How Much Do Fancy Rats Weigh?
WouterYou may be wondering, “How much do fancy rats weigh?” The answer depends on what you look for. A soft, pliable rat may be underweight, or dehydrated. A rat with a large belly and bum is most likely overweight. An overweight rat also lacks muscle tone on its shoulders, which makes the bottoms look disproportionately large. A rat with an overly fat belly is also likely to be pregnant.
A fully grown male Fancy Rat can measure around 20 inches (50 cm) long, including the tail. It weighs between twelve and twenty ounces, or 350 to 650 grams. It may also be orange or bright yellow. The longer a rat has been in captivity, the more likely it is to develop health problems.
When you buy a fancy rat, look for a body that has good muscle tone. A fit rat has a smooth coat, and feels sturdy and lively when picked up. It should be friendly and tame. However, don’t let your rat keep growing past this point. The male Fancy Rat is expected to stop growing at eight to nine months of age, while the females stop at six to seven months. If a Fancy Rat continues to grow after this point, you might want to look for another breed.
Fancy rats are very social creatures. Male rats tend to be sociable with other male rats, and females are generally more affectionate toward their owners. While male and female rats can live together, it is recommended that they be introduced to each other on a neutral territory first.
