morning when I come home from work. Just as long as u have time to spend with them and pay attention to their diet and clean and maintain there cage daily, there good to go. And never once have I ever had any odors come from them. Well that's my opinion get a couple of chinnies there cool little animals

[Georgia163]

How about a jird? They are kinda hard to get but are gorgeous critters. Also you can train them like rats but they are less smelly and more sociable.
xxxx

[Chinchi]

Quote: Originally Posted by LongClaws i dunno, my chinchilla loved to be cuddled and rubbed. he also loved to sit in pockets and sacks lol

Sorry, didn't see this before now.

Well, you have 1 chinchilla.
I have 6 and have had 4 chinchillas other that these, but they died for different reasons.
Some animals like to be handeld, some do not. It's not just something I think, it's a fact.
They've only been domesticated for a little under a 100 years. This means that a lot of their wild nature stille remains.
I know a lot of people whit between 1-20 chinchillas, and they all say the same thing. Not one chinchilla is the same, and most of them don't like to cuddle.
They might like to run around on you, and run around and play while you are there, but not all that cuddle stuff. They have a much better time exploring everything.

So if you want a cuddle animal, a chinchilla is definatly not a good pet.
If you want a fun animal, that don't mind being handeld for short periods of time, have a great personality, and is fun to watch, it's a good pet.

I've seen WAY too many people who get chins, and then don't want them anymore, because they don't want to sit still for long periods of time, like you see with some of the more normal rodents and rabbits

[Vanilla_Rat]

Quote: Originally Posted by Georgia163 How about a jird? They are kinda hard to get but are gorgeous critters. Also you can train them like rats but they are less smelly and more sociable. xxxx

Rats are HIGHLY social,just to let you know.They thrive in pairs or groups.Males and females like to be with same sex cagemates!

[manyjumps93]

Ratties all the way! I am getting my first 2 rats tomorrow and I am just so excited!

[Georgia163]

Quote: Originally Posted by Vanilla_Rat Rats are HIGHLY social,just to let you know.They thrive in pairs or groups.Males and females like to be with same sex cagemates!

Sorry, but i do think jirds are MORE social im not saying rats are not because my friend used to have one and that one loved to be cuddled, but i just think jirds are more social because if you let them run around the floor they will come up to you when they want to go back in their cage or when they want a cuddle.
xxxxxx