rat skin turning blue

Question
I have a male fancy rat who is a few months old. I got him from a friend who didn't want to care for him, but before that he was at a pet store. He is white and black, not neutered. The skin under his black fur is turning blue. I noticed it is very blue on the top of his head and neck, as well as behind his ears. I examined his skin all over, and there are also blue spots under the dark fur all the way down his back. The skin under the white fur is still a peach color, though. He lives with another male fancy rat of about the same age, and is the submissive of the two. He is still active and social, but I am worried that the blue skin is a sign of something dangerous for him. Please let me know if you have any information about this problem. Thank you.

Answer
Hi Arielle


Dont worry, this is normal.  Some black rats or dark furred rats will have this from time to time.  It has alot to do with new fur growth, melanin and dark pigments and alot of medical mumbo jumbo, but fear not, because its not a threat to his health and he doesnt have any sort of skin disease.  If you notice the area where the white fur grows it has a pinkish colored scalp because of the lack of pigments in that area.   My black rats do this too.  It almost looks like a bruise but again, not to worry, its all normal.


Hope that helps!