Troubled lonely rat looking for experienced handler

West Linn OR

Description

We have a 9 month old black and white male rat named Apple. Until a month ago, I would have described him as incredibly passive, a complete pushover. Never started or participated in any squabbles, loved cuddling his brothers. He was never super outgoing, more timid. If you try to pick him up he squeaks like you stabbed him but never tried to bite. He eagerly comes to inspect hands but doesn't necessarily want you to touch him. About a month ago, he started attacking his brother who he shared a home with. At first we could just move the other rat to give him a break for a bit, but eventually that wasn't enough. We tried other rats to stay with him but he fights every single one of them once they're in "his" cage. I was cleaning his cage the other day and he bit my finger hard enough to draw blood and need a bandaid. This is very unlike him and is not a reflection of who he is. We just aren't experienced enough to know how to help him and get him back to his normal happy self. I'm worried this isolation will have lasting consequences if it isn't corrected and he deserves a better life.