I just posted this in Rat Forum for you so I will copy it here
Think of it this way, Drew. These are babies...they were used to being with a pile of other rats, suddenly there's only 2 of them in a cage in a new place, new smells, etc. Its possible they weren't handled much during their formative weeks before weaning. They consider us "scary" and "possible predators". We have these hands that swoop down from above like a hawk, or our hands hold them and they think we are going to kill and eat them.
Imagine being that small and seeing YOU! Go slow with your babies, talk to them softly and lovingly, offer your hand in their cage to check out at their leisure. Try not to grab or frighten them. Offer treats on spoon with you holding it. The scary hands are far away and they might eat some. If not, leave the spoon in the cage so they can discover it themselves and then the next time might approach the spoon with the hand on the end Rolling Eyes
If you can get them out of the cage, I often let babies explore me with a blanket over all of us...they are covered up (from predators) which can take their fear down a notch. I try not to touch them right away, just let them take their time and work stuff out in their heads. Frightened rats are very instinctual but they are also very intelligent and as long as your are kind and consistent they will come around
The sneezing is most likely NHS (New Home Sneezies). Rats have very sensitive respiratory systems (I have stopped wearing perfume, burning candles or having room deodorizers around mine) and in a new home and a bit stressed they will often sneeze. It should go away in a few days. If your boy starts acting lethargic or ill, he will have a URI and need a vet.
