If you have pet rats or are thinking of getting them, you might be wondering what a group of rats is called.
Just like multiple bees are called a swarm, and lots of fish together are called a school, there is a collective name to describe a group or rats: A mischief. This might be due to the fact that a group of rats in the wild is generally up to no good, for example, chewing and getting into food stores.
Other terms for a group of rats are plague, colony, or swarm. Sometimes multiple rats are called a “rat pack”, in reference to the group of entertainers that Frank Sinatra was a part of.
If you want to find out what the individuals that make up a mischief of rats are called, keep on reading!
What Are the Members in a Mischief of Rats Called?
What Is a Female Rat Called?
There are different terms for female rats, depending on their reproductive status. A female rat that is pregnant or has already had pus is called a dam. Unmated females, on the other hand, are referred to as does.
What Is a Male Rat Called?
A male rat is called a buck. There is no differentiation between neutered and unneutered males.
What Are Baby Rats Called?
Baby rats are usually called pups, or – more rarely – kittens. Since they don’t have any fur when they are born, baby rats are sometimes called pinkies, in reference to the color of their skin. Certain breeders lovingly refer to baby rats as “shrimps” for the very same reason.
And that’s it – now you know how all the members of your mischief are called!
Featured Image Credit: Image by sipa from Pixabay
Nina has a degree from the Veterinary School in Zurich, with a special focus on microbiological research. Nina has a passion for sports, nutrition and the outdoors and she loves all pets, but rats have a special place in her heart. When she’s not working or reading and writing about all things related to pet health, she loves to travel and surf.
As a small animal veterinarian, Nina is your go-to expert on pet health and nutrition.
