Brown Rat
Tail
Shorter than head and body
Body
Blunt nose - Thick body - Small ears
Color
Brown
Habitat
Ground living and burrowing. Occur in sewers
Food preferences
Fruits & vegetables
Gestation period
About 3 weeks
Litter size
5-10
Number of litters per year
3-6
Period from birth to sexual maturity
12-16 weeks
Black Rat
Tail
Longer than head and body
Body
Pointed nose - Slender body - Large ears
Color
Black
Habitat
Normally indoors. Rarely burrowing outdoors.
Food preferences
Cereals
Gestation period
About 3 weeks
Litter size
4-16
Number of litters per year
7-8
Period from birth to sexual maturity
8-12 weeks
House mouse
Tail
Approximately the same length as body
Body
Small feet - Large ears - Small head
Color
Grey to brown above, lighter below
Habitat
Normally indoors
Food preferences
Meat & cereals
Gestation period
About 3 weeks
Litter size
7-8
Number of litters per year
3-6
Period from birth to sexual maturity
10-12 weeks