my new rat pees everywhere

Question
Hi,

I just got a new rat after one of my pet rats died.  My new girl is about a year old.  She was in a foster home after being surrendered by an owner who couldn't care for her.  Since we've had her, she pees on everything.  She pees on me, she pees on my other rat, she pees all over her cage (except her litter box), and she pees all over the floor when she's out for play time.  My other rats (both males) never had this problem.  In fact, if they were sitting on my lap (which they could do for hours) they would suddenly get up, walk over to the corner of the room and pee, then get back up on my lap.  My new girl also does not know how to use the litter box.  Both of my boys learned to use it in a few days.  She actually has picked up the box, dumped out the litter, and moved the box around the cage.  Sometimes she plays with the litter.  It's hard to train her, as she's always dumping the box.

Please help.  My sweet boy who is her cagemate seems disturbed by her "rude" behavior.

Thanks,
Bari

Answer
Unfortunately that's kind of a-typical of a girl. They like to run around and "mark" things they like and enjoy - people included. Boys are usually much more respectful in this aspect. I wish I could help you, but I'm completely useless with litterbox advice. I suggest posing this question to Sandra Todd, and see if she may shed some light on the situation for you.

Sorry!