Lethargic Female Rat

Question
Hi, I've had my rats for about 3 months. They have been great, the one that I am asking about is usually very active and friendly, she loves running around and getting into things. Today, however, she hasn't really moved. I found her asleep (I thought she was dead, by how she was) in her hut about an hour ago, not moving. I had to pick her up to get any kind of response. Her fur is puffed out a little, and is cold and almost sticky to the touch, like she's been sweating. She has been slowly chewing some food pellets after I set her close to her food, but slumps into a very hunched position. Her tail doesn't move like normal, it just hangs behind her. I can't get to a vet right now, but plan to call in the morning. She hasn't been using her chew toys lately and her teeth have gotten alarmingly long, she has opted to chew on the bars of her cage, I don't know if she ingests the paint and if that would be harmful. I cannot get her to regularly file her teeth down. Any advice would be greatly appreciated, thank you.

Answer
Hi Brandy

You described to me a rat that is feeling pretty sick. The hunched posture and Piloerection (fur appears puffed out more than normal) are two key signs of illness along with lethargy, lack of appetite and simply not acting like she usually acts.  Without seeing her, its impossible to know what could be wrong. As for the teeth, rats do NOT need to gnaw on chew toys on a regular basis since they naturally file their own teeth down just by doing natural things such as bruxing and eating. When they eat, their teeth grind down naturally. However, if they are misaligned, they will not wear properly and CAN over grow despite how many chew toys they chew on. This in fact can cause the teeth to even split which is painful.  I am not sure if that is what is causing her to feel sick, but if she cannot drink well she may even be dehydrated too. I suggest a vet as soon as possible for an exam.  Do you have a vet that knows how to care for small exotic companion mammals such as rats?  Hope this helps!