Rats are very prolific breeders and can have litters of up to twelve baby rats although the average litter size is six. Baby rats or kittens as they are sometimes called are born blind and hairless. They weigh only about an ounce at birth and are about seven inches long including the tail. Their eyes open at about ten days old. At three weeks old they are fully furred and look like miniature adults.
Rats reach sexual maturity at about five weeks old. Females can have two or three litters a year and can become pregnant again within days of giving birth. If you have a pet rat it is best to get her spayed to prevent unwanted litters.
Rats are very clean animals and will groom themselves and their kittens. They are also very good mothers and will take care of their young until they are old enough to fend for themselves.
How do rats have babies?
Mother rats give birth to litters of anywhere from two to twelve baby rats.
How often do rats have litters?
A female rat can have four to six litters per year.
How many babies are in a litter?
Litters usually have six to twelve baby rats.
How long is a rat pregnancy?
Rat pregnancies last 21 to 23 days.
Do baby rats come out fully developed?
No baby rats are born blind and hairless.
How long does it take for baby rats to open their eyes?
Baby rats open their eyes 10 to 12 days after they are born.
When do baby rats start to grow hair?
Baby rats start to grow hair 14 to 16 days after they are born.
How long does it take for baby rats to be weaned?
Baby rats are typically weaned 21 to 28 days after they are born.
When do baby rats reach sexual maturity?
Male rats reach sexual maturity at about 5 to 6 weeks of age while female rats reach sexual maturity at about 6 to 8 weeks of age.
What is the average lifespan of a rat?
The average lifespan of a rat is 2 to 3 years.
Do rats mate for life?
No rats do not mate for life.
How does a male rat know when a female rat is ready to mate?
Male rats detect when a female rat is ready to mate by smelling her urine.
Do rats build nests?
Yes rats build nests out of soft materials like paper cloth and insulation.
How many times can a female rat have babies in her lifetime?
A female rat can have litters of baby rats several times throughout her lifetime.
What do baby rats eat?
Baby rats drink their mother’s milk for nutrition.
