How old are rats?

Rats are animals that cause hostility in many people. Since ancient times, they live nearby human housing, causing a lot of trouble and spreading various infections. Therefore, the question of how many rats live, their wild and domestic varieties, what they eat, will interest everyone.

Wild rodents

Most common type wild rat, called pasyuk, refers to mammalian animals of the rodent order. They inhabit almost all continents of the planet, except Antarctica. Spread everywhere several centuries ago, thanks to ships sailing across oceans around the world.

This rodent has gray fur, strong hind legs, teeth gnawing everything and quite developed intelligence. Torso length gray rat is 15-25 cm, weighs up to 400 g, tail length - up to 19 cm.

In the wild, pasukas settle closer to water sources one at a time or in groups. However, most of them move to housing closer to the person, where you can find plenty of food and warmth. The life expectancy of a rat living in basements, in trash and other places in settlements is only 1-1.5 years, occasionally they can live up to 3 years.

On a note!

In ancient centuries, street rats were a real disaster for the population of cities and villages, because they were carriers of the most terrible infectious diseases - black plague, fever, typhoid, leptospirosis and others. Also rats spread diseases helminths, salmonella, etc.

In nature, a wild rat eats:

• small animals: fish, frogs, mice, mollusks;
• plant foods: seeds and grains of plants;
• close to settlements with all edible products and waste.

Often settles in landfills and garbage repositories. During periods of famine, cannibalism is observed in their colonies - they eat their relatives.

How long a rat lives in nature depends on nutrition, rat speciesmortality at a young age, the presence of predators and actions by people who have been trying for centuries fight rodents.

Rodents living in uninhabited areas usually produce offspring 2 times a year, but city dwellers and domestic breeds that have better nutrition and warm homes can breed up to 8 times a year, giving birth to 1-20 babies each time. Part of the brood is eaten either immediately by the parents: the weak and sick individuals do not live long or die in the young growth stage. Rat cubs reach puberty at the age of 3-4 months, and the peak of fertility comes in 1-2 years.

On a note!

According to experts, the number of rats in the world exceeds 2 times the human population, and in large cities the population of rodents is at the level of population.

Domestic rats

Many people keep domestic rats, considering them cute and intelligent animals that are easily trained. The use of animals in laboratory work and their crossing allowed to breed a large number of ornamental species: rex, tailless, bald rats, satin, dambo, sphinxes and others.

How many years old domestic rats live, usually depends on the owner, who takes on the responsibilities of caring for his pet. The average life cycle is 2-3 years, individual individuals survive up to 5 years.

The life span of domestic rats is directly dependent on nutrition and living conditions. For example, rodents can eat a large amount of food and do it continuously, from which they begin to grow fat over time and acquire numerous diseases.

Interesting!

The oldest representative of rodents, who lived to be 7 years old, is listed in the Guinness Book of Records.

Therefore, the role of the owner, who wants to extend the life span of the rat, is to limit his pet in the amount of food, remove the remains from the cage in time, and also keep it clean. Periodically disinfect rat housing and destroy its smell.

For the health of the rodent’s teeth, it is necessary to put tree branches, stones, pieces of salt and chalk into its cage. Also, veterinarians advise to communicate more with their "companion": pick it up, treat it with delicacies: dried fruits, cheese, cottage cheese, etc. Domestic tame rats that feel the attention of their master, eat normally and do not get sick, can live up to 2.5- 3 years

Decorative breeds of rats

For pet lovers, it will be interesting to know which breeds exist, how to feed and care for them, what diseases they have, and how many years rats have lived.

• Sphinxes (hairless) - belong to one of the modern domestic breeds bred with the help of a mutation. Her well-being and longevity are affected not only by nutrition, but also by problems associated with heating - the optimal temperature regime is + 16-30ºС, as well as the treatment of colds, skin, allergic diseases, inflammatory processes in the genitourinary system, common in this breed of various types of tumors, including malignant.
• White rats: there are individuals with ordinary and red eyes, they are distinguished by an attractive appearance and a great affection for their master, a friendly character, they are easily trained. The main diet: cereals, vegetables and fruits, protein foods - raw and boiled meat and vitamins, clean water is required. However, this domestic species is characterized by reduced immunity: they can easily catch a cold and are susceptible to infections, which is why their life cycle ends in 1.5-2 years.
• The most aristocratic species is the blue rat, whose representatives are loyal and smart friends of a person, are able to remember words, like to play, have a non-aggressive character, live 2-2.5 years.
• Less whimsical types of domestic rats: rex, dumbo, etc. Animals are very fond of cleanliness and order in their homes, various toys and entertainment. Skating in a wheel will help such a rodent to keep fit and be less sick. Obesity in all rat breeds can lead to heart disease and other diseases, which will reduce their lifespan.