List of articles № 67
What to Do When a Rat Gives Birth
After a litter, the dam requires immediate and thorough assessment. Observe posture and movement; a healthy mother will sit upright, move freely, and groom both herself and the newborns. Check the skin for signs of excessive shedding, lesions, or parasites, as these conditions can affect milk production and pup health.. Date latest changes:
Rabies in Rats: How to Recognize the Disease
Rabies is a neurotropic virus belonging to the Lyssavirus genus that infects mammals by invading the central nervous system. The pathogen is transmitted primarily through the saliva of an infected animal, most often via bites, scratches, or mucosal contact with contaminated secretions.. Date latest changes:
Decorative pet rats display a remarkable range of coat textures, each requiring specific attention to grooming and health monitoring. Understanding these variations helps owners provide optimal care and enhances the visual appeal of their companions.. Date latest changes:
What Is a Subdermal Cyst in a Rat
Subdermal cysts in laboratory rats arise from a variety of pathological processes, each classifiable by origin, content, and histological features. Recognizing the specific cyst type guides diagnostic evaluation, therapeutic decision‑making, and interpretation of experimental outcomes.. Date latest changes:
Roundworms (Nematoda) are common intestinal parasites of laboratory and wild rats. Adult worms reside in the small intestine, where they absorb nutrients and produce eggs that are shed in feces. Infection can compromise experimental results and affect animal welfare, making reliable detection essential.. Date latest changes:
What Animals Step on a Dead Rat?
Decomposers convert organic remains into mineral nutrients, sustaining soil fertility and plant growth. Bacteria, fungi, and detritivorous invertebrates break down proteins, lipids, and carbohydrates of carrion, releasing nitrogen, phosphorus, and carbon in forms accessible to producers.. Date latest changes:
Rodents have a keen sense of smell and avoid environments saturated with powerful odors. Strong aromatic compounds interfere with their olfactory receptors, creating an unpleasant sensory experience that discourages entry and nesting. Commonly used potent odors include:. Date latest changes:
Ultrasonic Repeller for Mice and Rats
Ultrasonic repellers are electronic devices that emit high‑frequency sound waves beyond the range of human hearing. The emitted signals target the auditory sensitivity of small mammals such as mice and rats, causing discomfort and prompting them to vacate the area.. Date latest changes:
Build an Electronic Rat and Mouse Repeller Yourself
Sound waves affect rodents through auditory perception that differs markedly from human hearing. Rats and mice detect frequencies up to 80–100 kHz, while human sensitivity drops sharply above 20 kHz. This disparity allows devices to emit ultrasonic tones that are audible to pests but silent to people.. Date latest changes:
Sticky Traps for Mice: Simple Home Solutions
Adhesive mouse traps rely on a polymer‑based glue that remains tacky after exposure to indoor air conditions. The glue consists of a viscous matrix of synthetic resins, plasticizers, and a small amount of solvent that evaporates during storage, leaving a semi‑solid surface capable of forming strong molecular bonds with fur, skin, and moisture on a rodent’s body.. Date latest changes:
Mouse loves rice: feeding habits of domestic rodents
Rice provides domestic mice with a high‑energy carbohydrate source. One cup of cooked white rice supplies approximately 200 kcal, primarily from starch, which fuels rapid metabolic processes typical of small mammals. The carbohydrate content supports glycogen storage in liver and muscle, sustaining activity and thermoregulation.. Date latest changes:
Melanin is the primary pigment responsible for dark coloration in mammalian fur. Two forms exist: eumelanin, which produces black and brown hues, and pheomelanin, which yields red and yellow tones. The synthesis pathway begins with the oxidation of the amino acid tyrosine by the enzyme tyrosinase, followed by a series of reactions that convert dopaquinone into either eumelanin or pheomelanin depending on the activity of downstream enzymes and the availability of cysteine.. Date latest changes:
Short‑Tailed Mice: Breed Characteristics
The term “short‑tailed” designates a specific morphological deviation in laboratory mouse strains, characterized by a tail length that measures less than 50 % of the standard adult mouse tail. This reduction results from a recessive allele (st) that influences vertebral development, producing fewer caudal vertebrae and altered cartilage growth.. Date latest changes:
Mars Rocker Mice: Introduction to Cosmic Heroes
The Mars Rocker Mice concept originated from a convergence of mid‑20th‑century space fiction, the rebellious aesthetic of rock culture, and the long‑standing use of laboratory mice as model organisms. Early creators drew on the following sources:. Date latest changes:
Do Mice Gnaw Foam Board? Facts Explained
