If you’re a rat lover, you may have come across the hairless variety. Also referred to as “sphinx” or “nude” rats, these bald cuties come in a variety of breeds, including the double rex rat.
The double rex is the most common type of hairless rat. While lacking fur, these adorable critters have short, curly whiskers and may have small patches of fur on their ankles or faces.
Whether you’ve been a rat parent for years or are just starting out in the rodent world, here are 10 things that you should know about double rex rats.
The 10 Things You Should Know About Double Rex Rats
1. Double Rex Rats Can Be Kept With Furry Ones
One of the first things you may be wondering shortly after you’ve purchased your first double rex rat is if they can coexist peacefully in the same cage as your furry one. The answer is yes! Double rex rats have basically the same care needs as their hairy counterparts. Moreover, all rats are social creatures and always need a friend.
2. You’ll Need to Get the Best Type of Cage for a Double Rex
Your double rex rat will have almost the exact same care guidelines as a furry rat. However, due to their lack of hair, they will need to be kept warm and cozy in their new habitat. They will also be more susceptible to injuries.
The ideal cage for a double rex rat is one with no sharp edges, such as a large glass aquarium. You should aim to keep the ambient temperature inside the cage between 65 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit. Never place the cage near an open window or any other drafty or cold area.
3. Your Double Rex Rat Will Need Specific Bedding
You’ll need to purchase bedding that is warm and soft. Wood shavings or wood chips can make your double rex rat uncomfortable and may also injure their sensitive skin. The types of bedding that are great for double rex rats include paper bedding and shredded fleece or other types of fabrics.
You will need to maintain a vigilant cleaning schedule for your double rex’s cage. Dirty bedding can easily irritate their skin.
4. Double Genes Mean Double the Trouble
Your double rex rat gets their name from the two rex genes that they carry. While standard rex rats only carry one rex gene, double rexes carry two, which makes them hairless.
5. The Double Rex’s Diet Is a Bit Different
A double rex will need a tad more protein and fat than their furry friends. This helps them to maintain a comfortable body temperature. Feed your double rex a diet that includes about 80% dry food and 20% fruits and veggies.
6. Double Rexes Do Not Have Long Lifespans
Unfortunately, most hairless rats will not live beyond a year. This is because they cannot easily fend off infection.
7. There’s a Certain Way to Handle a Double Rex
As with any other rat, double rexes love to spend quality time with their owners. Besides handling them gently, you should always clean and disinfect your hands before you pick up your double rex. This will decrease the likelihood of skin irritation and keep them bacteria-free.
8. Your Double Rex Needs Special Skin Care
Due to their sensitive skin, your double rex rat will need to be bathed weekly. Use baby shampoo or pet-specific shampoos. After you bathe your pet, make sure that they’re completely dried off by placing them near (not on) a heater. To keep their skin moist between baths, place a cool mist humidifier near their cage.
9. Double Rex Rats Are Not That Expensive
The average price for a double rex is between $25 and $50.
10. A Double Rex Makes a Great Pet Rat
If you’re a true rat lover, you may want to consider buying a double rex. However, keep in mind that although they can live in the same cage as their fur-ball friends, they do need weekly bathing and a protein-packed diet.
Double rexes are sweet, lovable, and totally naked rodents that make excellent companions!
Conclusion
We hope that this article has given you insight into double rex rats. These rodents can be amazing pets because of their intelligence, cleanliness, and cuteness. So, will you get yourself an adorable double rex? Let us know!
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Featured Image Credit: Ezume Images, Shutterstock
Contents
- The 10 Things You Should Know About Double Rex Rats
- 1. Double Rex Rats Can Be Kept With Furry Ones
- 2. You’ll Need to Get the Best Type of Cage for a Double Rex
- 3. Your Double Rex Rat Will Need Specific Bedding
- 4. Double Genes Mean Double the Trouble
- 5. The Double Rex’s Diet Is a Bit Different
- 6. Double Rexes Do Not Have Long Lifespans
- 7. There’s a Certain Way to Handle a Double Rex
- 8. Your Double Rex Needs Special Skin Care
- 9. Double Rex Rats Are Not That Expensive
- 10. A Double Rex Makes a Great Pet Rat
- Conclusion
