Shy new rat!

Question
I bought a 3-month-old boy (Patrick) from a pet shop about a month ago, and just recently got him a friend as he started to show signs of clinginess and boredom when my boyfriend or I weren't around to play with him. His new friend Kenny is two months old and also a male, but very very shy! I know he needs time to settle in, but he simply sits in Pat's hammock all day (Pat doesn't like this, and no longer uses his hammock). Even when I let them out in the evenings, Kenny just wants to sit in a secluded spot and groom himself instead of playing with me or Pat.

Even Pat wasn't this shy when I first took him home.

What sort of behavior should I expect in the next couple of weeks, and how can I get them to be more friendly with me and each other?

Answer
Rats are like people; and often their personalities - shy, outgoing, etc - are genetically inclined moreso than based on how they're raised. Ultimately, this rat will decide how outgoing he wants to be, and all you can do is treat him just as you do Pat. Move slowly but confidently; try to avoid sharp, loud noises, and handle him often. Let him build trust in you, but don't force him into anything. He may come out of his shell quickly; then again he may always be reserved.

You can lead a rat to a buddy, but you can't make them be friends - Patrick and Kenny will develop a relationship on their own terms -- just be sure they don't argue in the meantime.

Good luck!