List of articles № 51
What Is a Large Water Rat Called
«Water rat» designates a group of semi‑aquatic murid rodents that have adapted to a life close to freshwater environments. Taxonomically they belong to the subfamily Murinae and include several genera, most notably Hydromys , Paraleptomys and Zelotomys .. Date latest changes:
How a Rat Opens Its Mouth and Produces Sound
The rat’s mandible is a single bone that articulates with the temporal bone at the temporomandibular joint (TMJ). The joint permits two distinct motions: rotation around a horizontal axis during the initial phase of mouth opening and posterior translation that increases the gape during later phases.. Date latest changes:
Why Do Rats Frequently Fight Each Other?
Rats maintain social order through a structured hierarchy in which dominant individuals secure priority access to resources such as food, nesting sites, and mates. Dominance is established and reinforced by overt aggression, including biting, chasing, and wrestling, which explains the frequent confrontations observed among conspecifics.. Date latest changes:
The Tale of Rats and the Pipe: Title and Plot
The narrative about the rodent protagonists and the metallic conduit draws heavily on traditional urban folklore, where rats symbolize survival in cramped environments and pipes represent hidden pathways. Early literary sources include nineteenth‑century gothic tales that juxtapose domestic spaces with subterranean networks, establishing a mood of clandestine movement.. Date latest changes:
Training treats serve as the primary reinforcement for domestic rat conditioning. Selecting appropriate rewards requires attention to size, nutritional composition, and palatability. Small, bite‑sized pieces of high‑protein food—such as cooked egg, lean meat, or specialized rodent treats—provide quick consumption and minimize choking risk.. Date latest changes:
What Mice Fear: Natural Predators and Threats
Mice confront a wide range of predators and environmental hazards that demand rapid, effective responses. Their survival depends on a suite of physiological, behavioral, and sensory adaptations that mitigate risk and facilitate escape. Acute auditory and olfactory detection enable early identification of approaching carnivores such as owls, snakes, and feral cats.. Date latest changes:
Omen About a Mouse in the House: What It Foretells
Rodent sightings have long been interpreted as signals of future events, with mice occupying a prominent position in omen literature. Ancient Mesopotamian tablets record that an influx of field mice foretold poor harvests, linking the creatures to agricultural stability.. Date latest changes:
Lifespan of Field Mice: Duration in the Wild
Field mice belong to the order Rodentia and the family Muridae, subfamily Murinae. The most widely studied genus in Europe is Apodemus , while North American representatives are primarily in the genus Peromyscus . Both genera comprise several species that differ in habitat preference, geographic range, and average longevity under natural conditions.. Date latest changes:
What Can Be Fed to Mice as Food?
Mice require a reliable source of protein to support growth, reproduction, and immune function. Commercial rodent pellets typically contain 14‑20 % protein derived from soy, wheat gluten, and animal by‑products, providing a balanced amino‑acid profile that meets standard laboratory requirements.. Date latest changes:
Herbs Against Mice: Which Plants Drive Rodents Out of the Home
Rodents locate homes by detecting resources that support survival and reproduction. Recognizing these attractants clarifies why certain plants can serve as deterrents. Accessible food: stored grains, pet feed, unsecured garbage, and kitchen crumbs provide a reliable energy source.. Date latest changes:
Do Mice Eat Cheese? An Investigation
The belief that rodents favor dairy products dates back to medieval bestiaries, where mice were repeatedly paired with cheese as a symbol of greed and pestilence. Illustrations from the 13th‑century Physiologus depict mice gnawing at cheese wheels, reinforcing a visual association that survived through illuminated manuscripts and early printed pamphlets.. Date latest changes:
Metal Mesh for Mice: Rodent Protection
Metal mesh barriers designed to exclude mice introduce several health hazards when material quality, installation, or upkeep are inadequate. Corroded alloy releases metal ions that can contaminate food and surfaces, posing toxicity risks.. Date latest changes:
Mouse bites can transmit rabies, but the risk varies with species, region, and exposure circumstances. Wild rodents, including most mouse species, are rarely rabies reservoirs; documented cases of rabies in mice are exceptionally uncommon. Domestic laboratory mice are virtually never infected.. Date latest changes:
