Boy rats

Question
QUESTION: Hello Janell,
We have a boy rat, he's about 1 year old.  In September of 07' I asked a question,actually I'm re asking the same question for a 2nd opinion, also to see if the same applies 6 months later.
He is very horny, he'll try to do anything he comes in contact with, the cat, your hand etc.  When I asked this question in September, I'm sorry, the question is.  Can I get him a friend?  I can't get him a girl for obvious reasons.  The expert that answered this question for me when he was 6 months old said it would be okay to get him a boy friend, but that they should be introduced to each other gradually by placing them in a bathtub and observing them to make sure they don't fight to much.  She also said I should dab bit of vanilla extract on their butts and testes before introducing them.
Although I had intended to get him a friend before now, life has just been very busy around here.  My neighbor came over last night with a baby boy rat, probably 2-3 months old.  He's much smaller then my BIG BOY (BB).  BB is very aggressive when it comes to "sex", the cats are afraid of him.  I'm afraid if he try's to do this little guy, he'll hurt him.  I'd like very much to keep them in the same cage together, but am very unsure.  Any in put is greatly appreciated.  
By the way the expert I spoke with in September was Melissa, she was very sweet.  I didn't see her name on the list and wanted a 2nd opinion anyhow.
Thanks very much.
Dee West

ANSWER: Hi Dee;
I agree with Melissa (and yes, I know who you're talking about - I know her quite well), you can get him a buddy as long as you introduce them slowly and confidently. HOWEVER, his behavior may turn aggressive, so I would take it a step further and have him neutered before you introduce him to anybody, just to nip that in the bud. Excessive studiness is usually not a good thing to foster.

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Hi Janell, First off, Melissa did not recommend getting "Fat Boy" (named him after my Husband's old Harley) neutered.  I wanted to, but she said it can make them weird. Since I spoke with her, he's gotten very big and I'm afraid if he goes under anesthesia, he won't come out.  I lost a girl Rat after she had a tumor removed.  She came through the surgery okay and I thought she was coming around, then she died.  She was "large" too.
I thought it was my fault, that I suffocated her by putting a lid on the box I was keeping her in (a shoe box).  Then someone told me recently that it is more difficult for them after a procedure then during.
I'd love to be able to fix him.  What's your suggestion?
Thank you for your time.
Dee West

ANSWER: How overweight is he (or is he overweight, or just LARGE in general)? I had several large rescue males neutered last year and each were about 150grams over what they should have been; and they came out of it OK. A neuter is a lot less invasive than a tumor removal or a spay; and generally has less complications. -Generally-, not always. If you're worried about his him going under anesthesia, by all means, don't do it.. I certainly wouldn't want to talk you into something your gut is telling you not to do! To date, I have never lost a rat to a neuter -- so I'm confident he'd be just fine -- but as I said.. you know him better than I do, so if you worry, I worry :)

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: What is the average weight of a grown male Rat?  If I knew that then I'd be able to tell from your description (of 5 oz. "over what they should have been")if he's fat or not. I guess I could just take him into the vet and have him tell me, but then again, he may not know.  If I had to guess I'd say he weighs about 3/4, maybe 2/3 lb.
Well, thanks so much for your in put, I feel better knowing that I may still be able to neuter him.  I know I'D be much happier.  Say hello to Melissa for me please, she sent me the most special poem when my dog died last year.  And maybe talk to her and find out why she doesn't think it's okay to neuter male rats.
Take Care,
OH, Two last ?s How long should a rat live? And, If you know this, how long does a Ferret usually live?
Byee
Dee West

Answer
My boys average between 450 grams and 650 grams - I've known of some larger. My boy JT went under the knife when he was just over a pound and did fine. Of course, this all hinges on the build of your rat. If you have a very petite boy and he's DEFINITELY fat (round and sumo-like), you probably don't want to risk anesthesia. However if he's built the way he -should- be for a standard sized adult male, I'd think you're probably OK.

I don't think Mel is against neutering altogether, just that if you don't have a problem with his behavior or him living alone, not putting him under the knife is the surest way to have him a very long time. As with any procedure, there can be complications, because nothing is 100% safe in medicine. Medicine is, as everyone says, an imperfect science.

Regarding your question on age... it depends on where you get your rat from. A rat from reputable breeders generally comes with some estimation on "old age" - for my lines its between 2 and 3 years, sometimes longer, but I never guarantee over 2 1/2 simply because that's the eldest I've had. Other breeders claim 5 years but I really can't believe that unless I see DNA records, ya know? From a pet store, a year, year and a half, MAYBE 2 if you're lucky.

As for ferrets.. average is between 5 and 8 years. I have 2 myself, love them to death. The oldest ferret I've ever met was 7 years old and still going strong. They're MUCH different than rats (definitely predators!), but so much fun!