Rat Depression?

Question
I rescued two male rats from another person a while ago,the previous "owners" didn't give me much information about them,not even age or how they would normally behave etc. They are both really sweet to me but I get the impression they don't like each other? I understand the peck relation,the alpha is the alpha and every now and then they have little fights,over food mostly,but no one ever got injured. But I feel like the not-alpha has being really sad lately,and scared of his buddy. They sleep together and its fine but whenever they are not sleeping and the alpha is around he gets really nervous,doesn't want to come out of the cage,sleeps more than he did before,doesn't like to play,hides in the box.. and I see the alpha kind of bullying him,he doesn't let him eat and if both are out of the cage at the same time he will scare the little one away,back in the cage. The cage is really big for two rats,so I don't think stress is a problem. Could get them neutered make their relationship better? And how can I make my small fluffy rat happy? As far as I know they have been together their whole life,I really don't know what is going on and if this strong dominance is normal. Hopefully you can help me!! Thank you

Answer
Absolutely that neutering the alpha boy will help and I recommend that if their relationship is to improve.  Because of their completely opposite personalities, neutering will bring the alpha boy closer in range to the submissive boy, thus reducing that boys fear of him.   Remember that after the neuter it will take several weeks for the testosterone to neutralize at the lower level so you may not see results until a few weeks later.

Since they sleep together, I assume during the day times, which likely brings both boys comfort, I recommend continuing allowing them to be together in the days.   During the night, especially while you sleep, you may want to consider keeping them in separate cages.  This will prevent any possible injury and also let the submissive boy to live in a state of relaxation instead of fear, which will help him to more readily accept his "transformed" brother without fear once the alpha has stabilized at a new hormonal level.

During the evenings until that time, make sure you give the submissive boy plenty of out time until you go to bed as he may be lonely.  And of course also let the alpha boy out for playtimes, just not together.

This is what I would do if I was in your position.   I see a promising future for your boys once the agression is taken care of.   Please let me know how they are doing  after that, and if you have any other questions.  Good luck!