Adopting a Hairless Rat?

Question

I am debating weather or not I should adopt a hairless rat. I am a very responsible pet owner, I am just wondering if any one who owns one could help me out. I did some research and they don't seem to be too much work, just they need extra heat in the winter. Let me know! =D

Answer 1

One of the most important considerations to take in account before you search for a hairless rat is that they are quite rare and anybody who purposefully breeds them may not be responsible. I say this because there is debate over whether it is fair to produce a rat with no fur for warmth that becomes more susceptible to chills and skin conditions. It is also well known that breeding female hairless rats is unfair because they often have lactating problems and can get very cold giving all their body heat to babies. Therefore, it is best to search for an abandoned hairless rat from a shelter or put your name down on the lists of as many responsible rat breeders you can find in case a hairless should pop up in one of their litters. Avoid a pet store hairless or one from a backyard or hobbyist breeder as you cannot guarantee the health of these rats.

I have not personally owned a hairless rat, but I know of a friend who once had one. She bought her a same-s*x friend with a standard coat so that when they cuddled together, the furry rat kept the hairless one more warm! I think they also bathed her occasionally so as to keep her skin clean and I think they may have used Johnson's baby cream on her skin to keep it soft! As with any rat, a hairless rat will need a same-s*x companion and lots of loving care and attention, housed in suitably sized, large cage. I would've though it might be a good idea to clean out their cage twice a week instead of once though, because a hairless rat is more likely to get burnt by urine.

Hope this helps!

Answer 2

hairless rats are great pets, i have owned a few and found they actually make better pets than the ones with hair, i dont know if that is logical but it seems they are nicer. not much else to keep a hairless rat healthy that you wouldnt do for a regular one.

Answer 3

I had two wonderful, friendly, cuddly hairless rats a few years ago.  Unfortunately, both developed cancerous tumors and died young.  I later read that hairless rats are prone to this, as they were originally bred for cancer reseach, so today's hairless rats are genetically 'primed' to develop cancer.  You might want to do a bit more research and/or see if you can determine the breeding line of these prospective rats?  I suspect that furry rats are just as much fun and might live longer?  Good luck.

Answer 4

ya

but their skin needs to be clean

my hairless rat died from cancer

Answer 5

They need a same s*x companion to snuggle with.  They are also genetically more susceptible to cancers.  It doesn't mean they all get them, but that is what they were bred for the in the labs before they got out into the fancy rat world.  You need to have a good vet that knows how to treat that if it should arise.  They need just a bit more protein in their diets as well to maintain their higher metabolisms.  They work harder to maintain their body heat!