Asked on the Rodent Forum by birdybaby14 on 9/19/03, 8:27 am
Q: THE AMAZING COLOR CHANGING RAT!!!
My blue berkshire rat, Aesop or Poppers has been turning into a plain brown rat (not like he'll ever be plain beeing so weird) and I've been wondering WHAT on earth is causing this change of apperence? he is going to be 8 months old on october 17th (in case this has anything to do with it) I would love it if I could get an answer! if you want e-mail me at birdybaby14@yahoo.com and I can send you pictures showing the change!
Answered by andyanimal on 9/19/03, 6:15 pm
A: THE AMAZING COLOR CHANGING RAT!!!
> My blue berkshire rat, Aesop or Poppers has been turning
> into a plain brown rat (not like he'll ever be plain beeing
> so weird) and I've been wondering WHAT on earth is causing
> this change of apperence? he is going to be 8 months old on
> october 17th (in case this has anything to do with it) I
> would love it if I could get an answer! if you want e-mail
> me at birdybaby14@yahoo.com and I can send you pictures
> showing the change!
>
He, most likely, has aquoti genes. This means, his gaurd hairs will be one color and the underneath another. Example: a black aquoti will be black for most of it's youth, then grow dark red to brown under hairs. It's nothing to be worried about, but if you don't think this is the cause and would like some more answeres your best bet is to seek a vet. Hope this helps-BTW blue aguotis are rare and if this is what you have, you have a gem:)
Answered by HedgeMom on 9/19/03, 7:05 pm
A: THE AMAZING COLOR CHANGING RAT!!!
> My blue berkshire rat, Aesop or Poppers has been turning
> into a plain brown rat (not like he'll ever be plain beeing
> so weird) and I've been wondering WHAT on earth is causing
> this change of apperence? he is going to be 8 months old on
> october 17th (in case this has anything to do with it) I
> would love it if I could get an answer! if you want e-mail
> me at birdybaby14@yahoo.com and I can send you pictures
> showing the change!
+++++++++++++++++++
I'm stumped. I've not seen a color change like this in an adult rat. Has he been sick? Taking any meds? Dietary changes? Water change? Do you have any information on his parentage?
I've seen poor mink turn agouti during maturation at about 12 weeks, but nothing at this age.
