What is a dwarf rat?
A dwarf rat is NOT just a small rat! It is a genetic mutation that causes them to have reduced growth hormone. This causes them to grow more slowly than standard sized babies, and they stop growing around the time they are 6-7 weeks old. According to scientific research, they are more resistant to certain types of cancer and also kidney disease due to their reduced growth hormone, however there is a tradeoff – they may not be as “bright” as normal sized rats. Some dwarf owners say that it’s like they never grow up mentally – they seem to keep the playful, happy demeanor of youngsters. But many people don’t notice a difference in their personalities at all – a lot of dwarf rats seem to be the same as normally sized rats in a smaller package! Physically, dwarf rats do look different than standard sized rats. Their feet are smaller, legs are shorter, and their tails are very thin. Their eyes are out of proportion to the size of their heads. They are much smaller than standard sized rats –
A dwarf rat is NOT just a small rat! It is a genetic mutation that causes them to have reduced growth hormone. This causes them to grow more slowly than standard sized babies, and they stop growing around the time they are 6-7 weeks old. According to scientific research, they are more resistant to certain types of cancer and also kidney disease due to their reduced growth hormone, however there is a tradeoff – they may not be as “bright” as normal sized rats. Some dwarf owners say that it’s like they never grow up mentally – they seem to keep the playful, happy demeanor of youngsters. But many people don’t notice a difference in their personalities at all – a lot of dwarf rats seem to be the same as normally sized rats in a smaller package! Physically, dwarf rats do look different than standard sized rats. Their feet are smaller, legs are shorter, and their tails are very thin. Their eyes are out of proportion to the size of their heads. They are much smaller than standard sized rats –
