Pet rat colouring is a major distinguishing feature that allows you to differentiate between various species of rats. Many times, when picking a rat from a pet shop or from a breeder, it is the pet rat colouring that sets the first impression on the customer. As a hobbyist, many people choose to breed rats based on the pet rat colouring that they like.
In the 18th century, people used to enjoy a bloody sport of rats being thrown into a pit along with a terrier and bets would subsequently be placed on the time that the terrier would take to kill all the rats. Rat owners would buy their rats from rat-catchers, who would have a large random variety that would be sold off. Soon, many rat owners decided to trademark their rats and used only a particular type of colouring. Due to the inconsistent deliveries, they decided to breed them on their own and as the sport lost popularity, the practice of breeding rats with specific colourings became a popular hobby.
Pet rat colouring is a popular way of differentiating between rats and it is also a commonly used means of selecting rats as pets. The first thing to always strike a customer is the appearance of the rat and pleasant pet rat colouring is a wonderful way of attracting people. Also a major cause for the hobby of adopting pet rats, pet rat colouring is often the main reason why people keep rats. Most hobbyists love the creature and like to own a particular colouring only – the true reason behind their hobby.
Wild rats are known to be brown in colour although, their actual colouring is something called agouti. These rats have colourings similar to pet rat colourings and have three different colours on the same strand of hair. There are different combinations depending on the base colour of the rat. Agouti coloured rats normally have agouti, cinnamon and fawn as the three colours on their hair. Black coloured rats have black, beige and chocolate colours on their hair.
Depending on their countries of origin, the regions and the temperature, the colours may also be white, beige or fawn. In some cases, exotic colours such as blue, champagne, Sky Blue and lilac are also available.
Another aspect of pet rat colouring is related to their eyes. If you are looking for something specific, then you will probably have a particular colour for the eyes on your mind as well. International standards have a number of coat-eye colour combinations that are widely recognized, however, every now and then, you may come across a rare combination.
While black, pink and ruby coloured rat eyes are common, you also get odd-eyed rats that have two different coloured eyes. Pink and ruby eye colours are a result of genetic dilution of the black colour of the rat’s eyes.
Pet rat colourings have often been the cause of people falling in love with rats and these tiny little creatures tend to amplify their cute natures by means of their wonderfully coloured coats. So if you are looking for an excuse to begin rearing rats then pet rat colourings is a great place to begin.
A London based Veterinary surgeon, Sanja is also an avid writer and pet advocate.
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