What does a teenage rat look like? - briefly
An adolescent rat measures roughly 8–10 cm in body length, weighs 80–150 g, and has short, glossy fur that is usually brown or gray with a lighter belly. Its ears are proportionally large, eyes fully open, and the genitalia exhibit early signs of sexual maturity.
What does a teenage rat look like? - in detail
A teenage rat, often referred to as an adolescent, is typically between four and six weeks old. At this stage the animal has outgrown the newborn’s naked, pink skin and begins to develop the characteristic fur pattern of its species.
The coat is dense, short, and usually gray‑brown or black, with a slight sheen. Fur covers the entire body except for the whisker pads, which remain exposed. The ears, still proportionally large, are covered in fine hair and begin to assume their adult shape, standing erect rather than drooping. The eyes are fully opened, bright, and exhibit a reddish‑brown hue; pupils contract sharply in bright light.
Body proportions shift noticeably. The head lengthens relative to the body, and the snout becomes more pronounced. The incisors are fully erupted, ivory‑white, and continuously growing, showing a slight curvature. Musculature in the limbs strengthens, allowing more coordinated movement and occasional climbing or jumping. The tail, now fully formed, measures roughly the same length as the body, is hairless, and displays the typical scaly texture.
Sexual dimorphism is subtle but detectable. Males may present a slightly broader head and more prominent perineal area, while females often have a smoother ventral surface. Both sexes display a scent gland near the anus, which begins to emit a faint musky odor.
Key physical indicators of adolescence include:
- Fur covering the entire body, except whisker pads
- Fully opened eyes with responsive pupils
- Mature, continuously growing incisors
- Proportionally longer snout and head
- Developed, hairless tail matching body length
- Emerging secondary sexual characteristics
These traits collectively define the appearance of a rat in its teenage phase.