This article is from the Fall 1998 AFRMA Rat & Mouse Tales news-magazine.

By Karen Robbins

Danielle Hale, Fontana, CA (e-mail)
QMy rat had 9 babies, but one died. They look like every single one of them is Berkshire, but some are lighter and some are darker. Do you think the lighter ones might turn out white and gray or white and brown? Or do Berkshires only come in black and white?

ABerkshire rats can come in any color—Berkshire is just the pattern of color on top and white on the bottom, white feet, tail tip, and spot on the head. I’ve had Berkshires recently in Black, Lilac, Cinnamon, Fawn, and Blue, but they can come in any color. The Chinchilla rats are “linked” with the Berkshire pattern and you will find many excellent marked animals when they have this color. Many also have almost perfect blazes. Their pattern will look very similar to the Fox mice.