How a Fox Hunts Mice in Winter
Winter imposes severe constraints on the hunting efficiency of red foxes (Vulpes vulpes). Sub‑zero temperatures increase metabolic demand, forcing the animal to balance energy intake against the cost of maintaining body heat. Snow cover obscures ground‑dwelling rodents, reducing visual cues and limiting the fox’s ability to locate prey by sight alone.. Date latest changes:
Peppermint as a mouse repellent in the house: Recipe and application
Peppermint (Mentha piperita) contains volatile oils, chiefly menthol, menthone, and menthyl acetate. These compounds act on the nervous system of rodents and insects by binding to transient receptor potential (TRP) channels, particularly TRPM8, which mediates a cooling sensation and triggers avoidance behavior.. Date latest changes:
Fairy Tale Mouse Queen: Interesting Facts About the Character
The Mouse Queen first appears in traditional European folklore, where she is depicted as a regal rodent ruler who resolves disputes among forest creatures. Early printed collections, such as the 19th‑century anthology of German tales, present her as a mediator who employs clever riddles to test the honesty of protagonists.. Date latest changes:
When providing a rat with a cage, the smallest acceptable footprint directly influences health, activity, and longevity. The cage must accommodate standing, turning, and climbing without forcing the animal into a cramped environment. A single adult rat requires at least:. Date latest changes:
What colors do rats have? Fur pigmentation
Eumelanin is the primary pigment responsible for the darkest shades in rat fur. It produces black and varying brown tones by depositing melanin granules within hair shafts. The concentration and polymerization level of eumelanin determine whether the coat appears jet‑black, chocolate‑brown, or a gradient between these extremes.. Date latest changes:
Bloody Urination in Rats: Warning Sign
Red discoloration of rat urine can result from two distinct sources: hemoglobin released by ruptured erythrocytes and the porphyrin pigment secreted from the Harderian gland. Correct identification separates a genuine hemorrhagic condition from a benign excretory response and guides subsequent veterinary or experimental actions.. Date latest changes:
Parsley (Petroselinum crispum) contains a dense profile of micronutrients that can contribute to a rodent’s dietary needs. Per 100 g of fresh leaves, the herb provides approximately 1,640 µg vitamin K1, 133 mg vitamin C, 2,090 IU vitamin A (as β‑carotene), and 0.. Date latest changes:
Rats communicate mood and intentions through subtle tail movements. A relaxed, slow side‑to‑side wag signals comfort and willingness to interact. When the tail sweeps rhythmically across the body, the animal is typically at ease and receptive to gentle handling.. Date latest changes:
Rats living in natural environments consume a highly variable diet that includes animal protein. Their intake typically consists of: Insects and arthropods (crickets, beetles, larvae) Small vertebrates (young mice, birds) Carrion and scavenged meat Seeds, grains, nuts, and legumes Fruit, berries, and leafy vegetation Domesticated rats, whether kept as pets or used in research, receive a diet formulated for consistency and nutritional balance.. Date latest changes:
Rat: Animal or Not? Biologists' Answers
The rat, like all vertebrates, is classified within the kingdom Animalia, a taxonomic group defined by a set of biological traits that distinguish animals from other life forms. Understanding these traits clarifies why mammals, including rodents, are unequivocally animals.. Date latest changes:
Rat Pregnancy Duration: Gestation Period
Rats reach reproductive capability shortly after weaning. Female rats typically become sexually mature between 5 and 6 weeks of age, while males achieve maturity around 6 to 8 weeks. Puberty is marked by the onset of regular estrous cycles in females and the appearance of sperm in the epididymis of males.. Date latest changes:
Feeding Rats Quail Eggs: Safety
Quail eggs provide a concentrated source of high‑quality protein suitable for laboratory rats when introduced as a supplemental food. Each egg contains roughly 6 g of protein, comparable to chicken eggs but with a slightly higher proportion of essential amino acids per gram.. Date latest changes:
Rat Defined: Definition and Characteristics
The English word rat traces back to Old English ræt , derived from Proto‑Germanic *rattaz . This root appears in Old Norse rottr and Old High German rat , indicating a common Germanic ancestry. Latin adopted the term as rattus , which entered Old French as rat .. Date latest changes:
Can Pine Shavings Be Used in a Rat Cage?
