my rats swollen bits

Question
hi sandra, i got 2 pet rats at the weekend. they are both around 6wks old but one seems to have swollen testicles and am just wondering if thats normal or a sign of illness? he also seems to be much more scared & timid than the other. thank u

Answer
Hi

I am going to assume they are both males and your comparing one to the other?

Is the timid one the same one with the swollen testicles?

Also,its not uncommon for them to be scared at first, esp if they are pet store rats that were not properly socialized. You will have to learn to work with them both, for starters, try not to pick them up. Allow them time to get used to their new home and your scent. Just lay your hands in the cage and let him come to you, but dont scare him by going for him.

Also, check out my website. You will want to have a nice play area set up for them that is safe rather than always chasing them around or even having one escape and if they are still shy, they will hide for days.

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

There is a wall you can construct out of cardboard that works great as a playpen wall to contain them during play time. You can make it wrap around their cage so you can open the door and let them slowly come out of their cage. they may not come out for a few days but may get real close to coming out. DONT take them out, let them come on their own. Read up on how to trust train the shy rat too.

Meanwhile, do you have a vet that is an exotic vet that sees rats? If not, allow me to help you find one. I just need to know your location and I can give you names of vets. Not just any vet will be good enough for them since these vets often are a waste of money, guessing their way through the exam, not knowing the common rat ailments and how to treat them, etc...

hope this helps