What is that noise??
Rats make a sound called bruxing - rubbing/gritting their teeth together. They do this to grind down their teeth, when they are happy or excited. Watch their eyes, you may notice them bulge in and out.

How long does a rat live?
Normally, a rat will live about 2 to 3 years. A happy rat will live longer than a rat that doesn't receive much human attention.

Male or Female?
Males (bucks) are larger than females (does), and tend to be lazier and more laid back. Females are more inquisitive, and love to explore. Both make excellent pets, neither is better than the other.

What kind of bedding should I get?
Never ever use pine or cedar shavings. They contain phenols, which are toxic to all small animals. You can use aspen bedding, CareFresh, and Yesterday's News.

How big do rats get?
The average body length of adult rats is about 9–11 inches.

How much do rats weigh?
Adult male rats weigh about 400-700 grams (14-24 oz); females weigh 200-500 grams (7-17 oz).

Why does my rat eat its own poo??
This habit is known as coprophagy. There's nothing wrong with your rat, this is a natural habit. Rats do this because they are able to extract nutrients that weren't taken out when they first ate the food, and thus they get nearly all the nutrients that were in the food.

Why does my female rat vibrate when I touch her?
If you are scratching your rat on her rump, and she holds still and her body vibrates, she's most likely in heat. It's a very funny thing to watch, if you ask me.

What are the colors and markings of a fancy rat?
There are many varieties recognized by the American Fancy Rat and Mouse Association. To view them, click Here.