Monthly Archive for October, 2006

My rat has oily fur! What do I do?

Male rats can sometimes have a problem with oily skin.  Not all male rats have this problem, but it can be pretty gross.  The oily skin is a result of their testosterone level, which creates a thick orange residue on their backs. Wiping with a washcloth will sometimes work for this problem, but a bath may be needed about once a month for more severe cases.  Another solution to this problem is neutering.  Neutering a male can decrease urine-marking behavior, decrease the amount of oil and scent produced by the skin, and decreases the chance of kidney degeneration and prostate disease. It also completely eliminates the chance of cancer or other diseases of the testes.