pet rat going potty near food and water

Question
Our new pet rat just started going poop and pee right where his food and water is.  His cage has a ledge that his bowl of food and water bottle are.  He just starting going to the bathroom up there and seems to sit in his feces while he is eating.  His tale gets all gross and I don't want my girls to hold him like that.  What can I do?  Also can I bathe him or will he clean himself up?  Thanks

Answer
Try moving the food and water down to a different level; he may like that particular ledge to poop on and once they have a habit like that its difficult to break. Other than that - yes - bathe him if you'd like, but I found it easier to just take babywipes to their tails!

Good luck.