How Wide Are Rats?

Rats are mammals that vary in size, depending on their species and habitat. The average rat is 5 inches (12 centimeters) long, but some species are larger or smaller than that. For example, the Bosavi woolly rat is one of the largest species, weighing 3.3 pounds (1.48 kilograms). The smallest species is the Osgood’s Vietnamese rat, which is 4.6 to 6.7 inches long.

Female rats typically give birth to a litter of up to eight babies in six hours. The young are born blind and deaf. They will open their eyes and ear canals at about two to four days. At seven or eight days, the fur begins to emerge and the baby rat will start gaining weight. Then, they will move from milk to solid food.

Rats can grow to be up to 16 inches in length, and their weight varies depending on their habitat. The brown rat is generally larger than its black cousin. It is also heavier than its female cousin. Both species can be found in urban and farmland settings. The average rat weighs 0.5 to 1 pound.

Rats are a member of the rodent family and are often confused with mice and other rodents. They are similar in size and shape, but differ in the number of incisors and tail length. They are also both highly destructive once inside.