Getting a new pet - not a cat!!

I am going to pick up a rat from the rescue, i have liked them for a few years, but wouldn't have trusted the fosters, and with fostering, didn't have a separate room, but now I do very little fostering (and I have cats I can trust), I am in a position to have one, and there is one at the rescue. He has a sad story, he was dumped at a local business tied in a carrier bag, and it was a warm day, so he was a bit dehydrated and hungry when he got to us (he was lucky he was found, as he was put in a place that isn't checked very often). The rescue are going to lend me the cage he is currently in, but I will change it, as it wont fit in the front room, and it isn't very tall. We dont know how old he is, but he must be at least 12 months old. He is also having a name change, as he is currently called Clarke, and I dont really like it, so he is going to be called Clyde (unless he suits something else when he comes). He is very shy in his cage, and doesn't show himself, but loves to be handled, and is happy to sit on your shoulder while you are walking around!! I am also very lucky that I have neighbours who are happy to look after him when I go away in August, as I know at least 2 people who have said they wouldnt come to my house if I had a rat.

I am very excited, but am going to wait a week to do a bit more research, get provisions and have more time to settle him in. It will be the first pet since having my own house that isn't a cat.

I did ask the rescue about a friend, they think he would be fine with a female, but I would obviously have to get him neutered first!! I have never owned one before, but think I should be OK.

Lots to think about re a friend for him - our chairman was interested, but he already has two males, and so it was thought it wouldnt be the best situation for him. I will let him settle in first, as although I know someone who breeds rats, I wouldnt want one from a breeder, so it would have to be a rescue, and I dont know any other rescue that has rats.