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Roof Rat born with split tail: is it genetic?

She is otherwise normal, friendly and healthy

Roof Rat with split tail birth defect or mutation
Roof Rat with split tail birth defect or mutation

She was one of a litter of 5 babies. The rest were apparently normal.

Roof Rat with two tail tips. Possible birth defect or mutation.
Roof Rat with two tail tips. Possible birth defect or mutation.

Her mother also had a normal tail.

Roof Rat with abnormal tail. Is it a genetic defect or a reabsorbed twin?
Roof Rat with abnormal tail. Is it a genetic defect or a reabsorbed twin?

However, her father’s tail was groomed off by his mother sometime after birth, so we cannot confirm it was normal.

As you can see from the video, her and her mother both appear to be perfectly healthy, tame and friendly.

Close-up of rat's tail tip showing possible birth defect or genetic mutation
Close-up of rat’s split tail tip showing possible birth defect or genetic mutation

Anyone that is interested in her or knows what caused this, please contact us: petroofrats@gmail.com

Close-up of possible rat tail birth defect. Anyone know what could cause this?
Close-up of possible rat tail birth defect. Anyone know what could cause this?

Want to see our rats and maybe

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