What you should know about double rex rats

My double rex rat, Butters

When I first decided to get a pair of rats, I wasn't expecting to come home with a double rex rat. But after seeing Butters in the litter, I had to take him home with me! I did some research on double rex rats when I got Butters, and I'll share that info with you today.


What is the difference between double rex and hairless?
It's fairly hard to distinguish the difference between double rex rats and hairless rats. There are double rex rats with no hair and there are hairless rats with hair. 

So how do you tell the difference? True hairless rats have absolutely no hair, not even whiskers, but some rats with the hairless gene do have very short hair often called "peach fuzz". Most double rex rats have peach fuzz or some short hair that falls out and regrows in different patches (this is why some double rex rats are called patchwork hairless). Double rex rats also have curly whiskers instead of the normal long, straight whiskers.

Hairless rats are pretty rare and it's likely that a "hairless" rat found at a pet store or rattery is actually double rex. I was actually told that Butters was a hairless rat when I got him, but it seems pretty clear now that he is a double rex.

Can double rex rats be kept with a standard furry rat?
Yes! Butters is kept with his brother, Timmy. Although they are from the same litter, Timmy has fur while Butters only has very short slightly curly hair. They can absolutely be kept together and, like any other rat, double rex rats always need a friend.

Timmy and Butters

Do double rex rats need any special care?
Double rex rats have pretty much the same needs as a standard rat. The only difference I would point out is their lack of fur. This causes them to be more prone to cuts and scrapes when play-fighting with their cage-mates. They can typically clean these cuts themselves and they heal fairly quickly, but just keep an eye out for infections.

Whether you're looking into getting a double rex or a standard rat, make sure to read about how to properly care for a rat. They are low cost to acquire, but can be as expensive as a dog or cat if they get sick. However, rats are amazing, intelligent animals and it's so rewarding once you create a bond with them.

Take care!

Rat paw print art DIY

Rats are playful and curious creatures. I own two 7-month-old rat brothers (Timmy, the black hooded rat, and Butters, the double rex) and I can tell you that they love running around and having fun. This morning, I decided to do this little DIY project with them. As many rat owners know, rats have fairly short life spans (about 2-3 years) so you want to make the most of the time they're here. I thought, what better way to remember them by than doing a fun, creative project with them!

I suggest only doing this project with tamed and healthy rats that don't mind being picked up and handled

Here are the materials you need:

• Canvas paper (this is what I used) or any thick, durable paper like cardstock
• A NON-TOXIC watercolor paint
• Newspaper to avoid spills and messes
• Some fun-loving ratties

First, lay out some newspaper on the floor and place the paper on the newspaper. Add water to the watercolor palettes, but make sure they aren't too wet or the prints will become watery. Also try keep the paint away from the rats (Timmy attempted to drink the watercolor).

Take your rat and gently place his paws onto the watercolor. Next, set him down on the paper and allow him to walk around (use treats to guide him if you'd like!). Repeat this process for as many different colors as you'd like. Remember that rats lose interest and patience fairly quickly. To avoid frustration in your rats, try to keep the length of this project under five minutes. 

After you're all done, rinse off their paws and give them lots of treats as a reward!

Now you have your own piece of rattie art!

Butters( left) and Timmy (Right)

Thanks for reading!