Hairless rats seem to fit in a catagory all their own. Most rat fanciers find that they either hold a special place in their heart, or their looks are just too much to get over. This section covers what I have found in caring for my hairless rats.
I frequently get asked about the biggest differences between hairless and furred rats. Hairless rats are thought to be more work, but in many ways they require less work too. Hairless rats do NOT have eyelashes. This means that they do tend to get eye irratation on the wrong bedding. There have been situations where aspen bedding has gotten into a hairless rat's eye and gotten stuck. Hairless rats would prefer softer bedding like carefresh or rags. Hairless rats have a higher metabolism. Without their fur coats, they have to spend more energy to regulate their body temperature. Hairless rats are easier to keep clean. With no fur there is no dander. Male hairless can get some discoloration on their skin from oil secretion. Furry males get this too, but it is not as noticable. However, I find that the easiest way to bathe a hairless is to use a baby wipe. Hairless rats can get small scrapes easily on their skin. However, when a furry rat gets a cut, you may not notice it until it is infected. When a hairless rat gets a cut or scratch, you see it immediately and only need treat it with a little TLC and antibiotic ointment (Neosporin or Triple antibiotic ointemnt). Hairless rats are not more prone to skin conditions or illness than their furred counterparts. It is just in a hairless skin conditions would be more noticable. Hairless rats have more pronounced ears. It is not that their ears are actually larger as much as it is the lack of fur makes it more noticable. Temperment wise, they are just like their furry counterparts. The only real difference is instead of liking to be scratched they enjoy getting rubbed. |
