When Can Rats Break Their Backs?
WouterWhen can rats break their backs? There are a number of different reasons why rats might break their backs. One of the most common causes is trauma or disease that puts an indirect amount of pressure on the bones. These types of injuries are not usually fatal but can be debilitating for the rat. Most commonly, rats fracture after catching their legs in the cage door, falling from a height, or getting caught on wire exercise wheels or improperly sized cage flooring. Fractures below the knee are most common because of the patella, which has little soft tissue protecting it.
Another common misconception about rats is that they have no bones, but this is not true. While rats have a long, flexible, and cylindrical body, their skeletal system is made up of a series of joints and cartilage. Because of this, they are highly flexible and can squeeze through tiny spaces.
Rats have a unique skeleton that allows them to easily fit under horizontal gaps. Millions of years ago, they were using rocks, logs, and stones as horizontal gaps. Rats have these incredible physical traits because they were designed to fit through such small gaps. In addition, their body is built to fit under objects that are larger than them. They can jump two feet from a standing position and then jump another foot from a running start. Furthermore, rats can lift nearly a pound. They are also good swimmers and can swim up toilets.
Fortunately, rats don’t have broken bones. Their cylindrical bodies and firm bones help them fit through tight spaces. This allows them to squeeze through quarter-sized holes. However, not all rats can fit through these holes. If they are too large, they may not fit through them. However, juvenile rats can fit through smaller holes.
