How to Take Care of a Young Hairless Rat

Hairless rats make unusual pets and can be playful companions. Hairless rats require care similar to that provided to "normal" rats, but they need a little additional care, especially when young. Like any pets, hairless rats need consistent care, feeding and attention and must be well socialized when young to prevent future behavioral problems. You need to procure all necessary supplies before purchasing a hairless rat, and plan to keep fresh food in stock at all times.

Things You'll Need

  • Wire cage with solid plastic bottom
  • Solid shelves with ladders
  • Solid exercise wheel (i.e., no rungs)
  • Plastic hide box
  • Plastic corner litter pan
  • Hammock (optional)
  • Aspen bedding
  • Pelleted, recycled paper litter
  • Fleece fabric or towel scraps
  • Food dishes
  • Pelleted "lab block" rat food
  • Parrot food without corn
  • Fresh fruits and vegetables--broccoli, carrots, kale, apple, banana
  • Water bottle
  • Filtered, non-chlorinated water
  • Vitamins
  • Toys and chew sticks
  • Treats
  • Olive oil
  • Vinegar
  • Soap and water spray
  • Scrub pads
Show More

Instructions

  1. Cage Setup and Cleaning

    • 1

      Place the cage in a warm area away from HVAC vents, drafts or direct sunlight--hairless rats are very sensitive to temperature changes. Fill the bottom of the cage with about 2 inches of aspen bedding. Fill the hide box with fleece or towel scraps and place it in one corner of the cage to provide a warm shelter for hairless rats. Place the litter pan in one corner of the cage and fill it with pelleted, recycled paper bedding.

    • 2

      Install shelves, ladders and hammocks to provide exercise for your rats. Add an exercise wheel and be sure it has room to spin freely. Install the water bottle so it is easily accessible and won't drip on the bedding. Fill the bottle with water.

    • 3

      Change the ater and remove any damp bedding daily. Change bedding completely each week, scrubbing the cage bottom with soap and water if needed. Change litter in the box weekly and soak the pan in vinegar to remove urine smells.

    Feeding and Care

    • 4

      Feed your hairless rat a mix of approximately 80 percent lab blocks and 20 percent fresh fruits and vegetables. Because hairless rats require more protein than other pet rats, especially when they are young, supplement their diet with parrot food that includes nuts, and also give them small portions of egg or chicken on occasion. Remove fresh foods (i.e., fruits, vegetables, egg, chicken) if not eaten within 24 hours.

    • 5

      Supply your young hairless rat with chew sticks and make sure they are available at all times. Provide additional toys such as balls, crawl tubes and other items to enhance the environment.

    • 6

      Feed your hairless rat vitamins as recommended by the manufacturer. Give a young rat treats very sparingly. Use the treats to coax the rat to leave the cage or allow you to pick it up so you can clean the cage. Spend time socializing your young hairless rat each day.

    • 7

      Apply olive oil to your rat's skin if it becomes dry or flaky. Do not apply lotions or other chemical-laden products.