Mice often gnaw foam board because the material offers low resistance and satisfies the natural need to wear down constantly growing incisors. The act of chewing stimulates saliva production, which helps neutralize oral bacteria and reduces the risk of tooth decay.. Date latest changes:
Mice in Mine Shafts: How Their Reproduction Occurs
Temperature within mine shafts can vary dramatically over short distances and time intervals. Heat generated by machinery, ventilation airflow, and geothermal gradients creates zones where temperatures rise above ambient levels, while deeper sections remain near the constant temperature of the surrounding rock strata.. Date latest changes:
Stone wool, also known as mineral wool or rock wool, is an insulating material produced by melting natural rocks—typically basalt, diabase, or slag—and spinning the molten mass into fine fibers. The resulting fibrous matrix is bound with a heat‑resistant adhesive, then compressed into batts, blankets, or loose fill.. Date latest changes:
Birch Tar as a Natural Mouse Control Agent
Birch tar intended for rodent deterrence is produced through a series of controlled operations that ensure chemical consistency and safety. Harvest mature birch trees during the dormant season; select trunks with healthy bark and minimal decay.. Date latest changes:
How to choose insulation resistant to gnawing by mice and rats
Rodents seek warm, concealed spaces to build nests and find shelter. Insulation that can withstand gnawing must address these preferences directly. Material hardness: dense foams, closed‑cell polyisocyanurate, and mineral wool resist bite forces better than soft cellulose or fiberglass batts.. Date latest changes:
How to Distinguish a Mouse from a Rat: Photos and Description
Mice are noticeably smaller than rats. Adult house mice typically measure 2–4 inches (5–10 cm) in body length, with a tail of comparable length. In contrast, adult brown rats range from 7–10 inches (18–25 cm) in body length, and their tails add another 6–8 inches (15–20 cm).. Date latest changes:
Sticky Traps for Rats: How They Work
Sticky traps are adhesive devices designed to capture rodents by immobilizing them upon contact. The core component is a flat surface coated with a strong, non‑drying glue that remains tacky for extended periods. The adhesive is typically a petroleum‑based or synthetic polymer that resists temperature fluctuations and does not evaporate quickly.. Date latest changes:
Sawdust for rats: best material for nests and shelters
Sawdust provides a comfortable, insulating environment for rat nests, but fine particles can irritate the respiratory tract. Selecting low‑dust, kiln‑dried hardwood sawdust reduces airborne fibers. Avoid aromatic or chemically treated wood, which releases volatile compounds that aggravate breathing.. Date latest changes:
Hedgehogs and Rats: Coexistence
Hedgehogs and rats often occupy the same temperate gardens, hedgerows, and farmland patches, where resources and shelter are sufficiently abundant for both species. Hedgehog diet Invertebrates: earthworms, beetles, slugs, and caterpillars constitute the primary protein source.. Date latest changes:
How to Properly Donate a Rat to a Free Adoption Center
Donating a rat to a free‑adoption facility requires adjustments to daily routines, household hygiene, and personal habits. These changes ensure the animal’s health, simplify the hand‑over process, and protect the donor’s environment. First, modify feeding schedules.. Date latest changes:
Why Rats Have Short Lifespans: Causes
Rats belong to the genus Rattus within the family Muridae, order Rodentia. The most common species are the brown rat ( Rattus norvegicus ) and the black rat ( Rattus rattus ). Both are mammals with a single pair of continuously growing incisors, a short, hairless tail, and a body length of 15–25 cm.. Date latest changes:
Normal core temperature in laboratory rats typically falls between 37 °C and 38 °C (98.6 °F–100.4 °F). This interval represents the steady‑state range measured under standard housing conditions, with ambient temperature maintained near 22 °C and animals acclimated to a 12‑hour light/dark cycle.. Date latest changes:
Dambo Rat with Blue Fur: Breed Characteristics
The blue‑furred Dambo rat displays a distinct phenotype that originates from a single‑gene mutation affecting melanin synthesis. The mutation involves a loss‑of‑function allele in the tyrosinase‑related protein 1 (TYRP1) gene, which reduces eumelanin production and permits the expression of a diluted, bluish pigment.. Date latest changes:
How to Sew a Hammock for a Rat: DIY Guide
A well‑designed hamster hammock must provide a soft surface and stable suspension to prevent injury and reduce stress. Choose a breathable, lightweight fabric such as cotton or fleece; the material should retain shape after repeated use and be easy to clean.. Date latest changes:
Side Tumor in a Rat: Signs and Treatment
Age markedly influences tumor development in rodents. Younger animals exhibit lower incidence due to rapid cell turnover and robust immune surveillance, whereas older rats show increased prevalence as senescence diminishes DNA repair capacity.. Date latest changes:
Watermelon in Rat Diet: Is It Allowed?
