There are many species of rats. The two commonly found families of rats are the Roof rats and Norway rats, mostly discovered amid the densely populated areas. Norway rats are also known as the “Old World Rats” for they originally were transported from Europe to North America on ships. Regardless of their physical differences and eating habits, the life cycle of most rat species is similar to one another. Generally, rats can produce seven offspring at one, sometimes 14 as twins. Baby rats are born without fur and are blind. The gestation period for rats lasts for less than 3 weeks, allowing a female rat to produce 5 families per year. A female rat reaches her menopause after 18 months. During the menopause process, the reproduction cycle of a female rat becomes more irregular. Breeding during this period causes the size of her litters to be smaller than average. Similarly, the mating of roof rats with domestic rats causes unhealthy breeding, and the babies are unlikely to survive.
Baby rats are born without fur and are blind. The gestation period for rats lasts for less than 3 weeks, allowing a female rat to produce 5 families per year. A female rat reaches her menopause after 18 months. During the menopause process, the reproduction cycle of a female rat becomes more irregular. Breeding during this period causes the size of her litters to be smaller than average. Similarly, the mating of roof rats with domestic rats causes unhealthy breeding, and the babies are unlikely to survive.
After researches scientist have found these information :
A rat takes about three-four weeks to mature and start fending for themselves. Sexual maturity is attained within 5 weeks and they start mating to produce a new generation of rats. The maximum life a rat can have is three years, yet the majority of the rats found in populated areas live for maximum one year due to inter-species conflict and predation.
Rats have no breeding season bu have a breeding system. Extreme weather may reduce the breeding.
Rats or rodents are social animals. The majority of the rat species is found living in nests, with an alpha male, many females accompanied by young rats. The alpha male keeps other male rats from mating with the females of his group. Several researchers have discovered that many rat families maintain multiple nest sites, moving to locations where water and food are found in abundance. The Source of water is crucial for the families of rats.
As per the category of the rat, nest sites are found in both low and high elevation. Roof rats prefer locations in attics, crawl spaces, shrubbery or trees. Norway rats seek out low elevation locations.
Norway rats can travel to 300 ft above the nest in search of water and food while patrolling back to their territory after the hunt. If the water and food they store is dried out, they venture farther in search of preferable locations.
If you get too irritated by rats and you want to get rid of them then you may read The Ultimate Guide To Control Rats