I have a domestic rat and found a wild rat, is it possible for them to breed?

Question

Just curious. They are a little different but ultimately look pretty much the same. I think they are the same species of rat. What would the pups be like wild or tame? And how do you know if the rat is in heat or has gotten pregnant?

Answer 1

ok well first off i dont suggest breeding or keeping wild and domestic rats togather...wild rats can carrie deises and cuold kill or harm ur domestic rat...

yess it is possible for them to breed and the rat pups will turn out domesticated but u cant sell them do to they could have the deises from the wild parent

to tell if the feamle is in heat is when she cleans he genital areas alot and shakes and jumps and acts extreamly rumbunctous
lol
but u cant tell if she is prego till she is 3 days till her due date then she will magerly blot and look like she swalowed a tennus ball lol

ps wild rats r genraally berkshere (thick hairs)and a dark brow /grey mix

hope this helps
please dont breed the wild with the domestic ...it will spred any deises that is hhas,,,,'

here is a care sheett on rats

Is a rat right for you?
Rats make extremely good family pets; they are very intelligent and become quite tame with regular handling. There are many different colour variations available such as white, black, agouti and chocolate. Rats are not very expensive to keep, but you should buy the largest and most interesting cage you can afford. Rats live, on average, between two and two and a half years.

Where are rats from?
Fancy rats are descendants of the brown rat, which are thought to have originated from Asia. The keeping and breeding of fancy rats became popular in the early 1900s. As a result of captive breeding there are now many different colours and coat types, such as the Rex and even Hairless!


Where should you keep a rat?
Rats need lots of exercise and stimulation, so buy the largest cage you can afford. There are many different types of rodent cages available, however it is essential that the cage you buy is designed for rats and not for smaller rodents such as hamsters. Perhaps the most suitable type of enclosure is either a large wire multi-level cage or an aquarium with a well ventilated, secure lid as rats are extremely agile and can jump up to two feet or more! The minimum size cage for one rat is 60cm x 37cm x 22cm.

You should provide your rate with an entertaining environment. Suitable items include apple tree branches, rocks, tunnels and pieces of rope. Nesting boxes suitable for birds can also be provided. The base of the cage should be covered with a layer of wood-shavings. Sawdust should not be used as it is too fine and can irritate eyes and noses, and cedar wood-shavings can cause an allergic reaction.

You can also provide your rat with paper nesting material for him to nest with. Straw is not suitable as bedding as it is too sharp and may injure your pet’s eyes and mouth.

The cage should be cleaned at least once a week with hot water and a disinfectant suitable for pets. Rats are very clean and normally do not smell. Your rat will normally use one area of his cage as a toilet; this may need cleaning daily to reduce any smell.

Breeding
Female rats are capable of breeding at an early age. She can breed from as young as 6 weeks, but should be at least 12 weeks;
Pregnancy lasts between 21-23 days;
Average litter size is 8, but can vary up to 18;
The young rats’ eyes will open between 12-15 days;
The young can be removed from their mother at 4 weeks of age.

How to handle your rat
When you first get your rat home it is best to leave him alone for the first day or two, to allow him to get used to his new home. Allow your rat to sniff your hand before you handle him, this will help him get used to your smell. Gently stroke your rat in his cage to reassure him, once the rat allows you to do this he will normally allow you to pick him up. The rat should be gently scooped up with two hands, never pick him up by his tail. Once your rat becomes tame he will enjoy coming out to play at regular intervals.

Remember your rat likes to chew, so whenever you let him out of his cage he must be supervised at all times.

Keeping your rat fit and healthy
Rats normally stay healthy throughout their lives. However, they can be prone to a number of common complaints, most of which can be avoided with correct care and attention.

Rats can be prone to breathing problems; if your rat starts sneezing and is scratching excessively and there are no signs of mites this may mean your rat is allergic to something. Cedar wood-shavings can sometimes cause allergic reactions in rats.

Your rat’s teeth are constantly growing, and if they become too long he may be unable to ear properly. Signs that your rat’s teeth may not be growing properly are weight loss and a reluctance to eat and chew. Providing your rat with treats and a mineral block will help him to keep his teeth in trim. If your pet’s teeth do become overgrown you must take him to your vet.

What do rats eat?
Rats in the wild are scavengers and will eat a wide range of foods. In captivity you should provide your rat with a varied diet. The basis of a good diet should consist of a dry rat mix containing a mixture of seeds, peanuts and biscuits. This should be supplemented with cooked egg and washed and dried vegetables such as sprouts, carrots, cress, tomatoes and apples.

Feed bowls should be sturdy earthenware bowls as they are heavy, gnaw proof and easily cleaned and disinfected. Uneaten food should be removed daily, and the food bowl thoroughly washed. Remember your rat will drink a lot compared to other rodents so make sure clean, fresh water is available at all times.

Do rats like company?
Rats can be kept singly providing that you give them lots of human contact, care and attention. However, they are probably happiest kept in pairs from a young age – but remember, mixed sexes will breed very quickly, if not neutered.

Answer 2

Domestic Rat

Answer 3

Yes, they can breed(if they are the same species) all the pups would be wild, they would all be the wild color(agouti) they will all likley have parasites. The question is why do you want to breed them? Breeding a wild rat to a domesticated rat is a huge step back wards, all the traits that have been bred into the domesticated rats will now be gone, it'll take several generations to get them back to nice tame cuddley pets again. So if I was you i'd let the wild rat go free, that is where he belongs and if your other rat in lonely get a same sex friend for it.

Answer 4

A rat is a rat, except for a gangster rat. They would and could breed. The best way to do it is to make sure we have a Him and a Her. It will be better for the wild rat to be the boy and the other to be the lady, Beauty and the Beast. Send them off to the Ratatoule restaurant and dine and sip a little wine and, and, and you know the rest of the story If the Mother is domesticated and lives in a cage, the babies would be brought up my Mom and not fear HOOMANS. Never been near a rat when she was in heat with the exception of my Ex. I would say you will know when she is pregnant when she starts eating pickles instead of cheese God Bless

Answer 5

More than likely, they COULD breed. This would be similar to domestic rabbits crossing with wild rabbits, which has happened before. The question is WOULD they. It is possible they would fight. I would be concerned about the wild rat killing the domestic rat, but you never know..they might get along fine. The babies would be tame if raised tame, wild if raised wild. I have known of wild mice and rats taken as pets when babies, and they were perfectly tame and domesticated. The most important factor to consider is do you have homes for the babies? Millions of pets die every day because there are not homes for them. Be sure you have arrangements made for the litter before breeding.

Answer 6

It may be a question of "possibilities" vs. "probabilities". It might be possible, but, how probable is it, since you don't know for sure, their species, or maybe much else with regard to rat breeding. And, are you sure you have both genders represented in your situation? God Bless you.

Answer 7

Yes they can. They are usually both Rattus norvegicus which are also used for laboratory rats.

Answer 8

I guess its possible but would you really want to do that? The wild one would probably have a whole bunch of diseases.

Answer 9

... i think it might be possible for them to kill eachother...

Answer 10

Why in the world would you ever want to breed rats? Are you aware of the diseases they might carry? Are you aware of the danger of a bite? Hasn't anyone taught you anything?