Changing hair color in my rat

Question
Hi,

I am caring for a friends rat.  I have had him for 2 weeks now and have noticed in the past few days that his hair color is changing.  He is grey with white on his stomach and feet.  His hair on his sides, above the tail and around his face are looking a little "salt & pepperish" now. This has only come into view in the past few days.  Is this a sign of illness?  He is approx 4-5 months old.  I'm not sure though because my friend was given this rat to him by a friend.  He is very loving and playful however.  We give him plenty of lettuce (which he LOVES!)  and some fruit and nuts among his normal rat food. Also, we have given him some dried plantains.  Can you give too many veggies? He seems to love it and gobbles it up instantly!  Is this all ok for him?

Thank you!
Lori

Answer
Hi Lori!  The color change could be due to the stress of being away from your friend.  Stress often has an impact on pigment,or because he is just reaching sexual maturity, the pigment change may just be forming his adult coat. As long as he is acting like his normal self, I really wouldn't be concerned.
It sounds as though he is getting wonderful care with you!  Fruits, and nuts are great.  Lettuce really has no nutritional value, unless Romaine lettuce, but it won't hurt anything either.  Too much of these can cause diarrhea which can lead to dehydration, but as long as his stools look normal, continue doing what you are!  
I hope this helps!
Hilary