Do hairless rats need special care?
Hairless rats can generally be kept the same as furred ones and with furred ones. You need to remember that every little scratch shows up clearly on them, and they are a little more prone to getting scratches due to lack of a coat for protection. Make sure there’s nothing sharp in the cage that can injure your rats, and it may be a good idea to keep the rats’ nails trimmed. Hairless rats also lose heat through their skin, while furred rats only loose it through feet, tails, and ears. This means they have a higher metabolism and are more sensitive to cold temperatures. Adding a little extra protein to the diet (like 2 or three pieces of cat food a day) can help. The prescence of other rats will help your nude rat stay warm, and you can also provide a draft-free nest box. Make sure your rats are kept inside a heated house, where the temperature won’t go below 70 degrees, at least onot for long periods.
