Hairless Fancy Rat Care Guide

The hairless rat is a variation of the standard fancy rat breed and is no different except for the lack of fur. They have all the same requirements of any pet rat, but they do need to be kept cleaner and warmer because of their lack of hair. Rats are also intelligent, so they need to be kept stimulated.

  1. Housing

    • Hairless fancy rats grow up to 8 inches long and need a large cage, preferably with two levels so they can climb. The cage can be metal, plastic or glass, but needs to be secure and escape-proof. The cage floor should be covered with wood shavings or shredded paper to make cleaning easier. Rats are active and enjoy tunnels to travel through, a wheel to run on and things to chew on. Keep the cage out of direct sunlight and cold drafts as both can do harm to hairless rats.

    Cleaning

    • Wet clumps of bedding should be removed everyday with at least one full bedding change every week. When bedding is being changed, the cage and its contents should all be washed with mild soapy water and rinsed thoroughly. Keeping the housing clean keeps the rat clean and healthy. If the hairless rat starts to look dirty, clean it with a damp washcloth or baby wipes with aloe in them. Baby wipes can also be used if the rat's skin becomes flaky.

    Handling

    • Regular handling from a young age helps to get the rat used to being held and it will remain calm and not struggle. Grip should always be firm enough to control the rat, but never so hard as to squeeze it. Rats are not delicate, but can be hurt if squeezed too hard. Avoid walking around with a rat because if it struggles free or is dropped it might be hurt. Because rats can carry bacteria, it is vital to always wash the hands after handling them.

    Feeding

    • Hairless fancy rats should have a diet that is made up of at least 80 percent commercial rat feed. They can be fed with some fruits and vegetables such as kale, broccoli, bananas and grapes, but this should be a small part of the diet. Chocolate and caffeinated products are harmful to the rats and should be avoided. Rats needs fresh, chlorine-free drinking water daily, either bottled spring water or filtered tap water.