Rodent Information (Rats and Mice)

Norway Rat
Rattus norvegicus

Roof Rat
Rattus rattus

House Mouse
Mus Musculus

AVERAGE WEIGHT

10-17 ounces

6-12 ounces

½-3/4 ounce

BODY

Heavy, broad 7”-10”
Long, blunt
head

Slender
6.5”-8”
long, pointed muzzle

Average body
2.5” -3.5” long

TAIL

6”-8.5” long, lightercolor on underside

7.5”-10” long uniform color, top & bottom

Large prominent

EARS

Average, close to body

Large, prominent

Dusky gray on back, lighter gray on belly

COLOR

Brown to black on sides, gray to yellow-white on belly

Tawny back blackishwhite underparts

FOOD PREFERENCES

Meats, fish, flour, fruits, vegetables. Eats most any human food

Meats, fish, flour, fruits, vegetables. Eats most any human food
Seeds, fruits, vegetables. Grain, eggs, etc.

Meats, grains, cereals, seeds, fruits, vegetables, Eats most any human food

FOOD CONSUMED PER DAY

¾- 1 oz food
½-1 oz

½-1 oz food up to 1 oz water

1/10 oz food 1/20 oz water

YOUNG IN LITTER

6-18

6-14

8

LITTERS IN YEAR

3-7

DROPPINGS PER DAY

30-180

30-180

1.75 cc
Length adult life 15-180 mos.

URINE PER DAY (cc)

15.7 cc

15.7 cc

HABITS

Usually nest in basements & lower portions of buildings. Burrows in soil extensively. Active at night. Fair climber, good swimmer

Usually enter and nests in upper portions fo buildings. May nest outside in trees. Burrows very little. Excellent climber. Active at night.

May nest in any portion of a building near food. Has an average range of 50 ft from nest. Active mostly at night. Nibbles small amounts fo food frequently, rather than having large meals.