Farming and Homesteading Heritage Poultry

They are all ugly! Here I have some kind of brown rat that has huge ears that has many holes in the ground all around my pasture. My dogs will hunt them like crazy!
They are all the same.

Quote: It is the most common rat and has taken over America. They range throughout the entire US. They are also one of the few species that are self aware. They are very smart and adaptable.
 
We have many species, and sub species of "rats" in the US. They are all the same to someone that does not know the differences, or does not care to know the differences. I guess it is an ignorance is bliss.
They are each unique, however. Each occupy their own particular niches etc. Some are more generalists than others. When they become a problem for us, it is helpful to know what you are dealing with.
The invasive species are usually the most problematic. The natives are more likely to occupy their own time and space. These are more likely to become problematic when there are other disturbances.
 
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We have many species, and sub species of "rats" in the US. They are all the same to someone that does not know the differences, or does not care to know the differences. I guess it is an ignorance is bliss.
They are each unique, however. Each occupy their own particular niches etc. Some are more generalists than others. When they become a problem for us, it is helpful to know what you are dealing with.
The invasive species are usually the most problematic. The natives are more likely to occupy their own time and space. These are more likely to become problematic when there are other disturbances.
The picture that was posted was a Brown rat and is known by all of the names posted. They are not different species but Also Known As. It seems we have a lot of names for the same rat with Norway rat being more correct, as in Norway Brown Rat. Because of the Norway rats great adaptability, they are the number one pest everywhere.

I am one person but some call me Ron, others call me Ronnie. I am a Junior so growing up Family called me Little Ronnie
sickbyc.gif
. I have been called Otto and the Sports folks like to call me Ottman....There was a time when I was called "Bad Ronald"--after the movie character that lived in the walls....and do not even consider Ronald McDonald....clowns are kind of scary.....

Here in California we have Kangaroo rats that are native. They are not eating my chicken feed though.
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They are cute with a long tail.
 
The picture that was posted was a Brown rat and is known by all of the names posted. They are not different species but Also Known As. It seems we have a lot of names for the same rat with Norway rat being more correct, as in Norway Brown Rat. Because of the Norway rats great adaptability, they are the number one pest everywhere.

I am one person but some call me Ron, others call me Ronnie. I am a Junior so growing up Family called me Little Ronnie
sickbyc.gif
. I have been called Otto and the Sports folks like to call me Ottman....There was a time when I was called "Bad Ronald"--after the movie character that lived in the walls....and do not even consider Ronald McDonald....clowns are kind of scary.....

Here in California we have Kangaroo rats that are native. They are not eating my chicken feed though.
ep.gif
They are cute with a long tail.

Ron, you misunderstood my point. My point was that the rodent in question is not a Rattus norvegicus, which is the species for all of the common names that you mentioned. The rodent is a Neotoa lepida. An entirely different animal, and California has more rats than the Kangaroo rats ( Dipodomys sp.).

I know how common names work. They vary regionally, and from person to person. In the east we have the pilot black snake, rat snake, great oak snake, chicken snake etc. etc. All of which is Elaphe obsoleta etc. No common name is "correct", and they are all correct. The Latin name clears up the confusion, is the standard, and more specific. LOL.
 

 Ron, you misunderstood my point. My point was that the rodent in question is not a Rattus norvegicus, which is the species for all of the common names that you mentioned. The rodent is a Neotoa lepida. An entirely different animal, and California has more rats than the Kangaroo rats ( Dipodomys sp.).

 I know how common names work. They vary regionally, and from person to person. In the east we have the pilot black snake, rat snake, great oak snake, chicken snake etc. etc. All of which is Elaphe obsoleta etc. No common name is "correct", and they are all correct. The Latin name clears up the confusion, is the standard, and more specific. LOL.
[/quote
The black snakes I call good snake and the ones here with copper rings I call dead snakes
I have actually seen a black snake constrict a copperhead and eat it so I call them friend
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