Do you know the difference between a dumbo rat and a fancy rat? If you are a rat lover or a potential rat owner, you might have heard these terms before. But what do they really mean? Are they different breeds of rats or just different names for the same animal?
Dumbo rats and fancy rats are both domesticated varieties of the brown rat (Rattus norvegicus), which is the most common species of rat kept as a pet. However, they have different origins and characteristics that make them unique and special.
In this post, we will compare and contrast dumbo rats and fancy rats in terms of appearance, personality, health, and care. We will also provide some tips on how to choose the best rat breed for your lifestyle and preferences. Whether you are a dumbo rat fan, a fancy rat enthusiast, or just curious about these adorable creatures, this post is for you!
Appearance
One of the most obvious differences between dumbo rats and fancy rats is their physical appearance. Dumbo rats and fancy rats differ in their size, color, coat, ears, eyes, and tail.
Dumbo rats are named after the Disney character Dumbo the elephant because of their large, round ears that are located on the sides of their head. Fancy rats have smaller, triangular ears that are located on the top of their head. Dumbo rats also have bigger eyes than fancy rats, giving them a more innocent and cute expression.
Fancy rats are not a specific breed of rat, but rather a term that refers to any rat that has been selectively bred for certain traits. Therefore, fancy rats can come in a variety of colors, patterns, and coat types. Some examples of fancy rat varieties are rex (curly coat), hairless (no coat), hooded (colored head and shoulders), agouti (ticked coat), etc.
Dumbo rats can also come in different colors and patterns, but they usually have a smooth coat. However, some breeders have crossed dumbo rats with other fancy rat varieties to create dumbo rex, dumbo hairless, dumbo hooded, etc.
Dumbo rats and fancy rats are similar in size, but dumbo rats tend to be slightly larger and heavier than fancy rats. The average weight of a male dumbo rat is 450-650 grams, while the average weight of a male fancy rat is 350-550 grams. The average length of both dumbo rats and fancy rats is 25-30 cm.
Personality
Another difference between dumbo rats and fancy rats is their personality. Dumbo rats and fancy rats differ in their temperament, behavior, and intelligence.
Dumbo rats are known for being very calm, gentle, and affectionate. They love to cuddle with their owners and other rats. They are also very curious and playful, but not as hyperactive or adventurous as some fancy rats.
Fancy rats are also very friendly and sociable, but they tend to be more energetic and outgoing than dumbo rats. They enjoy exploring new places and things. They are also very smart and can learn tricks and commands easily.
Both dumbo rats and fancy rats are highly intelligent animals that need mental stimulation and social interaction. They can bond with humans, other rats, and even other animals such as dogs or cats. They also have their own personalities and preferences that may vary from individual to individual.
The average lifespan of both dumbo rats and fancy rats is 2-3 years, but some may live longer or shorter depending on their genetics and environment. They also need at least one cage mate of the same sex or neutered opposite sex to prevent loneliness and boredom.
Health
A third difference between dumbo rats and fancy rats is their health. Dumbo rats and fancy rats differ in their health issues, risks, and prevention.
Dumbo rats are generally healthier than fancy rats because they have not been subjected to as much inbreeding or genetic manipulation. However, they can still suffer from some common diseases and disorders that affect all domesticated rats.
Fancy rats are more prone to certain health problems than dumbo rats because of their genetic diversity and history of selective breeding. Some of these health problems are inherited from their ancestors or caused by mutations in their genes.
Some examples of common diseases and disorders that affect both dumbo rats and fancy rats are respiratory infections (such as mycoplasma), tumors (such as mammary tumors), mites (such as sarcoptic mange), etc.
The prevalence and treatment of these health problems may vary depending on the type and severity of the condition, the age and sex of the rat, and the availability and quality of veterinary care. Some health problems may be cured with antibiotics, surgery, or other medications, while others may be chronic or terminal.
The best way to prevent or reduce the risk of these health problems is to provide your rats with a healthy diet, a clean and spacious cage, a stress-free environment, and regular check-ups with a vet.
Care
A fourth difference between dumbo rats and fancy rats is their care. Dumbo rats and fancy rats differ in their care requirements, such as diet, cage, bedding, toys, grooming, etc.
Dumbo rats and fancy rats have similar dietary needs. They are omnivorous animals that can eat a variety of foods, such as commercial rat pellets, fresh fruits and vegetables, cooked meat and eggs, seeds and nuts, etc. However, they should avoid foods that are high in fat, sugar, salt, or artificial additives, such as chocolate, cheese, candy, or junk food.
Dumbo rats and fancy rats also have similar cage needs. They need a large and secure cage that can accommodate their size and activity level. The cage should have multiple levels, platforms, ramps, tubes, etc. to provide them with space and stimulation. The cage should also have a solid floor and a deep base to prevent injuries and messes.
The bedding for dumbo rats and fancy rats should be soft, absorbent, and dust-free. Some examples of suitable bedding materials are paper-based products (such as Carefresh), fleece fabric (such as Vetbed), or natural materials (such as hemp or aspen). The bedding should be changed at least once a week or more often if it becomes wet or dirty.
The toys for dumbo rats and fancy rats should be safe, durable, and fun. Some examples of suitable toys are wooden blocks, cardboard boxes, plastic balls, ropes, hammocks, etc. The toys should be rotated or replaced regularly to keep your rats interested and entertained.
The grooming for dumbo rats and fancy rats depends on their coat type. Dumbo rats with smooth coats do not need much grooming because they can groom themselves or each other. However, they may need occasional nail trimming or ear cleaning if they become too long or dirty.
Fancy rats with different coat types may need more grooming than dumbo rats. For example, rex rats may need brushing to prevent matting; hairless rats may need moisturizing to prevent dryness; long-haired rats may need trimming to prevent tangling.
Conclusion
Dumbo rats and fancy rats are both adorable pet rats that have different characteristics that make them unique and special. They have different origins and appearances that distinguish them from each other. They also have different personalities and health issues that affect their behavior and well-being. They also have different care requirements that depend on their needs and preferences.
However, dumbo rats and fancy rats also have many similarities that make them compatible and lovable. They are both intelligent and sociable animals that can bond with humans and other pets. They are also both easy and fun to care for as long as you provide them with the proper diet, cage, bedding, toys, grooming, etc.
If you are looking for a pet rat that is calm, gentle, and cute, you might want to consider a dumbo rat. If you are looking for a pet rat that is energetic, outgoing, and smart, you might want to consider a fancy rat. If you are looking for a pet rat that is both or neither of these things, you might want to consider both or neither of these breeds.
The best way to choose the best rat breed for you is to do your research and visit a reputable breeder or rescue center. There you can see the different varieties of dumbo rats and fancy rats in person and interact with them. You can also ask the breeder or staff for advice and recommendations based on your lifestyle and preferences.
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