How do white rats live? - briefly
White rats are nocturnal omnivores that occupy burrows, sewers, or human‑made shelters, feeding on grains, fruits, insects, and occasional scraps. They breed quickly, producing 6‑12 offspring per litter roughly every three weeks.
How do white rats live? - in detail
White rats (Rattus norvegicus) maintain a structured routine that balances foraging, social interaction, and rest. They are primarily nocturnal; activity peaks during the dark phase, when they explore enclosures, locate food, and negotiate hierarchical positions within colonies.
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Environment:
- Enclosures mimic burrow systems with nesting material, tunnels, and elevated platforms.
- Temperature is kept between 20 °C and 26 °C, humidity at 40‑60 %.
- Light cycles follow a 12‑hour light/12‑hour dark schedule to regulate circadian rhythms.
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Nutrition:
- Standard diet consists of pelleted laboratory chow providing balanced protein, fat, carbohydrate, vitamin, and mineral content.
- Fresh water is supplied ad libitum through bottle or sipper system.
- Supplemental treats (e.g., fruits, nuts) are offered intermittently to encourage enrichment and prevent monotony.
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Social structure:
- Groups form a dominance hierarchy; dominant individuals access preferred nesting sites and food zones.
- Grooming and huddling reinforce bonds and reduce stress.
- Aggressive encounters are limited by providing multiple shelters and escape routes.
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Reproduction:
- Sexual maturity occurs at 6‑8 weeks for females, 8‑10 weeks for males.
- Estrous cycle lasts 4‑5 days; females can produce 5‑10 litters per year under optimal conditions.
- Litter size averages 6‑12 pups; neonates rely on maternal warmth and milk for the first three weeks, after which solid food is introduced gradually.
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Health maintenance:
- Routine health checks monitor weight, coat condition, and signs of respiratory or dermatological issues.
- Environmental enrichment—objects for chewing, tunnels, and nesting material—supports dental health and reduces stereotypic behavior.
- Quarantine periods of 2 weeks separate new arrivals to prevent pathogen transmission.
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Behavioral patterns:
- Exploration includes scent marking with urine and glandular secretions to delineate territory.
- Play behavior peaks in juveniles, featuring chasing, wrestling, and object manipulation.
- Sleep occurs in short bouts throughout the light phase, typically within concealed nests.
The combination of controlled climate, balanced diet, structured social groups, and regular health surveillance creates a stable living condition that supports the physiological and psychological well‑being of white rats in research and breeding facilities.