I know that hamsters usually only live about 2-2.5 yrs, do rats live longer than that?
2006-08-13 21:01:56 · 16 answers · asked by anna 7 in Pets ➔ Other - Pets
Im a member of the Australian Rodent Fanciers Society Qld, and i know something about rats i have owned rats for 8 years and most rats will only live for 2-3yrs you are really lucky if you have a rat that lives to 3yrs thats pretty old for them.
If you would like info check out http://groups.msn.com/RfsRats
And msg me on there
Also rats are not canibals. They are omnivores which means they eat meat and plant forms. I would seriously ignore most of the answers on this page
2006-08-14 02:35:56 · answer #1 · answered by Darkrose86 2 · 1⤊ 1⤋
It really depends on the genetics of the rat. Some breeders who try to breed long lived lines will often have rats that live as long as 4 years. However most are relatively short lived. My oldest lived to be almost 3 and a half. Most of my other ones lived about 2 to 2 and a half years. The world record, if I remember right, was 6 years. I know someone who had a five to six year old rat that managed to live as old as he did by feeding blueberries which is an excellent cancer fighting food.
Sometimes lab rats will live long lives. Some strains live longer and have smaller litters than others. It's all in the pedigree of the individual rat. Most pet rats, unfortunately, die younger due to accidents and illness.
PS - Rats are NOT cannibals!
2006-08-13 21:27:37 · answer #2 · answered by white_ravens_white_crows 5 · 3⤊ 0⤋
The typical Norwegian Rat has a lifespan of about 3 to 4 years if I remember right.
Syrian Hamsters do have short lifespans- 2 to 2.5 years
Wild mice can live in capativity up to 8 years
Cavies, aka Gueina Pigs, have a life span up to 9 years
2006-08-13 21:08:22 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
3 - 5 years
2006-08-13 21:58:26 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
I have heard that domesticated rats live anywhere from three to five years. I have owned rats myself and also had friends that have owned them. From my own personal experience, they generally live about three years. If you have an albino, you will want to keep a closer eye on his general health, as they tend to get cancers more frequently. A yearly or bi-yearly check-up with a qualified veterinarian is always a good idea for any small rodent.
2006-08-13 21:08:22 · answer #5 · answered by mel 2 · 2⤊ 0⤋
In the past I've had three rats and they all lived about 2-years.
2006-08-13 21:09:17 · answer #6 · answered by Thomas V 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
2-6 years, though I think it's usually around 4-5.
2006-08-13 21:05:47 · answer #7 · answered by fenixfreak 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
not longer than 5 years.
2006-08-13 21:34:45 · answer #8 · answered by cbmaclean 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Bout 5-7 years I think, but mine died after less than 1 year, from lung cancer- they're apparently sensitive to lung problems.
2006-08-13 21:18:52 · answer #9 · answered by emily_jane2379 5 · 0⤊ 1⤋
yes , rats do liv 4 longer den hamsters , they liv 4 about 10-15 yrs!
2006-08-13 21:11:20 · answer #10 · answered by Bubbles 2 · 0⤊ 4⤋