Watermelon provides primarily carbohydrates, with a modest amount of protein and virtually no fat. In a typical serving, the fruit contains about 7 g of sugars per 100 g, delivering roughly 30 kcal of energy. The carbohydrate profile is dominated by fructose and glucose, which are rapidly absorbed and can raise blood glucose levels if offered in excess.. Date latest changes:
Cats possess a strong predatory drive that activates when small, fast-moving prey appear. Visual motion, high‑frequency sounds, and scent cues trigger a sequence of stalking, pouncing, and clawing that is hard‑wired into feline neurobiology.. Date latest changes:
Rats rely on two types of photoreceptor cells to detect light under low‑illumination conditions: rods and cones. Rods dominate the retinal surface, accounting for roughly 95 % of photoreceptors. Their high sensitivity to photons allows detection of single‑photon events, enabling visual function at scotopic light levels.. Date latest changes:
How to Properly Organize a Container for Rats and Mice
Rats require sufficient floor space to move, explore, and exhibit natural behaviors. Inadequate space leads to stress, reduced activity, and health problems, compromising the overall quality of a rodent housing system. Minimum floor area per adult rat:. Date latest changes:
What Happens If a Rat’s Tail Is Cut Off?
A rat tail consists of a series of tiny vertebrae surrounded by a sheath of skin, connective tissue, and a thin layer of muscle. The vertebrae are composed of compact bone and cartilage, providing structural support while allowing flexibility.. Date latest changes:
Rat Vaginitis: How to Identify Onset
Vaginitis in rats refers to inflammation of the vaginal mucosa and associated tissues. The condition results from infectious agents, chemical irritants, or hormonal imbalances that disrupt the normal epithelial barrier. Histopathological examination typically reveals edema, leukocytic infiltration, and epithelial necrosis.. Date latest changes:
Signs of Aging and Death in Rats
Weight trajectories in laboratory rodents provide a direct metric of physiological decline associated with advanced age and impending mortality. Progressive loss of total body mass emerges early in the senescent phase, often preceding overt clinical signs.. Date latest changes:
Top Rat and Mouse Repellers According to User Reviews
Ultrasonic repellers emit high‑frequency sound waves that rodents cannot tolerate, prompting them to vacate the treated area. Devices operate without chemicals, making them suitable for indoor and outdoor use where pets and children are present.. Date latest changes:
How to Attract Mice: Myths and Scientific Facts About Luring Rodents
Mice exhibit opportunistic feeding behavior, selecting items that provide high caloric return with minimal effort. Natural diet consists primarily of seeds, grains, nuts, and insects; supplemental sources include fruits, vegetables, and protein‑rich scraps.. Date latest changes:
Horse fears mice: reasons and myths
Horses possess acute visual, auditory, olfactory, and tactile systems that shape their responses to small, fast‑moving creatures. Their eyes contain a wide field of view and a high density of rods, allowing detection of motion at low light levels.. Date latest changes:
What Infections Do Mice Carry?
Mice thrive in environments that provide shelter, food, and water, creating opportunities for pathogen transmission. Typical habitats include: Residential structures : wall voids, attics, basements, and crawl spaces where insulation and clutter supply nesting material.. Date latest changes: