Rats acting somewhat strange

Question
I have three new male rats, approximately 3-7 weeks old. This is the first time I've had rats and I'm having a little trouble with them. First of all, they are timid of me and don't like to be handled. I'm sure this is just because they need to be socialized and so I've been taking them out everyday individually to give them attention. A day or so ago when I took out the youngest and smallest rat, I noticed that he was not moving very quickly and his tail had been beaten up. I looked under his body and noticed that his testicles are "missing" and his genital area is wet with urine? I don't know what is wrong with him but I do notice that he seems to be in pain by the way he slowly moves around. He has always been the most active out of the three rats and seeing him in pain makes me feel like a horrible owner! ( one possible explanation I can think of is that the oldest rat, who is by far the most aggressive, attacked him, but I simply do not know.) Please help me!!

Answer
Hi Brandon

It sounds like the scared one is drawing up his testicles.  Male rats have an open inguinal canal, which allows them to draw their testicles up when scared or sometimes when they are sick.    

Just to be safe though, I would take him in to the Vets if they dont drop once he is calmed down.

I have my own website, Critter City, and I have a page devoted on how to socialize shy rats.  You need to start by making an area just for them where they can come out of their cage but be in a confined area.  Usually I suggest constructing a cardboard "wall" like the one in the photo to the right,the idea is from The Dapper rat in the UK!
You can wrap this around the room, including their cage, and add some toys for them.  Find this info on the GETTING STARTED page, using the URL below.


http://www.freewebs.com/crittercity/gettingstarted.htm

Next you do not want to reach in and grab them, but let them sniff your hands. Wash them well first of course and lay them in the cage. Let them sniff if they want.  You can also put treats like cheerios in your hand and allow them to snatch them from you, but again, dont try to grab them when they do. They need to learn to trust you first.  You can also break the ice by offering them baby food.  Some people put it on their fingers and let the rats lick it that way...its a good way to bond.  They will slowly start to come out of the cage on their own and once they discover it has fun things to explore, each day they may come out more and more. It will take time, esp if they were not socialized as young babies.

Here is the URL to my page on how to socialize shy rats:

http://www.freewebs.com/crittercity/trainingshyorbitingrats.htm

Also, where are you located?  Being a new rat owner, you probably do not have an exotic vet yet and they are difficult to located, often people dont know where to look.  Let me know your location and i will give you some names.  again, if the young rats testicles do not drop by Monday or he acts like he is in alot of pain he may even need to see an emergency vet before Monday.