shedding

Question
QUESTION: Hi.  My rats do not itch or clean excessively, but, since the weather has been warming up some, I have noticed that my hooded rat seems like her fur on her face, mainly around her eyes is thinning.  I also have a white rat (same enclosure) but her fur seems fine.  It's not coming out in clumps or anything, but it does look a bit thin.  I also noticed when I cleaned there enclosure recently that there was a lot of hair on the carpet in their cage.  Is this normal?
ANSWER: Two Questions:
1) Have you checked them for bugs? Look closely near the roots of the fur for tiny little mites or lice.
2) How old is she? As rats age, their hair tends to thin a little and its nothing to worry about.

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

QUESTION: I have looked but haven't seen any bugs.  And she's not even a year old yet.  She's about seven months old.  Also, what are your thoughts on giving them an occassional bath with baby shampoo.  

Answer
If there are not bugs and she's so young, it sounds like it may be time to see the vet if it continues to thin. Yes, you can bathe them occasionally with baby shampoo. Fill your tub up with 1-2 inches of lukewarm water (depending on the size of your rat. They should be able to touch the bottom) and only use a pea sized amount of baby tear-free shampoo. Make sure they stay warm as they dry off though, you don't want anyone getting sick.