Can Wild Rats Be Tame?
WouterCan wild rats be tamed? In fact, it is possible for rats to become domesticated and live with humans. These critters are smarter than many dogs, and are often more affectionate. They may even understand when you’re having a rough day and will give you hugs or kisses. Some rats can even be the smartest rats in the world. This is thanks to a gene called NR2B, which controls memory. These creatures can memorize objects three times longer than their peers and solve complex puzzles.
Rat taming is heritable, and responds well to artificial selection. In natural habitats, rats tend to be fierce and territorial, but in captivity, selection has favored gentler, more fertile rats. These characteristics have been beneficial in domestication because they help to propagate desirable traits.
However, be aware of the dangers of handling a wild rat. It is a very difficult task to domesticate a rat. This process can take several weeks or months. However, if you’re committed and have the patience, you could end up with a pet rat for life. The first step in taming a rat is to offer it food. Feeding it regularly will help it become less aggressive towards humans.
Another option is to raise wild orphans as pets. However, it is important to note that wild orphans won’t behave like domesticated rats once they grow up. Wild rats are not bred to be tame, so they won’t be as docile as domesticated rats.
