How many centimeters does a fancy rat reach? - briefly
A domesticated fancy rat usually measures about 20–25 cm in body length, reaching roughly 25–30 cm when the tail is included.
How many centimeters does a fancy rat reach? - in detail
Fancy rats, also known as domesticated pet rats, typically measure between 20 cm and 30 cm from nose to the tip of the tail when fully grown. The range reflects differences in genetics, sex, and age.
- Body length (head to base of tail): 10 cm–15 cm. Males tend toward the upper end of this interval, while females are slightly shorter.
- Tail length: 9 cm–15 cm. Tail proportion varies by lineage; long‑tailed strains can exceed 15 cm, whereas short‑tailed varieties remain near 9 cm.
- Total length (including tail): 19 cm–30 cm. The most common total size for a mature pet rat falls around 25 cm.
Growth follows a predictable timeline. Newborns are roughly 5 cm long. By three weeks, they reach 8 cm–10 cm, and at eight weeks—considered adult—they attain the dimensions listed above. Nutrition, health status, and selective breeding can shift these numbers by a few centimeters.
Measurements should be taken with a flexible ruler or calibrated tape while the animal is gently restrained. Record body length first, then add tail length for the overall metric. Consistent methodology ensures reliable comparisons across individual rats or breeding lines.