My dumbo rat

Question
QUESTION: Hello, My yer and a half year old male dumbo/rex, Seamus, recently started to loose his fur.  Not in patches, it looks like his hair is thinning all over his body, however his head is still fuzzy!  He has also lost some weight recently, but doesn't seem to be sick - he acts the same as he always has.  He lives with two younger male rats and they do not seem to be grooming him extensively - but I'm afraid that Seamus will be hairless within a month!  He does not show visible signs of any mites or parasites, and his diet is heathly.  Any idea if this hair loss is normal, or if I should be doing something different?
Thanks for your advice,
Ami

ANSWER:
Is his skin dry or red in areas?

I know you said is diet is healthy but what does the diet consist of?

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: The diet consists of rat food that I purchase from the local pet store - it includes the usual grains, nuts and seeds.  They have been spoiled a bit with a little bread and a very light coating of peanut butter, however I have stopped giving them this in the last week for fear Seamus was allergic.  Sometimes they have a little bit of cheese, and some banana or pear but nothing in great quantities, just for a taste.  As for his skin, it almost looks dirty - brown spots - nothing moving like mites though.  I washed him with a facecloth and he seemed a lot cleaner for a while, then his skin got all splotchy again.  It doesn't look irritated though.
Your advice on this matter is gratefully appreciated.
Ami

ANSWER: Hi

He has what is called BUCK GREASE.  This is a waxy brown to yellowish brown discoloration of the skin. It is caused by an over active oil gland that is triggered by hormones but also diet can cause it as well.

He should not be on the nuts and seeds from the pet store. This is entirelytoo high in protein and protine levels that are over 15% to 18% contribute to kidney disease later in life.
Also the hard kernel corn in these seed mixes are known to contain a fungus that is toxic to rats and also is a known carcinogenic. The best diet is to pitch all seeds and nut mixes and check out a quality lab block. There are lots of recipes on my website about proper diet including a few links to other rat enthusiasts like we are that have come up with great homemade rat diets that help keep our rats healthier much longer.  Here is the link:

http://www.freewebs.com/crittercity/ratsandahealthydiet.htm


As for the buck grease, try using a very soft bristle brush, one for a baby or even a babies tooth brush and add some dawn dish soap which is great for grease.  Gently work on the buck grease each day and gradually it will wear off. I wouldn't worry about it much though unless it gets super thick and his skin cannot breathe with it caked on. Once his diet is a little better with less fats and high proteins, the grease may also subside.

Hope this helps!

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Thanks again for the great advice!  Seamus does look a lot better now that he's not all greasy and dirty - I use a warm facecloth on him with a little soap and that seems to do the trick.  Is it normal for him to be losing fur though?  I checked out more about buck grease online and no one else has mentioned that losing fur would be a symptom.  I have also noticed that he has lost some weight (although he's still eating like a pig!) and I intend to change his diet to a more rat-friendly one like the diet on your website.  He is only a year and a  half - he seems a lot older though - what should I do besides improve his diet on my next grocery trip?

Answer
I would see if the change in diet doesnt help. Rex rats have curly or wavy fur, right?  I dont know alot about breeds of rats but wonder if they molt?  My double rex used to molt and take on a new look every few weeks. You should take a look at him here:

http://www.freewebs.com/crittercity/whatintheworldisafugs.htm