Do hooded RATS live shorter lives than other types of pet rats?

Question

I'm deciding on buying 2 young male rats about 7 weeks old. They are brothers. One is hooded, the other is all charcoal coloured except for his tummy and limbs. The hooded one's hood is also charcoal coloured. So I think maybe one of the parents were hooded and the other isn't

I want to know if it is true if hooded rats live shorter lives than other pet rats. I've had a female agouti brown rat and a cream coloured female rat before that lived together. And they live over 2 years.

I remember reading somewhere that hooded rats only live up to 1.5 years. I want to know if this is true. If it is, will the brother of the hooded rat also live shorter, since its a half hooded.

Thank you.

Answer 1

Never heard that. Lifespan has little to nothing to do with coloration. It has to do with genetics, health, quality of care, etc.



My oldest hooded was 2 yr 4 months old and she passed away from a tumor.



I currently have 2 hooded males, but they're still youngsters. I have every intention of seeing them pass their 2 yr birthdays, as well.



Rats from pet stores may have shorter lifespans than rats from breeders, due to NOT being bred for quality health. There are exceptions there, though. My ''pet shop'' girls are over 2 1/2 yrs old and going strong.

Answer 2

Most rats do live on average 2-3 years, however, proper care is a great start to a longer life. I have had a little over 12 rats all of which have lived to be 5 and 6 years old. Only two died at three years. What do I do? Well first, I spent the money to buy a food dehydrator and made them lab blocks myself, using ingredients found in a supplement called inositol. I also will take them every month to a vet for checkups and in addition to this, give them a two week round of antibiotic every month. Bedding is changed everyday, I prefer using aspen as carefresh seems to produce an odd odor with my rats, not sure why. They get two hours of socialization time with me, and I buy or make them new toys periodically so they don't get bored. Treats are fruits and veggies only, no sweets! Sometimes an occasional salt lick. Their cage is neither too big or too small. For two rats, 24"x30"12" is suitable enough. People will say that "Bigger is better" as far as cages go, but too big poses problmes. I tend to keep two to three rats to a cage only to prevent overcrowding, depression, and increased aggression. None of my male rats are neutered. I spend about 250-300 dollars a month on my rats, and I realize that it is a bit excessive, but I believe that pets are like family, and should be treated as such. I'm not saying that by doing all of the things I do, your rats will live longer, but I know for certain they will appreciate you much more, and a longer life will be an added bonus. Goodluck to you!

Answer 3

Pet Rat Lifespan

Answer 4

OK, they advice about hooded rats living up to 1.5 years is NOT TRUE! I have had a lot of hooded rats in the past. My hooded rats have all lived up to at least 2 years of age. Most of them have lived to be three-four. All rats should have about the same life-span. I have had my current hoody for about two years now and she is still very active and will prob. live for at least another one-two years.

Answer 5

No, hooded rats just refers to their markings, they're no different then others. Of course, pet store rats (Commonly hooded as that's a dominant marking and they mass-breed hooded rats) don't live as long as rats from a good breeder typically.



Really, the only rats with 'shorter' lifespans are hairless and rexes, but that's a coat difference, and the difference in life span isn't much (and is very rat-by-rat.). As long as you feed them a good food, and get veterinary care whenever they're sick, they should live jsut as long as the others. :)

Answer 6

like te person before me said they are known for the markings so they should live the same amount of time as a regular rat!



good luck! ☺♥♥☺