Ok I'm dying to get me some rats I've done quite a bit of research on them as pets. And even read a few different places that they can be litter trained. Training however, I don't think is my problem. My problem is my mother won’t let me get them. Does any one have any ideas on how to convince her?

My mum was the same. She hates rats and mice. You should maybe take her to a pet store and show her how tame and friendly they are.

Don't use my approach, buying everything that is needed for them and saying "What am I supposed to do with all this now?" I found that my mum doesn't mind them now because she has gotten use to them always being there. The reason you shouldn't use this approach is because she might just say "tough luck". It didn't work when I brought home a bird-eating spider. They made me sell it.

Rats are really cool though. You can train them to do heaps of things. I have two females so they are a bit active. One of them knows it name and comes when called and can also fetches little sticks. None of them have every gone to the toilet on me or outside their tank. They only go inside their tank. A thing I'm thinking I might try is putting the kitty litter that I use inside their tank in a small tray and have it in my room, so presumably they would go there because they recognize their litter. I'll let you know how it goes. Good luck.
James

This sounds like a time to work through grand parents!

Bob
Magic By Sander

You could offer a contract with your parents. I will take care of this one rat for 90 days without fail. If you screw up, have a place for the rat and living quarters to go; then... keep your word.

Parents are paranoid about taking care of pets their kid wanted. Be willing to prove that you are mature enough to keep a promise (and take care of your new family member).

Depending on your local weather, keeping your rodent friend out of the house may also help. Rats don't usually melt a Mom's heart by their looks alone. Train "Ben" to do something cool.

Good luck.
David

Buy a snake that will give a perfect excuse for having rats...
just kidding , maybe just do some major butt kissing and they will give in

Hi Cameron,

I can't offer any suggestions as to how to convince your mom but wanted to share a bit of info that should you get them, will make your job easier. I've never had rats but have had several rodents ..gerbils, hamsters, guinea pigs.

These creatures will always try to do their toileting as far away from their food and sleeping quarters. Once you see the spot they've chosen, take a bit of the litter they've used and place it in a wide mouth jar. From then on the animal will go in the jar to do their business and cleanup is much easier. You simply pick up the jar and wash it out, instead of having to wash the entire cage.

You should perhaps get some books out of the library and do research on them. It would sound more convincing to your mom and can answer any questions she may have.

Good Luck!

Get doves, the rats will come if you don't clean the aviary out as much as you should.

I had mice last week. *Slaps wrist* Gave it a good old clean and a mouse trap : )

Get a rabbit, much nicer. lol.

all the best
Matt

Great idea on the rabbit matt , now he can get an even bigger snake

Matt has the idea, but maybe a different approach...

Tell mom that you need four doves, no six with backups.
and you need a 8'x8'x16' walk in aviary with full flight access for birdie exercise. and you absolutely need several dove magic DVDs and books.
And props, don't forget the gloves to dove tray, double dove harness, and dove to bunny box. and you will need a bunny.

When she stops laughing and gets up off the floor you sheepishly look at her with your best puppy dog eyes and ask, well how about a little white mouse. in a small cage. then go buy the rat since it was cheaper than the mouse.

Of course I would never encourage a child to lie to their mommy, so you did not hear this from me. and it's not really a lie since you do want the doves anyway.

I used to work in the veterinary field and have met some very nice rats. I've heard they make great pets. If I didn't have cats, I'd get a rat. Good luck.

Tell Mom their large Hamsters.

Bob
Actually, Cameron, when I got my first rabbit (without asking my wife first, I named the rabbit after my wife’s deceased father. I also got it when my wife was away on a trip.