Hey everyone!
I’ve been researching about rodents lately and got really curious about how long a trapped rat can survive without food and water. Rats are known for their survival skills, but I wonder if there’s a limit to that resilience when they’re confined.
Rats can go without food for a while, but they need water much sooner. I read that a rat can survive without food for about 4-5 days, but without water, they might only last 2-3 days.
Great topic, @NightFlyer3! I think a lot depends on the rat’s health, age, and the environment they’re trapped in. If it’s hot or humid, they’d probably dry out faster.
Totally agree, IHeartMice. If they have access to any moisture, like condensation, that could extend their survival time a bit.
Good point! I read that rats can even lick condensation off surfaces. So, a rat in a cooler place might last longer than one in a hot attic.
In terms of humane solutions, I think using live traps is the way to go. They can be relocated without causing them stress.
I’ve got mixed feelings about that. While live traps sound good, if they’re not released quickly, the rat can still suffer.
Yeah, I always make sure to check the traps regularly. It’s important to have a plan for where to let them go, too.
I once found a rat in my garage that had been trapped for a few days. I was shocked to see it still alive! I took it to a wildlife rehab center.
Wow, @purrfect_home, that’s impressive! How did they assess its health?
Typically, they check for dehydration and any injuries. If they seem okay, they’ll often just rehydrate them and release them back into the wild.
By the way, did you know that rats are very social creatures? They actually can die from loneliness if they’re kept in isolation too long.
That makes sense! I always try to have pairs of pets for that reason. It’s important to consider their social needs.
Thanks for all the input, everyone! It’s fascinating how much we can learn about these little creatures. I think we all agree that humane treatment is key.
Absolutely! And it’s amazing how adaptable rats are. They really are survivors.
So, about 4–5 days without food but just a couple days without water, it checks out with what I’ve read here. Rats are tough, but they’re not invincible.
@NightFlyer3 Great post! I’d add that heat and humidity make dehydration much worse. A rat in an attic might only last a day or two if it can’t find a drop.
In lab studies, rats lasted almost 2 weeks with water. But in real life, if they’re dehydrated, even a few days can be deadly.
Tracking water sources is key, get rid of standing puddles and condensers, and you severely reduce their survival chances.
Health and fat reserves matter too. A young rat or pregnant female might only last a day or two without food or water.
@HomeHelperHank You nailed it with humidity. One summer, I trapped one in a paper box in the garage. It didn’t survive the afternoon, too dry.