How Long Are Rats?
WouterRats are not only useful in labs, but they also make excellent pets. The average life expectancy of a domestic rat is longer than that of a wild one. Rats in captivity are usually protected from predators and have ready access to food, water, shelter, and medical care. Compared to these domesticated rats, wild rats can live for only a few months.
Rats reach sexual maturity at eight to twelve weeks of age. Females have a litter size of six to 13 pups. After copulation, males enter a state of inactivity for about five minutes. Male rats also produce 22 kHz sounds, which researchers believe is to prevent other males from mating with the same female. Female rats have an average lifespan of seven years, and a healthy female can produce more than one litter every five days.
The gestation period for rats is 21 to 24 days, and mice have a similar gestation period. In ideal conditions, a pair of rats can give birth to half a billion pups. However, this is unlikely to happen under normal circumstances. Predators, disease, and limited food sources can all prevent a female rat from reproducing. During this time, a pregnant female will gain a few pounds around her belly. Her mammary glands will also become enlarged. The baby will be hairless and have closed eyes.
A typical adult rat will be nine to eleven inches long, and have a tail length of seven to nine inches. An adult rat weighs between 0.66 and one pound. Rats are omnivorous, and a healthy diet of seeds, nuts, fruit, and vegetables will help keep them healthy. Commercial rat foods are also available that provide a balanced diet of essential nutrients.
