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Introduction |
Stages |
Keeping & Breeding
| Breeding |
Books |
Related Topics |
References |
Related Websites |
| Rats For Sale
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Email
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Black Rat Introduction:
The rat genus, Rattus spp., consists of about 56
difference species of which the Black rat (Rattus rattus)
is probably the most abundant and domesticated of them all.
The domestication of the
rats and
mice (Mus
musculus)
began well over a century ago when these rodents were seen as
the major spreaders of various unpleasant diseases. So called
"rat-catchers" were employed to get rid of these pests, as they
were called then. Rat-catchers began to keep and display
different colour varieties in public houses. Although all rats
and mice descended from their original brown ancestor (Rattus
norvegicus), today's domesticated rats and mice are far
removed from their wild relatives, and are unlikely to present
any significant health risks to their keepers.
Some people may shudder at the idea of having a rat as a
trusted pet, but they are said to intelligent, clean,
interactive pets. Some people also see these animals as being
affectionate. Rats are perfect for owners which lack a lot of
space and who are looking for something more than the
traditional gold fish, mouse or hamster. The average age of
these animals are two to three years of age, but some captive
specimens were known to live for seven years.
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Black Rat Stages: Adult Black rats are significantly larger than mice
(rats can reach a weight of 500 g / 1 lb). The average rat is about 25 cm / 10 "
long (incl. tail). Rat babies are called kittns or rittens.
Keeping & Breeding
Black Rats:
The following must be taken in consideration before keeping
and breeding rats:
These animals and their cages can smell bad very easily. Males tend to stink more than females. The only way to overcome stinking
problems and prevent discomforts and diseases is to clean the cage once too
three times a week (depending on the number of animals per
cage and on the type and size of the cage) and by preventing overcrowding.
Most domesticated rats make good pets, but they are short lived
animals. The average age of rats is just below four years
(rarely up to seven years), If you compare the live span of the average
rat with the average live span of man, a day will be the same
than about three weeks in the life of a human. You can think
for yourself how many time these animals will loose if you
do not give attention to them, even for a day or two. Pet rats need lots of attention.
To keep and breed rats you will need the following basics:
- a cage, cages or a large type of container
- space
- food & water
- bedding
- a shallow container for food
- a shallow container for water
- keeping and/or breeding stock
Cages & Containers
Apart form the caging mentioned in the
General Small Rodent
Care Sheet, a few rats can also be housed together single bird cages
or
larger three foot fish tanks Literature suggests a cage
no smaller than 60 x 30 x 40 cm / 24 x 12 x 16 ", but a larger cage with extra climbing space
are always better. Large bird
cages with ladders and ropes are more preferable than closed
smaller containers. Walk-in or outside mesh bird cages
decorated with ladders, logs and rocks makes interesting
housing for a whole colony of rats. Outside cages should be situated next to a wall
so that there is adequate shade
during the day. The wiring should be gap free and the floor
should preferably be cemented to prevent rats from digging
holes and dig their way out. Although these cages are
usually outside it is still important to clean it out
regularly.
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Breeding Black Rats:
A sexual active buck can be placed with up to six does (6:1
ratio). Two or more males per
cage (especially small cages) can end up in brutal fights for domination
which will ultimately end up in reduced fertility and matings.
When a cage is too large a male can have difficulty in "catching"
and mating with females. In this situation more males and females can be added although it might
not be of any good. When using males in rotating systems, one should be at least
three
weeks with a female for ovulation and mating to take place.
Rats can get between three and twenty one kittns per pregnancy (avg.
ten or more). As with other rodents, rats usually get pregnant and conceive while
still nursing.
Rat kittns are usually weaned at the age of five to six weeks after birth. The suckling stage is very important for the development of
any mammal. Milk is
a very good source of calcium and proteins. The longer babies can
be kept suckling the better. Hoppers are usually sold directly after they
are weaned. Generally
young can be weaned a few days after they start to eat solid food.
Puberty (sexual maturity) starts about six to twelve weeks after
birth and is dependant on weight.
Black Rat Related Books:
Pet Rats by Colin Patterson, Pet Rat Care & Training
Guide (eBook)
(Click for more information)
Buy
More Books from Kalahari.net
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"If you think I should add more information to this
section or think that something is incorrect, contact
me and let me know. I would love to hear your ideas or methods
you might use that is different than ours."
Last updated 17 June 2007 by Renier
Delport
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"Always remember
only to buy healthy animals from reputable pet shops and
breeders. Make sure to buy animals that are captive bred in
your own country and that it is not illegally imported or caught
from the wild."
"If you've read
something funny, or heard something that sounds out of place,
use your common sense before applying. It is extremely
important to do research from more than one source (before
buying or accepting a new animal). Browse other internet
pages, read related magazines and talk to experienced
people."
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Black Rat Related Topics:
Black Rats As Food
Other
Care Sheets
Price
List
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Black Rat Related References:
Alderton, D. 2001 The Ultimate Encyclopedia of Small Pets
& Petcare, Lorenz Books.
Miller, S. A. & Harley, J. B. 1999 Zoology,
Fourth Edition, McGraw-Hill. | Top |
|
Introduction |
Stages |
Keeping & Breeding
| Breeding |
Books |
Related Topics |
References |
Related Websites |
| Rats For Sale
|
Email
This Page |
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