Fur Colour

Question
Hi there,

My sister has a pet rat that she has had for about 6-7 months.  She told me the other day that his fur was starting to go a yellow/orange colour.  I was just wondering if this is normal and if not what can be done to help it?

Hope to hear from you soon,

Thanks


Rachael  

Answer
 This is normal in male rats and is known as 'buck grease'.  It is produced by glands in the skin and can make the fur orangy and greasy.  Some rats produce more than others, and some groom it off and some don't.  It can be cut down temporarily with bathing or wiping him with a damp cloth (though bathing shouldn't be done more than once a month) but the only way to cut down on it more permanently is to have him neutered.  Hormonal levels play a role in how much buck grease is produced, and having him neutered can reduce not only the amount but the smell, urine-marking, and chance of cancer later on in life.

 I hope this answers your question!