I have 4 girls and while I love them,they are more interested in playing and exploring and running around then being up with me. Bronagh and Amherst are the two more independent girls,while Summer & Caoimhe will tolerate being loved on a bit longer,before they wanna get down and join the other girls.
All rats have their own personality...I have had lazy females and active boys in the past too. But generally males are lazy,lap rats and females are active,adventure seekers.
I am happy to say,that even though tumors are common in female rats...in the over 10+ years I had rats,I only ever had ONE rat with tumors. Respiratory illness is much more common IMO (at least in MY experience) and I have had RI,lice,mites,one case of "bumblefoot" and a few abscesses....so I feel sort of lucky. I mean,I ALWAYS hear of people with rats needing surgery for tumors and I count myself lucky for rarely having to deal with them.
And as for "goolies","baubles" or whatever else you wish to call them...they don't bother me. I don't neuter my rats and would only neuter one if there was severe hormonal aggression,which none of my rats have with
me. Some of the boys don't like each other,but they don't live together...I just have to make sure they are not out during free range time. And scent marking...well don't bother me,that is why we have soap and water...
I will take my big,squishy males over females any day.