Balding

Question
QUESTION: A few months ago, I noticed that my blue rat's fur was turning brown. I asked a different rat expert, and she said it was her diet, so I changed that. But recently, my blue rat (Meme) has started balding. I've already changed her diet and I've heard that powders and sprays are bad for her/rats. What can I do???

ANSWER: Sprays and powders are bad for them, yes, due to the fact their lungs are very delicate. What diet do you have them on now?  High protein diets cause skin problems and balding but do so hormones and other things as well.  How old are your rats?

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QUESTION: Meme receives Reggie Rat Food (maybe you've heard of it?) mixed along with a little bit of EXTREME Trail Mix, and a yogurt drop. Sometimes she gets a Munchables (it's a box that rodents can chew to get the food inside). I don't think Meme's balding because of old age, though, because I've only had her for one year so far.

ANSWER: Her protein levels are probably a bit high. Please refer to my website for ideas on proper nutrition for rats. Seed mixes are just not good enough for our rats in order to maintain optimum health.


http://www.sandyscrittercity.com/ratsandahealthydiet.htm

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QUESTION: Thanks so much~
(Just making sure) So if I gave her a tiny scoop of her Reggie Rat Mix, something from EXTREME Trail Mix, a Yogie, and a bit more than usual of her Tropical Fruit and Yogurt mix, that would be alright? Also, I don't feed her the corn in Reggie Rat Mix. I've heard that corn makes their tumors come faster. Is that true?
Once, I found Meme eating an M&M. I didn't know where she got it from, but if she ate a 2 full M&Ms, would she die?
Thanks, and sorry about all the questions~  

Answer
Corn is not good for rats due to the fact it can contain a fungus that is toxic to rats.
High protein in rats can lead to kidney disease in rats and can also contribute to the growth of tumors. Mammary tumors are not linked as much to diet as they are linked to hormones, however, which is why our rats tend to hold off developing tumors until they are older.