Rodent Lifecycle


Reproduction

Mice and rats reproduce rapidly, as is generally the case with small prey animals. Their relatively short life spans, short gestational periods and rapid sexual maturity make effective rodent control critical. The reproductive cycle and number of rodent offspring increases with adequate food, water and harborage.

House mouse Reproduction Cycle

Mice become sexually mature and able to mate n as little as 5 weeks. Generally, sexual maturity is reached in 5 to 8 weeks.

Female mice reproduce up to 8 times in their lifespan, with litters averaging 4 to 7 pups. Therefore, a single female may produce up to 56 offspring annually.


Rat Reproduction Cycle

Norway and roof rats become sexually mature and able to mte at 8 to 12 weeks of age.

Norway rats average 8 to 12 pups per litter, avveraging 4 to 7 litters per year.

Roof rats average 4 to 8 pups per litter, averaging 4 to 6 litters per year.


Related Traits
Related Reproductive Characteristics