They will make sure that their rats come from healthy parents and it does not have any genetic issues. From proteins and fats to vitamins and carbohydrates, rats’ dietary needs are similar to ours. They’ll wake up if you want to play with them, but they’ll live you alone most of the day. What Is The Average Lifespan of Pet Rats? The Gambian pouched rat is a large rodent that’s native to Sub-Saharan Africa.

Respiratory disease—this is a common health problem in pet rats. Eventually, they began selling the rats as pets. amzn_assoc_ad_mode = "auto"; amzn_assoc_fallback_mode = {"type":"search","value":"rat"}; Quesenberry, K. E., and Boschert, K. R. Accessed 2019. During this stage, the babies become fully alert and independent from their mother. Some of the domesticated rats come from a lineage of lab rats and this makes them predisposed to tumours, which can significantly shorten their lifespan. It is only natural when considering getting a rat for a pet just how long they will live. According to the Guinness World Records, the oldest pet rat ever lived to 7 years 4 months and he was a rat called Rodney. The flooring on all levels and the ramps have to be solid. Your Pregnant Hamster – How To Care For Her During Pregnancy... Gerbil Vs Hamster – What’s The Difference And Which Is Best... Syrian Hamster – A Complete Guide To A Pocket-Sized Pet, Cute Guinea Pig Names – 200 Unique Names To Choose From, Hamster Breeds – Differences, Similarities, and Choosing the Best One. Domestic rats make good pets because they are: Domestic rats are a good choice if you’re not looking for long-term commitment and constant interaction with your pet. Sometimes the teeth of a pet rat can be problematic.

Hopefully he will live for far longer to come. You assume full responsibility and liability for your own actions. You might get more comprehensive information if you adopt rats from a specialist breeder instead. Domestic rats (fancy rats) are descended from wild rats. As wild rats must survive harsh weather conditions, predators, and an inconsistent supply of food, it probably doesn’t come as a shock that most of them pass away before their first birthday. Spontaneous Mammary Tumors In Domestic Rats (Rattus Norvegicus), 5 Facts That Will Change the Way You Think About Rats, What You Need to Know About Rats: Tips from exotic veterinarians, Morbidity and disease management in pet rats: a study of 375 cases, Significant life extension by ten percent dietary restriction, Goldfish Names – 230 Awesome Ideas For Your Favorite Orange Fish, Teddy Guinea Pig Breed Information – A Guide To Teddy Bear Guinea Pigs. Unlike the domestic rats many people know as pets, these rodents have cheek pouches like a hamster that they use to gather food. Can Rats Eat Chocolate? amzn_assoc_tracking_id = "undepetfancra-20"; To prevent respiratory infections, your rat’s cage should be kept clean and well-ventilated.

All of these factors contribute to a longer life expectancy for domesticated Pet Rats. Therefore, reputable breeders will outcross their rats to remove negative traits and add positive ones. Pet rats are smart, affectionate and playful little companions that are an amazing pet. You can, however, help your rat live longer. Hairless rats can have any color of skin, but the skin should be smooth and blemish-free. Remember that rats tend to hide signs of illness, so don’t wait until it has become highly obvious something is wrong. How long can a rat live? This means having a nice large cage with plenty of space instead of cramped and poorly ventilated cages, so that the rat may exercise and put its body to use.