Many years ago, when my sister was in 4th grade I think, her class did an experiment with two feeder rats. They were fed the exact same diet, but one was only given water to drink, and one was only given skim milk. Of course this was not scientific at all, being a 4th grade class, but I remember the milk rat was much bigger and stronger than the water rat, more active, and bolder than the water rat. The teacher's friend was a vet, and examined the rats, and said that the milk rat wasn't fat, she was just overall sturdier, with stronger bones (thanks to the calcium). (This little story was also my first introduction to rats, when my sister brought them home for a weekend, and let me take care of them.)
I haven't read anything about giving milk to rats to drink, so I don't know if this is even safe or not, but the milk rat definitely seemed to be quite healthy. So I was wondering if maybe milk is good for them? I wouldn't think it would be as a substitute for water like that experiment, but offering it regularly in addition? Or even on occasion? I'm curious about this in particular because I'm planning on getting females, which are naturally smaller than males.
I haven't read anything about giving milk to rats to drink, so I don't know if this is even safe or not, but the milk rat definitely seemed to be quite healthy. So I was wondering if maybe milk is good for them? I wouldn't think it would be as a substitute for water like that experiment, but offering it regularly in addition? Or even on occasion? I'm curious about this in particular because I'm planning on getting females, which are naturally smaller than males.