Rats.

Question
Hi, i have 4 rats. 2 sets of girls. we got them a few weeks apart so for the first few days of having the second set they had to live with the other two. Ever since then, one girl, Smokey, is very timid and hates being touched. She is also "humped" alot by her sister. We have treated her the same as the other rats, and the the other sister adore being handled and being out the cage. She never leaves it, even with the door wide open. Do you think she is scared of people because of her sister? Also, is it a good idea to get female rats spayed to prevent problems because Mousey has had a prolapse, and one of my rats before her has so i was wondering if it would be a good idea. Sorry its long but would be helpful and trying to provide good info. We got them just before Xmas 2009, so they nearly a year old.
Thanks :)

Answer
Hi Katie

It sounds like your girl Smokey needs to learn to trust again, which takes time and patience. Never let the rat know you may feel disappointed or perhaps even a bit afraid she may bite or the negative energy reflects back to the rat. They are tune with our emotions and the way we display them, just like cats know when someone doesnt like them or a horse knows when your scared of them and will take full advantage of you.  As for spaying I usually recommend it be done by a very skilled surgeon that has extreme knowledge about rats. Its best to do it before they are 6 months to really prevent the growth of mammary tumors and sometimes pituitary adenomas, but any age before they are reaching the end of their estrus cycle is good to spay. Just the fact she has had a prolapse already is reason enough. In fact I am a bit puzzled why she wasnt spayed right at the time of prolapse.

Let me know what you think!