[Char-x]

I was in the petstore the other day and noticed 3 rats in the "adoption area". This area is when people bring their pets back because they can no longer look after them etc. I saw three wonderful rats up for adoption and when I went over to their cage bit they all came over and looked very tame and although I'm no expert on rats - healthy. I have never really even considered getting pets from Pet stores even before I knew what I did now, not even the adoption areas. I won't be getting any rats very soon since I need to get the Ferret Nation cage which is £230 ($460) but I was wondering what you all thought of the adoption sections in pet stores since I don't know much about them? Any information, why not's/why do's etc would be welcome, its more for me to learn about it than whether I will get these specific rats or not since I'm sure they will be gone by the time I have everything anyway.

I have contacted the local rescues that say they take in rats and have yet to have any replies about requirements etc (over the period of a few months I have been searching and contacting). But when the time comes I will be ringing them directly first.

Many people do say go to a breeder for rats because the health problems etc but I really don't want to even go there. I also don't want babies anyway because that would mean DIY on the cage etc.