Where Do They Come From?. These little guys originally came from the Natal Province in South Africa. They are the most numerous rats in Africa, so you know they can't be to hard to keep. They breed quite steadily in captivity. In Africa they are a crop-eating pest rather than a friendly pet.

Is It a Male Or Female? If they're sexually mature, you can spot the males quite easily. Males have a scrotum that is quite obvious. It's alot harder to sex when they are not sexually mature.

Can you handle them? Yes and No, once they get used to you! African soft furred rats will sometimes let you hold them. Instead of grabing them from above, grasp them by the base of their tail and place them on your hand. Although not always can you do this i have seen them to be rather violent.