Rats breed very frequently once they reach sexual maturity. Key points about their breeding cycle include:

• Rats reach sexual maturity between about 5 to 12 weeks of age, depending on the species and individual

• Female rats have a gestation period of roughly 21 to 23 days

• After giving birth, females can become pregnant again very quickly, often within 1 to 2 days

• Rats typically produce litters every 4 to 8 weeks, with litter sizes ranging from about 6 to 18 pups, commonly around 6 to 12 pups per litter

• A female rat can have around 4 to 8 litters per year, sometimes up to 6 litters annually on average, depending on the species and environmental conditions

• Wild rats may breed seasonally (spring and fall) if resources are limited, but in favorable conditions, they breed year-round

In summary, rats breed very rapidly and prolifically, with females capable of producing several litters a year, each containing multiple pups, and becoming pregnant again within days after giving birth. This high reproductive rate enables rat populations to grow quickly if unchecked.