What does a three-month-old male rat look like? - briefly
A three‑month‑old male rat measures roughly 10–12 cm in body length (18–22 cm including tail) and weighs about 150–250 g, with a sleek coat whose color varies by strain and fully descended testes. Its ears are proportionally large, eyes bright, and limbs well‑developed for agile movement.
What does a three-month-old male rat look like? - in detail
A three‑month‑old male rat is in the late juvenile stage, approaching sexual maturity. Its body length, measured from nose to the base of the tail, typically ranges from 10 to 13 cm (4–5 in). The tail adds an additional 12–15 cm (5–6 in), giving a total length of roughly 22–28 cm (9–11 in). Body mass averages 120–180 g, varying with strain and diet.
Coat characteristics:
- Dense, short fur covering the entire body.
- Coloration depends on the strain; common patterns include albinism (white with pink eyes), hooded (black dorsal with white ventrum), and agouti (brown with a dorsal stripe).
- The fur may exhibit a slight sheen, reflecting health and proper grooming.
Head and facial features:
- Rounded skull with a prominent, blunt snout.
- Large, dark eyes set forward, providing a wide field of vision.
- Prominent whiskers (vibrissae) extending from the rostral region, aiding tactile perception.
- Ears are relatively large, thin‑skinned, and covered with fine hair.
Limbs and paws:
- Four well‑developed limbs with five digits each; front paws have dexterous forelimbs capable of fine manipulation.
- Pads are pink to black, depending on pigmentation, and exhibit slight callousing from activity.
Genitalia:
- Visible scrotum positioned posterior to the abdomen, containing two small, firm testes.
- Preputial opening is evident, and the penis is concealed within the sheath.
Tail:
- Hairless, cylindrical, and covered with fine, overlapping scales.
- Slightly tapered toward the tip, with a consistent diameter throughout most of its length.
Overall appearance reflects a healthy juvenile rat: compact, muscular, and fully furred, with distinct sexual characteristics emerging as the animal nears reproductive capability.