ill rat?

Question
Hi Sandra,
I emailed you a few weeks ago because my baby rat, Paris (aka Chomps!) was biting me. I wanted to thankyou again for the advice you gave me as she has turned into the most adorable pet i could have imagined! She thrives on human attention and doesn't think twice about jumping onto my lap and shoulder. I'm so glad I didnt take her back to the pet shop!!

I am now worried about her sister, Britney. Ever since i brought her home about a month ago, i've noticed she has a rough, dishevelled fur. She is a hooded rat and Paris has a smooth fur, so I'm guessing its abnormal. I bought her from a pet shop, where i think she was kept on wood shavings, but since i brought her home i ve been using Carefresh for bedding. Furthermore, she has become increasingly distant. She used to come out of her cage and was a lot more outgoing than Paris. She even climbed onto my lap on a few occasions. But now she rarely comes out of her cage, but prefers to sit in a corner and is really jumpy. I cant even bribe her out with food! Though she lets me pet her. I ve tried picking her up, but she looks so terrified, her eyes bulge out of her head, and she makes a quick escape back to her cage ignoring all the treats i offer her on the way. I dont know what to do. Is she ill? She's still eating, though whereas before she used to grab anything that was offered to her, she has become more picky. I'm worried I might have traumatised her by picking her up!
Please help!

Thanks for your help and attention,
Stephanie

Answer
Hi Stephanie

Could Britney be a rat with a different coat? There are rex rats that have more of a wavy coat and some are even kind of curly, and some even look a bit...messy...because you can see their scalp and the fur seems to clump in one direction.
I have seen some really plus rex coats and others not so plush.
You probably know what I mean already but I just thought I should explain in case other people read this, which I have found out that many people read these threads on here, which is good, this way those that need and want to learn more about rat care can learn as well.

You may have spooked her...rats that were poorly socialized at birth often act withdrawn and shy but you know how to fix that now :-)

However, I am the first one to say to trust your gut...if you feel that she may be sick.... by all means, go to the vets ASAP.

Hope this helps. Please feel free to contact me again for whatever you need....thats why I am here!!

regards

Sandy