Kinked rat tail?

[Ladybugzcrunch]

One of my rats has a bent tail. It is right in the middle of the tail and at a 90 degree angle. I did not notice this as a pink rat. I noticed just before the eyes opened. I have never seen a kink in my colony. What do you know about kinks in rat tails? Could it be broken or def a kink? Is it genetic? I ask because this rat is the most unique in my projects so far and I would really like to retain him. However, this tail thing is bothering me because I do not want genetic defects in my colony. Thoughts?

[bokuza]

Kinks are usually fractures and breaks. Given it's a pup I wouldn't worry unless it changes colours or appears very red. That being said it probably was broken when it was a pinky and healed like that.

Genetics kinks can happen but they are arguable. Unless you have seen more rats this I wouldn't worry. Plus genetic kinks are strange, bumpy and sometimes in several places.

[Ladybugzcrunch]

Hmmm. Okay. I took some photos of the rat. He is getting big, and I have to decide whether he stays or goes in the next couple days. He is very pretty. White belly that goes up onto sides. Nice wide clean white blaze. Dark red eyes. Cream colored with strange light grey blotches on his sides. Attached are photos. See the kink. It is hard to see the light grey blotches on his sides. They almost look like wet spots in the photo but he is completely dry here.

[llovelace]

That's a small kink, unless you are breeding show rats, I wouldn't worry about it, it may not be genetic

[Ladybugzcrunch]

No show, food. I really do not need another male. I am leaning toward giving him the gas but feel bad killing such a pretty one

[llovelace]

Then keep him as a backup

[bokuza]

Could be he developed wrong in embryo stage. Or mom had an accident. There are countless things that can explain his tail kink. If your worried gas off mom and dad but I don't believe it to be genetic. Looks like his tail got stuck.

EDIT: He looks like a Merle but his pattern is light. http://www.dreameyce.com/eagleseye/r.../merlerats.htm What colors are the parents?

[CLSpider]

Looks like a pearl Merle. Beautiful boy!
And the kink just looks (and sounds from your story) like it was only a break. I wouldn't worry about it being genetic. I'd keep him.

[Ladybugzcrunch]

Yup that's him, pearl merle! Thanks! He is 3rd generation all dumbo. Grand parents are blue capped and blue variegated berkshire. Parents are blue capped and solid beige. Grandparents carry silver as they pop up in my litters from time to time. No I am undecided again. Grrrrr. The problem is that if I let him get too big then decide I do not want to keep him, he will be too big for my snakes to eat.