Another suggestion to throw into the mix - ferrets.

I've handled pet and working ferrets and they are fantastic creatures - possibly even better than rats. I would love a pair of ferrets if my plate wasn't already full (not sure how the dogs and cats would take to ferrets)

They do need a bit of knowledge to keep them happy - especially the Jills. But their basic requirements aren't onerous (big cage, free run of the house!! and a hammock!). Cobs need to be neutered else they get a bit stinky, Jills need to be kept with a neuter Cob. If handled daily they are friendly little things. Very inquisitive but know you are there in the same way rats do. And semi-trainable like cats.

Or you can have your jills spayed, or jabbed to be taken out of season

costly though.

Personally I'd go for two neuter Cobs. But yes you can have the Jill spayed.

It is a bit confusing and I have had conflicting advice about Jills. Spaying or keeping with a neuter Cob to keep her hormones in check. Bottom line, an undressed Jill on her own is going to suffer

Originally a dog (he loves mine) but that is out of the question as my sister works and has not got the walking gene in her body

We had a long chat about rats yesterday and we are going to see some at the weekend to see how they both feel about them.

What ever you decided I would imagine they will be well loved and cared for, that is very important. We have two piggies and they live indoors, they are friendly as we are always around them, if they lived in a cage outside they wouldn't get anywhere near the interaction they get now, and consequently they are happy to be around, people often comment how friendly and not afraid they are, that simply comes from the time spent with them and around them. As soon as a bag is rustled they "shout" until they get something, they love tomatoes but their chins do get messy. You only get from a pet what you put in.

As for fish I have had them before and they are really just a live screen saver.

Best of luck with the hunt for the right pet, its good to hear that alot of research is being done to find what is suitable all round. Will make for a happier house all round.

I agree with all the rat suggestions but it does need to be more than one, preferably three or four, as they are very social creatures.

Buying from a good breeder is also a must for temperament and health. Rats do have more health problems than most animals, mainly respiratory and pet shop rats are rodent farmed where the temperament or health of the parents isn't even known as they are never handled.

They are not the cheapest of pets to set up as they need a large cage with plenty of hammocks and toys, but the relationship they develope with humans is great. I have a five year old and once grown up, they are easy to handle for small hands. I would also recommend male rats as they are generally the lazy ones.