How Much Does a Rat Weigh in Pounds?
WouterRats vary in weight depending on their species and their age. Most are smaller than one pound, while others are larger. In general, male rats weigh more than female rats. You may want to consider the age and environment of the rat before purchasing one. Rats are known for their small size, but they can grow to be as large as two pounds!
Rats reach sexual maturity between five and eight weeks of age. At this age, female rats are ready to reproduce. Gestation takes 21-23 days for a female rat to give birth to a litter of pups or kittens. The young rat weighs about five to eight grams and grows to be about two to four inches long.
Giant rats are rare and are not common in the wild, but they can grow to a massive size. The largest rat in the world, called the giant Timorese rat, weighed over thirteen pounds (six kilograms) when it lived. In comparison, the heaviest rat today lives in the rain forests of the Philippines and New Guinea. These rat species probably went extinct due to large-scale clearing of the forest for farming.
A pet rat should be cared for properly, and they need proper nutrition and exercise. It’s important to take note of their physical health, as rats are prone to respiratory distress and tumors. Be sure to pay attention to their needs and watch out for unusual behaviors. Female rats should be separated from males for a few weeks after delivery, to let them wean their pups.
