PlumpusMaximus
plump as a wump
This is just a really random question I've been mulling over and unable to find any information on... Given the fact that rats are quite territorial, does the presence of pet rats in a home (assuming they are able to free-roam often enough to mark about the place) act as a deterrent to wild pest rats?
On the one hand, I feel like it might... I mean, a roving wild rat looking for a place to settle seeing/smelling another rat's mark might just convince them to keep moving.
But then on the other hand, my vet mentioned that she's seen cases of unspayed female rats escaping (in the house) and being impregnated by wild rats before they were caught again. That had to come as quite a surprise to their owners, heh. But - females in heat seems like it might act as an attractant, bringing wild rats in rather than keeping them away. Does anybody have any knowledge or experience with this? I'm intensely curious!
On the one hand, I feel like it might... I mean, a roving wild rat looking for a place to settle seeing/smelling another rat's mark might just convince them to keep moving.
But then on the other hand, my vet mentioned that she's seen cases of unspayed female rats escaping (in the house) and being impregnated by wild rats before they were caught again. That had to come as quite a surprise to their owners, heh. But - females in heat seems like it might act as an attractant, bringing wild rats in rather than keeping them away. Does anybody have any knowledge or experience with this? I'm intensely curious!