They have now settled into ideal habitat among old growth citrus trees palm trees and other mature.
Growth stages of roof rats.
There are several different species of rats but they generally follow the same pattern with some slight differences worth mentioning.
A female rat reaches her menopause after 18 months.
In fact roof rats are now well established pests in many parts of the world.
They are born blind and without fur.
In 2001 roof rats were documented in phoenix and likely introduced into the area through freight or shipment of food livestock feed or equipment.
They are born tiny and hairless pinkies with eyes sealed shut.
The gestation period for rats is quite short around three weeks for most species.
The nest is often in a secure place with nesting debris such as in an attic in the insulation.
Roof rats are born in a nest in a litter of 6 8 young.
However many rats die after the first year due to predation and interspecies conflict.
The young rats are weaned about three weeks later and are sexually mature at 3 months old.
After two weeks of nursing their eyes open and within 4 weeks they are weaned.
They are at the super cute balls of fluff stage.
The gestation period for rats lasts for less than 3 weeks allowing a female rat to produce 5 families per year.
21 days 3 weeks.
Roof rats possessing a long tail.
The rodents reach sexual maturity in about five weeks and begin mating soon after to produce the next generation to start the rat life cycle over again.
Life expectancy for rats is about two to three years.
The life cycle of a rat habits its diet to get rid of rats it can be easier by understanding more about the way they live.
How long do rats live.
And also because the norway rat can quickly adapt to the changes in the temperature compared to the roof rats.
The babies are eating a variety of foods but still need mom s milk.
Roof rats are most active between dawn and dusk which is most likely when they will be heard if you have an infestation.
Baby rats are born without fur and are blind.
However in this instance the focus is going to be on the roof rat and norway rat.
Generally rats can produce seven offspring at one sometimes 14 as twins.
The diet of the roof rats is entirely different from their brethren species.
They prefer nuts plants and fruits to grains or high protein stuff such as scraps of meat.
From birth to adult rats take about three weeks to mature and begin fending for themselves.
They are starting to grow very quickly and they spend their waking hours doing lots of playing.