growth_and_lifespan_of_rats

Rats are generally born after a 22-28 day gestation period. A normal gestation term is 22-23 days.

Even though rats have poor eye sight but a very keen sense of smell and a keen sense of hearing, baby rats eye's open during the 13th to 16th day old, they're able to hear and smell a few days after birth they often start to nibble on solid foods as soon as their eyes open. The pups still need mothers milk at this time, do not by any means feed a baby human milk or cat milk, rats thrive on their own milk. They also do not need soft weening food or purees, they have teeth designed for gnawing.

Around 6 weeks of age is when rats are ready to leave the litter although the benefit greatly from staying with you and being socialized. 2 to 6 weeks of age for rats is a crucial period, this develops their mental and social health.

Rats are usually fertile between 5 to 12 weeks old but some have been know to get pregnant at a younger age. If litters are not separated by sex by 6 weeks, then you will most likely have some pregnant females.

Rats will then grow at a rapid pace until-they reach about 6 months in age. As long as you properly handle them when they're younger, and you will have no issue of them not bonding with you. You will have a happy and healthy rat friend.