
Australian Rat Fanciers Society
(AusRFS Victoria)
An organisation dedicated to the
welfare and promotion of pet rats.
Founded in 1996 ... for the love of rats!
Rat Facts
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The rats kept as pets are Rattus norvegicus (the Norway or Brown rat) this refers to their species not their colour! Our pets come in a wide variety of colours from white, fawn and brown through to black, and also in many different patterns.
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Pet rats have been domesticated for hundreds of years, to the point where they are as different from wild rats as a Poodle is from a Wolf.


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Rats do not smell (unlike mice). They are extremely clean, and groom themselves in the same way a cat does.
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The average life span of a pet rat is 2-3 years.
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Rats are social and should always be kept in pairs or groups.
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A group of rats is referred to as a “Mischief”.
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Formally females are called Does, males are Bucks & babies are Pups. But most people just call them, girls, boys & babies!
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Females weigh around 400 grams. Males weigh about 600 grams but some can reach over 1 kilo !
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Females come on heat every 4-5 days (for about 24 hours) and can get pregnant immediately after giving birth.
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Gestation time is 21-24 days. Litters are usually between 4-24.
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Rat puppies are weaned at 4-5 weeks, they are completely independent at 6 weeks and reach puberty at 6-8 weeks.
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It is very rare for a well socialised pet rat to bite.
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You won’t catch “the plague” from a pet rat!
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Pet rats don’t need vaccinations.