Profile of a Rat – Intelligent and Social Roommates
“Look, Mom, it’s looking back!” Rats are curious, quick-witted, and real team players. Anyone who observes them consciously quickly realizes: These animals think. They recognize voices, remember sequences, and react sensitively to moods. No wonder children are quickly enthusiastic about the little researchers, because rats show how exciting living together can be.
Key Data at a Glance
- Size: 20–30 cm (plus tail)
- Weight: 250–600 g
- Age: 2–3 years
- Special feature: social, curious, capable of learning • Special feature: live in groups – keeping them alone is taboo
Behavior & Communication
Rats are pronounced group animals. They sleep closely snuggled together, groom each other, and constantly exchange signals. They use body movements, fine sounds, and even quiet ultrasonic tones that are not audible to humans.
Children can wonderfully observe how rats interact with each other. One rat lies on its back to play, another fetches food and shares it. That’s what real teamwork looks like!
Everyday Life with Rats
Rats need space, structure and, above all, company. The minimum is three animals, because only in a group do they show their full social behavior. Ideal is a high, multi-story enclosure with climbing branches, ropes and hammocks – plus daily, secured exercise in the room.
Great routines can be developed: hiding food together, redesigning tunnels, or simply watching the animals climb and communicate.
Important for families:
Rats are crepuscular and nocturnal, which means they really come alive in the afternoon and evening. For children, this means: There is still time to discover after homework!
Nutrition
Rats are omnivores that prefer fresh, colorful food. The base should consist of a mixture of grains, vegetables and some fruit.
Animal protein may also be fed once or twice a week, for example a boiled egg or a mealworm. Fresh water should always be available.
Myth Check:
- “Rats are dirty.” → Wrong! They clean themselves several times a day and pay attention to cleanliness.
- “They bite quickly.” → Wrong! Tame rats are gentle, curious and quickly learn to trust.
For Parents – how Living Together Succeeds
- Always keep at least three animals – rats are pack animals.
- Design the enclosure in a varied way: levels, tubes, cloths, branches.
- Ensure daily exercise – curious rats explore everything.
- Instruct children to observe calmly instead of grabbing immediately.
- Joint care (e.g. changing water, hiding food) promotes a sense of responsibility.
Animalistically Important
Rats are small personalities with big hearts. They show that trust grows when you take time for each other. Anyone who treats them with respect experiences real closeness that works without words – something very special.