Pet rat
 

I'm looking to add a pet rat to the family, I've heard of special super smart rats breed for their intelligence and they are use for various type of experiments. Where can I get ahold of these baby rats?

I know rats are better kept in pairs however I have a high prey drive dog already and I'm force to locate the rat's cage upstair and I do not have enough space for more than 1 rat. If I'm going to only have 1, is it better to have a male or a female? which is smell the least?

actually does anybody here have/had pet rats?

Ben?