Backing away - fear, dominance?

[Stralis]

Hi all, well unfortunatly my first thread on here is asking for a little help on something that i'm rather confused and worried about.

Firstly my brother and his girlfriend bought a couple of lovley squishy rats from the pet store months ago who were about 6 weeks old and were very inquisative, trusting form the get go and great little guys. They found a place of their own and moved out, and i missed them so bought three boys about 13/14 weeks old.

Two are sniffy, interested in stuff and a little timid at times but that comes with learning new surroundings. However my point is that the third when i put my hand in the cage he stands up presenting his belly and won't let me stroke him on his head/back. If i try he turns side to side or runs off around the cage, also with squeeks.

When i have managed to get him and look over there are no signs of pain when stroking areas and such, just he sqeels and huffs like mad when held or stroked.

In the cage when i bought Smokey, he leant back into the corner presenting his belly but didn't hear the protest when picked him up brining him home.

Is this a territory thing or is it he is the bottom of the social order in the cage and he thinks my hand is another rat coming to claim dominance?

Worried now as it's been 3 weeks and i've handled the other two every day before work and had them out with me on my bed for a good couple hours every afternoon, just Smokey has not changed a bit

Any info/help is much appreciated,

Cheers

[HowlsOfAngels]

It kinda sounds like he's nosing off with ou, it is a defencive stance. Try offering food when he stops this behavior and wait to try and handle him.