Switched behaviour

[Zephye]

I'm not sure if this is anything to be concerned about but my two boys, Zephye and Nemo.
Nemo used to be a skittish rat that would never come to the door and let me hold/pet him. While Zephye having been with me a few weeks longer loved to be petted and always came to the door for treats or acknowledgement.

It seems lately they have 'switched' personalities. Zephye now is more skittish and doesn't seem to want to come near the door and often hides away. He still lets me pet him and hold him more than usual. Nemo on the other hand is super curious, loves coming over and will generally permit me to pet him as long as it's only his body. S: It's just weirding me out watching my little Zephye be so strange lately. anic:

 

[jorats]

At around 3 to 5 months a lot if rats go through a "scared" phase. Continue to socialize normally with lots of treats. Your other one is probably gaining confidence.

 

[Zephye]

D: how strange, I wonder why? He even holds still in my hand (he never does that)((zephye)), it's just so weird to me. anic: Considering he was so confident not too long ago...

 

[Zephye]

Zephye also just sits on the roof of his house staring in one direction for hours... he seemed to be okay outside his cage when under a blanket but refused to explore outside even though Nemo would. Which is rather unlike him, I suppose it might be part of the 'scared phase?' yet he doesn't seem to be afraid of me. anic: He would sit on my shoulder like usual and move close to me and let me hold him for extended period of time. It just seems like he mellowed out or something.

 

[jorats]

Is there something new in the room? A new toy or pet or piece of furniture? Some rats are very aware and sensitive to changes. Once, I placed a box in the play area and my rats didn't come out of their cage for 2 days.

 

[Zephye]

Hm I did recently get them a new wheel lately, as Nemo was having trouble with the last one. Which made me have to shift the cage around to accommodate. I also changed the color of bed sheets I have, as they roam around on my bed,