The Rat Keepers Guide - What is a Rat?

 The Rat was possibly introduced in the 3rd century AD, by stowing away on Roman ships. This is contrary to the popular belief that the Rat was introduced by the Crusaders returning from the Holy Land, (1095-1191).

The Black or Roof Rat (rattus rattus), is often blamed for causing the Bubonic plague. This is another urban myth, the plague was caused by bacteria carried in the stomach of the flea, (xenopsylla cheopis). The flea then hitched a ride on the Rat that lived in our roofs, then had a light snack on the human tenants of the house, passing on the bacteria straight into the bloodstream.

The Brown Rat (rattus norvegicus) the forerunner of our Fancy Rats, is much bigger than the Roof Rat and preferred the cellars, sewers and stone buildings that became the standard building style whereas the Black's preferred the warm and dry upper levels and attics. The Brown Rat arrived in Britain around 1714 and soon ousted the Roof Rats by sheer strength and numbers.

   
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If you have any tips that could be added, or if you have a query or amendment on any of the information given here, please email me.  This guide is not a be all and end all, therefore I do not accept liability for any illness or injury that results from use of any of the information provided here.  Most advice has been tried and tested, but I am not a Vet and cannot predict every eventuality.

 

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