A fairly common and popular type of animal is rats. The breeds of rats are diverse. They live next to man for many thousands of years. In eastern countries, these respected animals are held in high esteem. They bring considerable benefit for science, since a large number of experiments are carried out specifically on rats.
Varieties of decorative rats
Today, the popularity of decorative rats is growing, which differ in many qualities from ordinary ones and have a fairly extensive classification. Currently, there are 137 species of these animals, of which a large number belong to the class of those who are usually kept at home and looked after as if they were pets. Rats are smart, easy to train and very quickly get used to the owner.
Rats of breed "standard"
They represent the largest and most popular group. Rats of the breed "standard" are distributed around the world, therefore, it is impossible to determine the main habitat of their habitat. It is worth noting that it was from this type that many other varieties originated. Characteristic features of rats of this class:
- a sufficiently long body, which, in addition, is large (massive);
- shortened wool;
- wide-shaped ears;
- long tail with characteristic hairline.
The mass of the rat is from 300 to 500 grams and, as a rule, depends on the sex of the animal, as well as on the quality of food.
Satin Rat
The breeds of decorative rats with this name have a special difference - this is an elongated coat, which is quite dense and rough, but amazingly shiny. It is worth noting that the color of rats of this class can be different, since there is no specific shade characteristic only for them. For all other signs, such as body weight, length, this breed is similar to the rest. The main habitat of "satin" rats are, as a rule, Europe and the USA.
Rex breed rat
At first glance, these individuals look like small shaggy animals. This is primarily due to the fact that the coat does not lie with them, like all other varieties, but, on the contrary, sticks out in different directions, thereby creating a look of disheveled. This makes the rat very attractive and funny. If you look closely at the hair, you can also notice that on the back the wool has characteristic curls. For such external characteristics, this breed of rats is considered the most original among all the others.
Dumbo breed
This category of rats differs from all others in its ears. They are located in rats "dumbo" are much lower than in all other breeds. Also, they are characterized by a more rounded shape and large size. Dambo rats can be of different colors and shades, and also have any type of hair.
It is worth noting that such an interesting name for the breed is taken from the Walt Disney cartoon. A slightly elongated tail and trunk, resembling the shape of a pear, are additional distinguishing features of this rat. The Dumbo rat breed has very high content requirements. They do not tolerate dust well; therefore, their cage must be kept especially clean: change litter more often, wash and disinfect the rat tray.
Breeds of rats: rare
Naked rats - this breed is much less common than others. The main feature and characteristic external feature is the complete absence of any hairline on the body. But still on some parts of the body you can see a small amount of hair. This is the head, legs and stomach. It is worth noting that vibrissa can also be observed on the body, although in many cases they can be absent. On the scalp, as a rule, there is a barely noticeable wrinkle.
Tailless rats - the name of the breed speaks for itself. In other words, a distinctive feature of such rats is the complete absence of a tail. Another feature is associated with the shape of her body, which resembles a pear. Tailless rats are quite intelligent and active animals compared to other breeds. Representatives of this particular class can be of three types according to their hairy character: with curly hair, classic or without hair. Tailless rats are found in various colors.
Ocular rats are animals that have eyes of different colors. It is believed that in nature you can find only three color pairs of eyes in rats: black, dark ruby and red. You should remember one important detail: the more intense the contrast between the color palette of the eyes, the more expensive the animal will cost.
Tricolor rats - the breed of rats with this color, many know under the name "mosaic". They are considered to be valuable and unique, since in nature it is very rare to find a rat with a characteristic three-color coat color. It is worth noting that the color mosaic of this breed may be the most diverse, but it always has a white color or a very light shade. A distinctive feature of such rats is the fact that this color mosaic is not inherited, therefore the offspring of a tricolor rat can be monochromatic.
Having decided to get a representative of any breed of domestic rat, remember that after a short period of time these animals become completely tame and do not even bite. But at the same time they require a lot of attention, as well as care and careful care.
These animals are unpretentious in nutrition. With pleasure, they eat both ready-made feed from the store, and ordinary food. The main thing is that in the diet there are products of plant origin. It is based on cereals, cereals, fresh vegetables and fruits. These animals are fed twice a day. Since rats are nocturnal animals, they usually leave most of the food overnight.
Like any other pet, they eventually become attached to a person, have their own habits and characteristics. The sad thing is that the rat age is very short-lived. The breeds of rats (representatives of almost any species) have a lifespan of a maximum of 3 years. Therefore, it is recommended to take an animal aged no more than 1.5 months. Today, even exhibitions of rodents of different breeds are becoming popular, at which the jury selects individuals worthy to improve the breed, rewarding them with prizes and diplomas.