• Question: What's the difference between rats and mice?

    Asked by evem98 to Charlotte, Jo, Kevin, Louise, Valeria on 15 Jun 2012. This question was also asked by jake907.
    • Photo: Kevin Mahon

      Kevin Mahon answered on 15 Jun 2012:


      They are just different species. Both come from the same family, the rodents. In general species of rats are larger than mice!

    • Photo: Joanna Cruden

      Joanna Cruden answered on 15 Jun 2012:


      Aside from the size difference, mice have a hairy tail whereas rats have hairless tails, mice are very timid but rats are not, rats can have a greasy coat which can leave marks on surfaces and the rat has a more pointed nose than a mouse, although for captive bred rats this is not always the case.

      Even 3 week old rats are bigger than adult mice! As far as temperament goes mice are most likely to bite than rats, rats are more intelligent and can be trained to do come when they are called and sit on shoulders. Rats are more robust than mice and can survive in rougher areas.

      Wild rats can live anywhere including sewers but mice are more discerning and are not usually found in sewers!

      Rats eat anything, but mice prefer grain and cereal (they are not keen on cheese!)

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