We've had a few litters recently in which one or two specimens have a very odd hair-coat. It's thin and wispy, to the point that in the darker coloured ones you can see the skin underneath (kinda like a powderpuff Chinese Crested dog). The three we've had so far (from two different litters) have all been male, and two of them are significantly smaller and frailer than their littermates. Where the other baby rats their age show a smooth sleek coat, these guys have soft fuzz with skin showing faintly through.

We've kept the tiniest one alive as a novelty; if he proves to be docile he may wind up as a pet. He's about half the size of his littermates. The others have been fed off. My friend is using two different males as studs, and is unsure which male fathered either of the litters. In any case, all the parents are normal in appearance.

I've looked up the various hairless rat types, and they all seem to specifiy curly whiskers, which these guys don't have.

Any ideas? And no, I don't have pictures...no cam. :-(