How to Keep Hairless Rats Warm

Hairless rats are more sensitive than rats with fur, and it's easy for them to feel cold as winter approaches and temperatures plummet, even in the home. Hairless rats must be kept indoors, as they are not equipped to deal with sun or low temperatures. A few simple measures can be taken to ensure that a hairless rat stays warm and comfortable in its cage if temperatures drop below 70 degrees Fahrenheit.

Things You'll Need

  • Heating pad (optional)
  • Heating lamp (optional)
  • Bedding materials
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Instructions

    • 1

      Ensure that your hairless rat has a constant supply of fresh food in his feeding bowl. Hairless rats need more food than rats with fur because their metabolism works faster in order to produce more body heat to make up for not having the insulation that fur provides. Higher sources of protein added to their regular diet of grain help keep them warmer; these sources include mixtures especially created for rats and bought at pet food stores. You can also use non-allergenic dog kibble or cooked egg every couple of days, giving the rats as much as they will eat. Provide plenty of clean drinking water, as they also tend to drink more.

    • 2

      Consider buying a companion rat of the same sex (this will avoid unwanted litters), furred or hairless, if you only have one hairless rat. Rats naturally snuggle up together to keep warm, and this is especially important for hairless rats that are more sensitive to temperature drops at night. A rat of similar size would be best.

    • 3

      Hang a heating lamp over the corner of the cage where the rats sleep to provide extra warmth.

      Infrared heating lamps especially designed for the purpose of keeping small animal enclosures warm can be bought from some hardwares stores and pet stores.

    • 4

      Provide plenty of warm bedding for your hairless rat, as they need more than furred rats. Bedding needs to be soft, such as fabric. Fleece or wool can be used, but it must be washable or disposable and must not remain in the cage once soiled. Soft straw may be used, but hay tends to be too hard and uncomfortable for the hairless rat's sensitive skin. Avoid using fabric that has been washed with regular laundry detergent, as the chemicals in the soap may cause skin and respiratory sensitivities.

    • 5

      Keep your hairless rat's cage in an area free from drafts. Drafts can be caused by an open window or proximity to a doorway or corridor. Remember that hairless rats are especially sensitive to temperature fluctuations.

    • 6

      Place a heating pad against the outside portion of the cage where your rat sleeps or spends most of its time. The bedding can be pushed against this area for extra warmth. You can use a heating pad instead of a heating lamp, or use both if the room is particularly cool. The heating pad can be kept on at night as the rat sleeps.