- Hairless rats are prone to dangerous respiratory infections caused by cedar and pine shavings (so use chemical and toxin-free beddings).
- Hairless rats are easily chilled, so they prefer the company of at least one other rat to keep them warm (versus being alone).
- Hairless rats have thicker skin than a normal rat (they also LOVE to be petted on their ears and back).
- Hairless rats are inquisitive in nature, playful, like to hitch rides on your shoulder, and can even sense your moods.
- There are many different types of hairless rats: Double Rex, Patchwork Hairless, and Truly Hairless rats.
- Hairless rats benefit from added protein in their diets (this speeds up their metabolism and keeps their bodies warm).
- Hairless rats need a lot of room to move (so don’t use a cage that’s too small). Usually 2′ wide and 2′ deep is sufficient (for a pair of rats).
- 20 percent of a hairless rat’s meal should be made of fruits and vegetables (they love bananas, grapes and leafy greens like kale).
- Hairless rats only live around 2-3 years, regardless if they’re hairy or not (so love them while you can, BEN).
- Males are known as “Bucks”, and females “Does” (They can be pregnant for 21 to 23 days and can have as many as 6-12 babies).