Brown Rat

Rattus norvegicus

Appearance

•  Up to 40 cm in length, with a tail shorter than the head and body.
•  350 - 500g in weight.
•  Blunt nose, small ears and a thicker body when compared to the Black Rat (Rattus rattus).

Lifecycle

•  7 - 8 young per litter; 3 - 6 litters a year.
•  Gestation period of about 3 weeks.
•  10 - 12 weeks from birth to sexual maturity.

Habits

•  Usually ground living and burrowing, but sometimes climbs. The only species to occur in sewers.
•  Preferred food is cereals.
•  Will eat around 30g of food a day and drink 60ml.