Chapter_12.pptx

Chapter 12 Rats 12-1 Introduction • This chapter will discuss the history of the brown rat and black rat • You will be introduced to the characteristics of common rats • Methods of feeding and caring for rats will be reviewed • Common diseases and ailments in rats will be discussed 12-2 History...

Chapter 12 Rats 12-1 Introduction • This chapter will discuss the history of the brown rat and black rat • You will be introduced to the characteristics of common rats • Methods of feeding and caring for rats will be reviewed • Common diseases and ailments in rats will be discussed 12-2 History OVERVIEW • Order of gnawing mammals • True rats form the genus Rattus • 78 to 570 species • Only two species domesticated • • Black rat Brown rat 12-3 History BLACK RAT • Other names • • • Roof rat Climbing rat Gray rat • Black Plague • • Major reservoir Reached North America during the 1500s 12-4 History BROWN RAT • Other names • • • • Norway rat Barn rat Sewer rat Wharf rat • Well established in the U.S. 12-5 History WILD RATS • Cause tremendous damage • • • • • Attack other animals Damage to buildings Cause fires Carriers of disease Babies and young children attacked 12-6 Major Color Groups THE BLACK RAT • • • • • Length of seven to eight inches Weighs four to 12 ounces Tail is longer than the head and body Color is usually black or dark gray Excellent climber and jumper 12-7 Major Color Groups THE BROWN RAT Larger than the black rat Seven to 10 inches long Tail shorter than the head and body Weighs seven to 17 ounces Fur is a dark to gray-brown on the back • Not a climber • • • • • 12-8 Major Color Groups VARIETIES • Mutations and selective breeding • Can be found in several colors • Eye colors • • • • Red Black Ruby Odd colored Cont. 12-9 Major Color Groups VARIETIES • Common patterns • • • • • • Hooded Capped Variegated Dalmatian Masked marked Berkshire 12-10 Characteristics OVERVIEW • • • • Agile climbers Can jump two feet Excellent swimmers Can stay submerged for two to three minutes 12-11 Characteristics DOMESTICATED RATS • • • • • • Very curious Will come running for food Clean and odor-free Seldom bite Nocturnal Gregarious 12-12 Housing and Equipment CAGES • Two cubic feet per rat • Construction • • Wood and wire mesh Glass aquariums • Rats are very active • • Ladders and ropes Exercise wheels 12-13 Housing and Equipment BEDDING • Cedar and pine wood shavings • • Contain phenol Toxic or cause airway damage • Nest material • • • Paper towels Paper napkins Toilet tissue 12-14 Feeding OVERVIEW • Commercial pellets • Supplements • • • Dry dog food Crackers Fruits, or vegetables • Vitamins and minerals • Liquid form 12-15 Handling OVERVIEW • Young rats • • Grasp around the body Grasp tail at the base • Older rats • • Talk to them Use leather gloves if unsure 12-16 Diseases and Ailments OVERVIEW • Rats in the wild • Many types of diseases and parasites • Rats in captivity • Fairly free of diseases and ailments • Common problems • External parasites such as lice and mites 12-17 Reproduction BREEDING • • • • • Sexually mature at six weeks of age Delay breeding until 16 weeks old Gestation period is 21 to 24 days Male will not harm the young Females will share responsibilities 12-18 Summary • Rats belong to the order of Rodentia • The genus Rattus contains 78 to 570 species, depending on which classification is used • Due to mutations and selective breeding, both the black and brown rat can be found in several colors • Rats are surprisingly clean and odor-free • The young are born blind, naked, deaf, and completely helpless 12-19