All Pet Rats Are Fancy, Not All Are Dumbo

Should you’re contemplating getting a pet rat, you might need heard the phrases “dumbo rat” and “fancy rat.” These phrases, alongside others like top-eared or normal eared rat, are used to explain pet rats basically and aren’t segregated by something aside from seems.  

“Fancy rat” is the umbrella time period given to domesticated brown rats (Rattus norvegicus). The time period “fancy rat” encompasses all of the forms of rats you’ll be able to preserve as pets, together with dumbo and normal (top-eared) rats. Dumbo rats have ears which might be positioned decrease down on their heads, whereas top-eared rats have the conventional ear placement seen in wild rats.

Fancy rats have been selectively bred for variations of their look, comparable to ear placement and coat colours. Nonetheless, all styles of fancy rat (together with dumbo and top-eared) want precisely the identical care, consideration, area, and dietary necessities. All rat varieties additionally want the love and luxury of being a part of a mischief.

On this article, we’ll check out the visible variations between dumbo and normal fancy rats and whether or not or not there’s any distinction in lifespan or character.

Dumbo vs Normal Fancy Rat Look

Essentially the most notable distinction between dumbo rats and top-eared rats is their look. Dumbo rats have their ears positioned decrease on the perimeters of their heads, resembling the ears of the Disney character Dumbo the elephant, whereas top-eared rats have usually positioned ears.

Each forms of rat are available in a wide range of colours, coat varieties, and patterns. Whether or not you favor dumbo or normal prime ears, each make fantastic pets.

The place Did Dumbo Rats Originate?

The low-set ears that characterize the dumbo rat are rumored to have been a shock after they first appeared relatively than being one thing that was bred for. There’s some competition and debate about precisely the place dumbo rats got here from. Nonetheless, the American Fancy Rat and Mouse Affiliation (AFRMA) states {that a} tough time and homeland for the dumbo was in California, USA, round 1991.

The gene that makes a dumbo rat’s ears set decrease on their heads than regular rats is a recessive gene aptly named DMBO. Which means that two dumbo rats bred collectively will probably produce a dumbo litter, however just one dumbo mother or father might not.

Though dumbos have these gene adjustments, they’re not a separate species from strange top-eared rats and are precisely the identical in each different approach. They don’t have any unfavorable results from their surprisingly positioned ears, no less than not in the identical approach that tailless rats do (as rats use their tails to manage temperature and stability).

When this was found, selective breeding of the dumbo offspring unfold like wildfire; everybody needed to see this new physique sort of rat.

Dumbo vs Normal Fancy Rat Character

Relating to character, each dumbo rats and normal top-eared rats share the identical temperament traits seen in all fancy rats. Most fancy rats are social and revel in human interplay, making them nice pets for these looking for companionship. Rats are additionally clever animals that may study tips, acknowledge their house owners, and type sturdy bonds with their human households.

As a result of all fancy rats share the identical wants, each dumbo and top-eared rats have to be saved with different rats. Rats are extremely social animals that can get depressed and endure each psychological and bodily well being issues in the event that they’re saved on their very own. Some rat house owners prefer to preserve a small mischief of three or 4 rats, whereas others have seven or extra!

The 2 most vital factors to recollect about maintaining fancy rats (dumbo and top-eared included) are that every one opposite-sexed rats saved collectively must be neutered (to keep away from a child rat explosion!), and there must be sufficient area for all of them.

Dumbo vs Normal Fancy Rat Care

Whereas their bodily variations would possibly make them appear like completely different breeds or species, all forms of fancy rat are the identical animal and require the identical care.

Each dumbo and top-eared rats want a spacious cage with loads of room to maneuver round, toys to play with, and a balanced weight loss plan that features contemporary vegetables and fruit.

Dumbo and Normal Fancy Rat Cage Necessities

The enclosure housing your mischief must be cleaned frequently with rat-safe cleansing merchandise like F10 cleaner, and the bedding must be modified regularly to take care of good hygiene.

Fancy rats of all sorts are prone to respiratory infections, so good cage hygiene is a should to maintain them wholesome. The build-up of ammonia from pee is harmful to your rat’s well being and intensely aggravating for them to reside in. Each dumbo and top-eared rats are extremely clear!

As talked about earlier than, the cage must also be greater than large enough to comfortably home your whole mischief. Fancy rats are precisely the identical sizes, so each dumbo and top-eared varieties want sufficient area to reside and play comfortably.

Check out our cage calculator to see how huge your cage must be to accommodate your mischief, or enter the size of your cage to see what number of rats may reside in it.

Dumbo and Normal Fancy Rat Food plan

Now, let’s discuss rat weight loss plan. All forms of fancy rat want the identical weight loss plan to maintain them wholesome, together with dumbo and top-eared varieties. As rats are omnivores, they will eat each plant materials and meat.

A well-balanced rat weight loss plan ought to encompass a grain-based dry combine (whether or not home made or commercially purchased), proteins, greens, and fruits:

• Excessive-quality home made or industrial dry mixes: The simplest choice is store-bought dry mixes particularly designed for rats. Don’t feed your rat any meals geared toward different species, because it lacks the required vitamins that rats want.
• Recent vegetables and fruit: Rats love fruits and veggies! Some nice choices embrace blueberries, bananas, broccoli, carrots, and pumpkin. Ensure to clean them completely earlier than feeding them to your rat, and don’t depart them to sit down within the cage too lengthy.
• Protein: Rats want protein of their weight loss plan to remain wholesome. In case your dry combine doesn’t embrace sufficient protein, you can provide them cooked hen, eggs, or tofu. Ensure to keep away from feeding them an excessive amount of protein, as it may well result in well being issues.

There are some meals that rats would possibly love (comparable to chocolate) that aren’t dangerous however aren’t nice for them, both. So use your discretion when supplementing your rat’s weight loss plan, and ensure your dumbo or top-eared fancy rats get a completely balanced, nutrient-dense meal plan. Now we have an inventory of rat-safe meals right here that may information you!

Ensure to at all times present your rats with contemporary water, and clear their water bottles or bowls frequently.

Dumbo vs Fancy Rat Lifespan

On common, fancy rats can reside for 2 to a few years. This appears to be the common age a well-loved rat can reside to, give or take a number of months. Nonetheless, some very previous rats do make it to 4 years previous.

There isn’t a distinction in lifespan between forms of fancy rats like dumbo and top-eared. They’ll reside for the very same period of time.

Components influencing their lifespans can embrace genetic components (comparable to parental longevity and predisposition to most cancers), dietary components, and environmental components. Each dumbo and top-eared rats can reside lengthy (for a rat), wealthy, and joyful lives if they’re nicely cared for, cherished, and sorted. 

Closing Ideas

The completely different styles of fancy rat have their quirks and sights, however the truth of the matter is: dumbo and top-eared are precisely the identical aside from the slight variations in look. There’s nothing else completely different about them, and all their care wants are similar.

There’s nothing mistaken with having a favourite, nonetheless, and I am keen on a dumbo rat’s particular ears. They’re very expressive!

Are rats with their ears held excessive and proud your favourite, or have dumbo’s stolen your coronary heart? Tell us within the feedback!