 The Fancy Rat's ancestor is the Brown Rat, also known as the sewer rat (Rattus norvegicus) which can be seen in the wild. Bred in captivity in sterile conditions in laboratories has resulted in a disease free and friendly pet that today is referred to as the Fancy Rat.
Males are larger and plumper than females, with full-grown males males
being approximately 20-25cm from nose to the base of the tail and females
being 16-18cm in length. The head is pointed and the tail is hairless.
The rat is a sociable pet appreciating the company of others. Rats
are nocturnal becoming more active in the evenings and during the night.
Rats are intelligent and affectionate making them extremely good pets.
The average lifespan of a rat is 2-2½ years although they can
live longer and up to 3-4 years has been known. | 
