Can different types of rats breed?
Their lifespan and friendliness depend on the line of the family they come from and how well they are cared for. In any case, both Dumbo and standard rats are easy to breed in different coat types and colour varieties.
Are wild rats and pet rats the same?
Pet rats, although originating from wild rats, look very different now. There are many different types and can come in a variety of colours; unlike wild rats, which are mostly brown or grey for camouflage. Pet rats are often larger in size than their wild counterparts, due to differences in food and exercise.
Can a wild rat become a pet?
As they became popular as pets they were also selectively bred for their temperament. Wild rats are indeed dirty and can carry diseases, but domesticated ones are totally free from diseases and very clean. This will have a detrimental effect on them and it would be cruel to keep a rat this way.
Can different rat species live together?
Rats can live together with other rats, but they will kill and eat mice as well as other small rodents. Any rodent who is considered territorial or who is a predator (omnivore or carnivorous) should not be housed with other species due to the high risk of predatory behavior occurring.
What is the best breed for a pet rat?
Many believe Dumbo rats to be friendlier than other types of rats. (Dumbo rats’ ears are on the sides of their head rather than on top—similar to Walt Disney’s “Dumbo the Elephant”.) Burmese are also often considered to be very friendly.
Can you befriend a wild rat?
A tame wild animal is just tame — it’s not domesticated. If you raised a baby wild rat, you’d have a wild rat in captivity. It may be tame, but it certainly won’t be a good pet.
How can you tell the difference between a wild rat and a domestic rat?
Wild rats typically live less than a year, while fancy rats have the comfort of human care and can live as long as two or three years. Fancy rats are also typically smaller and more delicate-looking than their wild cousins, with sharper facial features, larger ears, and a longer tail.
Can 2 rats live together?
Rats can be housed in pairs, although a trio or more often live in better harmony as they create their own social network. Pairs of rats can sometimes get agitated with one another and will tend to show dominant behaviour. Time spent out of the cage and fun training can help prevent this.
Can you have just one rat?
Rats are social creatures by nature, and they breed very quickly, so if you spot a single rat, there is a reasonable chance that you have more than one. That being said, you may be lucky and just have a single rat on your property or in your house.
What is the average lifespan of a domesticated rat?
18 to 36 months
Average lifespan of a pet rat is 18 to 36 months. Most pet rats are actually a type of rat called a Norway rat (Rattus norvegicus).