Description
- Common Name: Fancy Rat (Dwarf)
- Scientific Name: Rattus norvegicus domestica
- Locality/Morph: Dwarf
- Sex: Mixed
- Age: 2026
- Source: Captive bred
- Native Range: Descended from the Brown Rat (Rattus norvegicus), originally native to northern China and Mongolia; now found worldwide through human introduction
- Natural Habitat: Domestic form; wild ancestors inhabit grasslands, woodlands, agricultural land, urban environments, and riverbanks, nesting in burrows and sheltered cavities
- Diet: Omnivorous – grains, seeds, fruit, vegetables, insects, and other sources of animal protein
- Average Adult Size: 10–14 cm body length; 8–12 cm tail length
The Dwarf Fancy Rat (Rattus norvegicus domestica) is a selectively bred domestic variety of the common fancy rat, distinguished by its significantly smaller size while retaining the intelligence, curiosity, and sociable nature of its standard-sized counterparts. The dwarf trait is the result of a naturally occurring recessive gene and does not represent a separate species or subspecies. These active rodents are highly inquisitive, capable climbers, and readily interact with both their environment and their companions.
In captivity, dwarf fancy rats require a spacious, well-ventilated enclosure with multiple levels, ramps, hammocks, tunnels, and hides to encourage climbing, exploration, and natural behaviours. Deep, dust-free bedding should be provided for digging and nesting, along with enrichment items such as chew toys, foraging opportunities, and nesting materials. Temperatures should be maintained between 18–24 °C in a dry, well-ventilated environment, avoiding excessive heat or direct sunlight.
Their diet is omnivorous and is best based on a high-quality laboratory rat block or balanced commercial rat food, supplemented with fresh vegetables, small amounts of fruit, grains, and occasional animal protein such as cooked egg or insects. Fresh water should always be available, and sugary or fatty treats should be offered only sparingly.
R. norvegicus domestica is an exceptionally social species and should always be housed in compatible pairs or groups of the same sex unless intended for breeding. Dwarf rats are generally gentle, intelligent, and easy to tame, making them excellent companion animals as well as engaging display animals. Their smaller size gives them greater agility than standard fancy rats, though their care requirements remain largely the same. Lifespan in captivity is typically 2–3 years.
Livestock Delivery:
Livestock is delivered in our own heated reptile courier vans. Delivery time from ordering will depend on your location and when we next have a van in your area, this will usually be a maximum of 2 weeks. You will receive a date and time slot by phone or email, so please ensure you enter these correctly at checkout. Delivery fee for livestock depends on location, prices start at £45. Livestock orders over £500 (+VAT) are delivered free of charge.
Livestock Sale Terms:
If multiple animals are in stock then not all will be pictured, so the photo above may not be exact animal available.
All prices are per individual unless otherwise stated. All livestock is subject to availability, whilst we try to keep the website as up to date as possible errors may happen, in this situation you will be contacted to arrange a refund/alternative.
Errors can happen with sexing and morph identification. Should this be discovered before leaving us you are entitled to a refund. After the animal leaves us it is the customers responsibility to inform us within 48 hours of the animals arrival. Failing to do so may lose the customers eligibility for a refund.
It is the customers responsibility to have the correct setup available and ready for the animal, if you need any advice please do get in touch. We have the right to request proof of setup at any time, failure to provide an image of an appropriate setup or any image at all, may result in a full order cancellation and refund.
Guarantee for all inverts & amphibians is 24 hours. All other livestock is 48 hours. If issues/concerns are notified upon delivery, then this may be extended. All health related queries will be subject to a full investigation should an issue arise. Failing to provide us with the information we request may void any form of guarantee. If we find reason from the information that its injury or death was caused by negligence or incorrect husbandry then the guarantee may be void. Should death or abnormalities occur then you must inform us as soon as possible. In the unlikely event that an animal passes away please photograph the dead body and freeze until you have heard from us. If death or illness occurs after 7 days, and no health issues were reported, then Ridgeway will not be held responsible.
We have the right to refuse any sale, refund or guarantee at any time if we feel it is necessary.
Livestock sales are for customers aged 18+, if under this age you must have prior parent permission. If we have any reason to suspect this is not the case we will contact you before the animal is released.
When purchasing an animal from us you automatically agree to these terms of sale.
