Domestic Rat
(Rattus norvegicus)
Order: Rodentia
Family: Muridae
Genus: Rattus
Species: Rattus norvegicus
|
|
HABITAT AND RANGE:
There are many species of wild rats,
including the bushy-tailed woodrat, the
kangaroo rat, the African giant rat, the
spiny rat, the black rat and the brown
rat. Rats live in all parts of the world
except in the highest mountains and near
the Poles. |
|
PHYSICAL CHARACTERISTICS:
Domestic Rats have a body shaped like a
mouse’s body, with relatively small ears
and a thicker tail. The tail has little
to no fur and the scaly skin is ideal
for grasping and holding on for balance.
However, it is not considered
prehensile. The body is from 6-10 inches
long. |
|
ADAPTATIONS:
The domestic rat is a very intelligent
animal and can learn from experience.
They can be trained to come to their
names, walk on a harness and, unlike
gerbils and hamsters, are loyal and
rarely bite. They are agile climbers and
use their tails for gripping. They can
jump up to two feet, are excellent
swimmers and can stay underwater for up
to three minutes. Their front paws have
prehensile digits, which allow the rat
to manipulate food dexterously. |
|
DIET:
Rats are omnivores and require a protein
source, such as rodent pellets, as well
as plenty of fruits and vegetables. They
are prone to scurvy, so Vitamin C is
very important in their diet. |
|
REPRODUCTION AND DEVELOPMENT:
The domestic rat will breed a any time
during the year. They have a gestation
period of 21-30 days and are able to
breed at 45-75 days old. Litter size is
anywhere from 2-24, but is normally
8-12. Weaning occurs at 25-30 days. The
female’s breeding life ends at 15-18 |
