Normal
Not long enough . 2 were half sisters bought from a small pet shop, allegedly sourced from a small breeder. Whoever that breeder was, obviously didn't breed for health, because both died from congenital heart failure at only about 1 1/2. There were 2 roan Dumbos (one had ruby eyes, too)The 3rd rat (Black Berkshire) was from a pet store chain and came with a bad respiratory infection which left her with scarred lungs. She was always quite the runt, too, and very timid (although she trusted me). At 12 weeks when we bought her, she was the same size as her 2 pack mates who were about 8 weeks by then. She passed away a day before Christmas Eve 2 years ago at just over 2 years old. I think she just missed her mates too much, no human can substitute ratty companionship, IMHO.If I ever got rats again, I would only go directly to a proper breeder who breeds responsibly or of course rescue a group.
Not long enough . 2 were half sisters bought from a small pet shop, allegedly sourced from a small breeder. Whoever that breeder was, obviously didn't breed for health, because both died from congenital heart failure at only about 1 1/2. There were 2 roan Dumbos (one had ruby eyes, too)
The 3rd rat (Black Berkshire) was from a pet store chain and came with a bad respiratory infection which left her with scarred lungs. She was always quite the runt, too, and very timid (although she trusted me). At 12 weeks when we bought her, she was the same size as her 2 pack mates who were about 8 weeks by then. She passed away a day before Christmas Eve 2 years ago at just over 2 years old. I think she just missed her mates too much, no human can substitute ratty companionship, IMHO.
If I ever got rats again, I would only go directly to a proper breeder who breeds responsibly or of course rescue a group.