How Much Can Rats Weigh?
Rats are medium-sized rodents with long tails that are classified in the order Rodentia. The most common species of rat is the genus Rattus, but there are also other species including Neotoma, Bandicota, and Dipodomys.
Depending on the species, rats can weigh anywhere from two to six pounds. They should be measured weekly for their first four weeks of life and every two weeks after that. The best way to calculate their weight is to calculate a three-week moving average, which is the average of week five, week four, and week six.
Rats grow to be quite large if they are allowed to breed and multiply in the wild. If you notice that your pet is growing larger than its normal size, you should take the necessary steps to prevent their growth. If you’re worried about rats in your house, a professional rat control company can help you trap and remove wild populations.
Rats eat a variety of foods, but they tend to focus on fruits and vegetables. Typically, they consume between ten and thirty grams of food per day. They also drink about one fluid ounce of water a day. Rats also build nests out of any material and live in crevices.
Rats can grow up to 16 inches long and weigh up to 500 grams. They can live for two to three years. However, most house rats die within their first year. According to the International Union for Conservation of Nature, 16 species of rats are on the Red List of Threatened Species due to their deteriorating habitat and decreasing population.