What do young rats look like? - briefly
Young rat pups are born hairless with pink or gray skin, closed eyes, and folded ears; they acquire a soft, light‑colored fur coat and open eyes within the first week. Their small size and delicate features distinguish them from adult rats.
What do young rats look like? - in detail
Juvenile rats are small, hair‑covered mammals with a proportionally larger head and eyes compared to adults. Their bodies are soft and pliable, lacking the hardened musculature and skeletal rigidity seen in mature individuals.
- Size: Newborns measure 2–4 cm in head‑body length and weigh 5–7 g; they double in size within the first two weeks.
- Fur: Fine, downy pelage coats the entire body. The color ranges from pink‑gray to light brown, depending on the species and genetic background. Fur density increases rapidly, becoming thicker and coarser by three weeks of age.
- Head: The skull is rounded with a short snout. Eyes are closed at birth and open around day 10, revealing dark, reflective pupils. Ears are small, flat, and covered with sparse hair.
- Limbs: Forelimbs and hindlimbs are short, with undeveloped digits. Paw pads are soft and lack the calloused texture of adult feet. Claws are tiny and not yet fully keratinized.
- Tail: The tail is proportionally long, thin, and mostly naked, exhibiting a faint pink hue. It becomes more scaly as the rat matures.
- Skin: Underlying skin is pinkish and translucent, allowing visibility of blood vessels. It is more delicate and prone to injury than adult skin.
Developmental changes occur quickly: by the third week, eyes remain open, fur becomes denser, and the body gains muscle tone. By the fifth week, the rat resembles an adult in coloration and body proportions, though the fur remains softer. These characteristics collectively define the visual appearance of young rats.