I really want to know… What’s the biggest pet rat that’s legal to have in the United States? My dream pet was the Gambian pouched rat, but I found out they’re not allowed here. I’ve tried looking it up, but I keep finding conflicting info. My new favorite is the Bosavi wooly rat, but it’s not domesticated, and it looks like it’s not available in the U.S. either. Can anyone help?
Gambian pouched rats aren’t totally banned to own; that restriction ended after about five years. They just can’t be imported into the U.S. anymore. When the ban was lifted, it was already too late for the U.S. population of these rats, since most were too old or had already passed. I used to have an Emin’s pouched rat myself, and the breeder tried to give me the others when the ban hit, but I didn’t think I could handle more than one. They were eventually sent to a zoo, but I don’t think the zoo kept them.
Since then, people have tried to bring pouched rats back, but it hasn’t worked out. I’ve heard stories of people bringing some up from Mexico and even going to the Everglades to catch wild ones, but nothing came of it, and officials poisoned the population that had been out there.
For other large rodents, the only ones I know of in the U.S. are cloud rats, but they’re pretty different from pouched rats and need a large enclosure, more like what you’d find in a zoo.
@Bright
Thanks so much for the info! Maybe I’ll keep trying to find a Gambian pouched rat, though it sounds like a long shot. Cloud rats don’t seem like a great fit for me. Do you know of any other large rat species that are legal in the U.S.?
@Hollis
Depending on your state, you might be able to get a license for a nutria rat, although they aren’t being bred here and are more of an introduced species. They tame pretty easily, though.
Otherwise, options are limited. Acacia tree rats aren’t huge, but they are available in the U.S.
Pouched rats were really unique. They were amazing pets, but keeping them happy was no easy task. They’re very smart and can be destructive if they’re bored. My pouched rat would constantly rattle his cage bars if he wasn’t entertained, so I let him roam the bathroom at night once. By morning, he’d chewed holes in the walls and insulation. He was also loyal and even walked on a leash, but he came with challenges, like being nocturnal and sometimes peeing on my lap in his sleep.
Prairie dogs have been the closest pet I’ve had since then, personality-wise. They bond with their owners, follow you around, and are legal in some states. They might be an option to consider if you’re after a smart, loyal rodent pet.
@Bright
Wow, that sounds incredible! But it sounds like they’d be a lot of work. I’m not sure I’d be able to keep up with a pouched rat, even if I could find one. It sounds like you’ve had a lot of cool pets. Do you have a favorite?
@Hollis
Honestly, I think domestic rats are the best choice for most people. Even though their lifespan is short, they’re the right size and are easier to care for. Exotic rodents can be really challenging since they don’t have a consistent diet. It’s been a lot of trial and error for anyone keeping them.
@Bright
Good point. I was looking into domestic rats but just wanted one that was a bit bigger. I do need something that’s not too difficult to care for and doesn’t need attention around the clock. Thanks for your advice!
@Bright
Hey, is it alright if I message you about getting exotic rodents? I’m in the U.S. and have a couple of Cairo spiny mice.
Chen said:
@Bright
Hey, is it alright if I message you about getting exotic rodents? I’m in the U.S. and have a couple of Cairo spiny mice.
Sure thing. I can point you in the direction of some good contacts depending on what you’re looking for.
@Bright
Thanks! I’m trying to find duprasis.
If you’re specifically after the Rattus genus, the biggest you’ll find is the Norwegian rat, and they’re easy to find. If you’re open to larger rodents, your options will depend on what state you live in. For example, capybaras and Giant Crested Porcupines are legal where I am, and nutria are also legal but need a permit.
I keep Patagonian maras, which are related to capybaras and guinea pigs. They’re around the size of a small dog and are wonderful pets. It’s best to pick a species and then see what regulations apply in your state.
@Haze
I was thinking mostly about big rats, but I didn’t know capybaras were allowed as pets anywhere in the U.S.! Patagonian maras sound interesting too. Are they more like guinea pigs or capybaras in personality?