AFRMA:
"This pattern is created because the color of this animal’s fur is determined by the temperature. The cooler it is, the darker the fur grows; therefore, the extremities (ears, nose, feet, and tail) are dark, and the rest of the body is light."
Are your rats in a cooler area of the house? or garage?
Mine are kept pretty warm as the room is around 73 degrees at all times.