Fancy Rat
Rattus norvegicus domestic
Here at Banham Zoo
Say hello to our mischief of rats in the farm barn kitchen! While they might not be everyone's favourite animal, these lovable rodents have been the stars of many stories and films, from Harry Potter to Ratatouille. These infamous omnivores eat practically anything, from fruit and nuts to meat. However, despite the common image of rats eating cheese, they are actually lactose intolerant!
Where Do I Live?
Worldwide
Originally from Asia, rats have spread with human transport and can now be found nearly everywhere in the world!
What Do I Eat?
Rats will eat practically anything; fruit, nuts, bread - but must not have dairy products.
How Do I Breed?
A litter of around ten young are born after just a three week pregnancy! The young are born blind and bald and are fully grown at around four months of age.
Together, we protect wildlife
Conservation status
Not Evaluated (NE)
Not yet assessed for extinction risk.
These are domestic rats so are not endangered species. The brown rat, from which domestic rats are descended, is also not considered endangered, being found widely across the world.
Some Helpful Links
Where is the
Fancy Rat
located?
Our
Fancy Rat
is located in our
Entrance Zone
, map reference
8
.
What’s the best time to see the animals?
The best time to see our animals is often during feeding times or in the cooler parts of the day when they are most active. Check our daily timetable for keeper talks and feeding sessions for an up-close look! Our habitat signage also includes helpful hints and tips to make the most of your visit.
How do you ensure the animals' welfare?
Animal welfare is our top priority. We provide species-specific habitats, enrichment activities, and expert veterinary care to ensure all our animals thrive.
