do pet rats shed?

Question

is it normal for rats to shed..
mocha is a white rat
with some tan and some grey/black
she shed last night
all over my computer desk..

also what is good for her dry skin
i got vitamin E capsles but they were really sticky
she didnt like that too much
anything else that isnt expensive that i can try?

Answer 1

oh yes, they shed.
I use black restaurant napkins in my hammocks, igloos and stuff for them to lay on and I can tell you there is quite a bit of hair that is on the cloth and comes out of the washer.

Compared to a cat or dog, no..but they certainly do shed.

I get so many furballs out of the washer that I am thinking of doing some sort of art project with them. heh.

Answer 2

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Answer 3

Yes it's very normal for them to shed some hair. All furred animals shed hair, especially coming ou of winter (like now here in Australia). I have 4 rats and they're all the same. She may have something thats causing a skin irritation tho, and you may notice her scratching a lot more. Egg yolk is a great idea as well as the olive oil. You can soak some bread in both, if it makes it easier for them to eat. Crusts will keep its shape better. If you're really worried that those treatments are not working call a vet (you don't have to take her in they should be able to speak to you over the phone, some vets prefer emails) for some advice. Something may also be stressing her out. Try to think of any changes that have happened around the time you noticed her shedding heaps.

Good luck :)

(i'm going through a rough time with one on my rats atm - i've only had him a month (i have 4 rats) and he's had a few epileptic fits...my poor baby :S )

Answer 4

Rats are great fun, and Mocha sounds like a lovely rat.
If she is older she may shed more than a young.

I've found shed hairs in their hammocks when I change them. They don't seem to shed much.
Olive oil is good for the skin and rats generally love it, specially mixed in with some of the regular food.
Carrots have Vitamin A in them. I think that is good for the skin. A well rounded diet should supply the vitamins they need, but you could also try some rodent vitamins.
I think the shedding is probably normal and she would enjoy olive oil and some carrots. Sometimes mine will eat raw carrots, but they love them cooked.

Enjoy your little sweetie.

Answer 5

Thats a good question, I've had quite a few rats (Dumbos), but I don't think any of them ever shed, or at least I don't remember having hair on me. But I have always been guilty of giving them fatty treats, peanutbutter treats, pumpkin seeds, stuff like that. You may want to try the Vitamin E caps, or the fish oil ones, I use those for my dogs (English Bulls) during the winter. Also, I'm not sure where you live, but if the season has changed there yet, it's probably gotten much drier, thus, drying her skin.

Answer 6

If it is the same for your rat as it is for a dog, I would think that your rat is shedding because it is trying to lose the unecessary hair. Yes, it is summer and too hot for all that extra hair that used to keep your sweet pet warm in the winter. If you are really concerned, perhaps you should take them too the vet. They could have some sort of skin condition that is making their hair come out. Good-luck!

Answer 7

You don't give Mocha's age, but older rats sometimes have thinning hair. I agree with the suggestions to give her a bit of olive oil, which might help her dry skin. Olive oil is a good massage for hairless rats, but might be messy with a furry girl.
Our rats shed, but just a few hairs @ a time. I use a flea comb on them after their baths to eliminate any loose hair.
Good luck with Mocha. She sounds pretty.

Answer 8

Had 3 rats, you know, I never noticed whether they shedded or not! That's a good question.
Mine I didn't notice,.. having cats/dogs/birds,.. I wouldn't have noticed whether my ratties dropped some fur/hairs or not!!!
Would NOT be something I'd notice in my "house of pets' hairs"!

And I differ as far as the egg supplement,.. RAW egg YOLK would shine up fur,..as it would for dogs, I have not used cooked.
Also fresh washed UNpesticided dandelion leaves are great and they love it.
Make sure the rats get their dark greens, not just dry pellets (which mine wouldn't eat, but played with!) , they also liked in moderation sunflower and bird seeds.

Answer 9

It is normal for rats to shed, but not big amounts... then something might be wrong. I'm not quite sure about the dry skin... but to make her fur all nice, thick and glossy... you can give her an hard boiled egg once in a while. They will love it and it well help her fur (maybe even her skin, who knows).

Answer 10

Yes, they shed. If they are shedding in large ammounts you may want to change their diet. Try feeding her some Extra virgin olive oil. They like it a lot and it's good for their skin and coat!