Pine shavings release volatile aromatic compounds, primarily phenols and terpenes, which act as respiratory irritants for rats. Inhalation of these substances can trigger inflammation of the nasal mucosa, leading to sneezing, nasal discharge, and increased susceptibility to secondary infections such as bronchitis and pneumonia.. Date latest changes:
Which Is Stronger: Mouse or Rat
Mice and rats differ markedly in dimensions, a factor that directly influences their capacity to generate force. House mouse (Mus musculus): body length 7–10 cm, tail length 5–10 cm, mass 15–30 g. Norway rat (Rattus norvegicus): body length 20–25 cm, tail length 15–20 cm, mass 250–500 g.. Date latest changes:
Rats frequently inhabit human‑made environments, where they obtain food, shelter, and protection without providing tangible benefits to their hosts. This one‑sided association classifies them as commensal organisms; the presence of rats does not noticeably alter the conditions of the structures they occupy, yet their survival depends on the resources supplied by human activity.. Date latest changes:
What Size Do Pet Rats Reach When Fully Grown?
Adult pet rats typically measure between 7 cm and 10 cm from the tip of the nose to the base of the tail. This “head‑body length” excludes the tail, which adds an additional 12 cm to 20 cm, resulting in a total length of roughly 19 cm to 30 cm.. Date latest changes:
What Cage Is Needed for Housing Two Rats
When selecting a cage for a pair of rats, the first step is to determine the minimum interior dimensions that will accommodate both the required floor area and the volume needed for comfortable movement and enrichment. Floor space: Each adult rat needs at least 0.. Date latest changes:
What to Do If a Rat Chokes and Suffocates
Rats in distress may exhibit early signs that are easy to overlook. Recognizing these subtle cues enables prompt intervention before the situation becomes critical. Labored breathing with occasional pauses, even when the animal appears otherwise calm.. Date latest changes:
White Rats with Red Eyes: Myth About Blindness
Albinism in mammals originates from disruptions in melanin synthesis pathways. The primary genetic cause is loss‑of‑function mutations in the TYR gene, which encodes tyrosinase, the enzyme that catalyzes the first steps of pigment production.. Date latest changes:
Mouse and Rat: Comparison of Habits and Behaviors
Mice are small rodents belonging to the genus Mus , most commonly represented by the house mouse ( Mus musculus ). Adult body length ranges from 6 to 10 cm, with a tail of comparable length; weight typically falls between 15 and 30 g. Their fur is short, dense, and varies in color from light brown to gray, providing camouflage in diverse environments.. Date latest changes:
Toys for Mice: Choosing Safe Options
Mental stimulation is essential for laboratory and companion mice, preventing boredom‑induced stress and encouraging natural foraging behavior. Enrichment items that require problem‑solving engage the hippocampus and promote healthy neural development.. Date latest changes:
How to Use a Sticky Trap for Capturing Mice
Sticky traps consist of a flat surface coated with a powerful, non‑drying adhesive. The adhesive remains tacky for weeks, allowing the trap to capture rodents that step onto it. Most traps are made from cardboard, plastic, or thin metal, each offering durability and resistance to moisture.. Date latest changes:
Mice and Dichlorvos: Why They Avoid This Poison
Dichlorvos, chemically identified as 2,2-dichlorovinyl dimethyl phosphate (DDVP), belongs to the organophosphate class of insecticides. Its molecular formula C₄H₇Cl₂O₄P reflects a phosphoric acid ester linked to a dichlorovinyl group, a structure that confers high volatility and rapid absorption through biological membranes.. Date latest changes:
Protecting the Home from Mice: Strategies and Owner Recommendations
Mice introduce a range of biological hazards that directly affect household occupants. Their urine, droppings, and saliva contain agents capable of causing disease, while their presence can exacerbate existing health conditions. Hantavirus:. Date latest changes:
Mice chew natural and synthetic fibers because their incisors grow continuously and require constant abrasion. The act of gnawing wears down tooth length, preventing overgrowth that would impede feeding and mobility. Food scarcity drives rodents to explore all available resources.. Date latest changes:
How to Get Rid of Rats and Mice in an Apartment
Rats and mice leave unmistakable evidence that indicates their presence in a dwelling. Recognizing these indicators is essential for effective control measures. Dark, pellet‑shaped droppings found near food sources, along baseboards, or in hidden corners.. Date latest changes: