ive had my baby boys just over a week. im handling them at least once a day but their still very nervous.they run away when i try to pick them up but are ok if i keep my hand still in the cage. any ideas?
Answers:
youre doing really well to get them that calm in a week keep on doing it
what your doing is the right thing putting your hand in and let them sniff and lick and run all over it, leave it in there for about 30 mins, i know its seems a long time but rats are neophobic and take about 30 mins to get over that fear
get yourself some yoggie drops[ i use the dog ones theyre bigger] and hold them in your fingers for them to come and nibble on, they'll soon love you forever
get or make yourself a little pouch you can have on your lap or round your neck, once they are happy to be picked up, pop them in there and sit with them outtside of the cage, when they start to come out give them a yoggie so again theyre learning coming out to play with you = good things
do this and by the time youve had them another couple of weeks i bet they'll be just fine
well done by the way for getting a same sex pair, they'll love you more for it
They just have to get use to you,,, keep doing what you have been and they will come around. Rats are very smart so be patient with them
Yup, that's the way, they do take a while to get used to handling, but you'll get there. Mine were fab after a couple of months, fun animals to watch.
What I used to do was take all the food out of the cage for about an hour, then put it in my hand and hold it in the cage without moving until they came and ate out of it. you can do this while you are watching TV or something. Pretty soon my little ratties got so excited because they knew my hand meant food. With some rats it just takes them awhile to "come out of their shell." Give them little treats too (carrots, yogurt drops) when you come to the cage, and try to coax them out, don't just reach in and grab them because it is scary for them. Also try to talk to them alot and in a soothing voice. Make sure that they have plenty of toys in the cage so that they play and are happy. Sounds like you are doing a great job!
when you put your hand in thier cage try and give them a treat or stroke them so they can get used to your scent, and when they are more confident then pick them up.
let them ajust to you first feed them with food in ur hand and then let them get you scent.
You're doing the right thing. I sit w/ my rat while I'm on the computer-He loves it:) He's gotten used to me that way. I also let him run free on the bed. Since he has no place to hide (at the computer or on the bed), he's gotten really used to me. He loves his chin and head rubbed-He just closes his eyes and sits there. They'll get used to you when they get a little older too. They have tons of energy when they're babies.
They'll be nervous for awhile and some rats are always nervous - we have two who we've had for almost a year and they're still a bit skittish. Just keep handling them; stick your hand in the cage and let them get used to your scent, then try grabbing them (you'll have to be really quick, but it gets easier; don't chase them, though. If they feel cornered and in danger, they just might bite), and try offering little treats. That's a really good way to gain their trust. (Things like carrots, apple slices, and frozen peaches are favorites; we tried little oatmeal flavored toddler cookies, too, and that gets even our most timid rat running to the cage door for it.)
Our newest female - who we got from a rat rescue - is still timid, but she's been coming out more and more since we offer her little treats that she likes.
Dont grab your rats from above, put your hand under their belly. That will make them feel more safe. Also try to give them treats while you are holding them and give them a treat when you put them back in the cage. Its like training them to want you to hold them.
Now you must remember that ALL rats are neophobic (this means that they are new object shy. So they need to know that you are a friend not foe. You will need to continue with what you are doing and just bide your time. Do not try to rush them or they might go the other way, in meaning that they might prefer not to go any where near you.
The normal time span for them to get used to you is normaly between 2 - 4 weeks. Have fun and enjoy
I've had 2 rats,and I'm on my 3rd! All animals are like that when you first get them, if you let them out in an enclosed area and sit with them everyday they'll get to know you better.
I've had my rat since december, and she doesn't leave me alone!
And likes to attack feet, which I hate!
they probably weren't handled much,and now you have got to get them used to you, you are doing the right thing getting them out,and obviously they are getting used to you as they are not trying to bite .just get them out a bit every day and just let them sit on you, we rescued Harry from a lab and he was so tame i could take him any where,but later i had 2 girls and they took a lot more handling till they were this tame,carry on and enjoy them they are brilliant pets.
Well, when rats are between 4-6 weeks they go though a stage when they are nervous and afraid of eveything. If they are like that just be patient and kind and their true personalities will soon shine. If that does'nt work try to coax them out by putting food on your hand and arm and try to get them to come out and give them the food but don't let them run away with it. If that does not work after a week or two or depending on how old they are try letting them go into a temperary home for when you clean their cage, let them go in by themselves. Then bring them to an enclosed area like a bed, table or bathroom. Let them come out an because rats are very courious, they will begin to explore. If they avoid you have some treats and kind of put your hand in you lap. They will get courious and can't resist food and will crawl into your lap and start eating it. Don't take them out very long in the beging. What I did if when they start to poo (which in the beginging may be 5 minutes) put them back and gradually they will get comforatable. Talk to them when they are in their cage so they get to know your voice.
First off - you sound like you are doing exactly the right thing.
Have you tried leaving your hand in the cage with a little treat in it. When ratty climbs on for treat gently hold him and pull him out? Just avoid sudden movements and keep talking to them in a calm manner. Oh - and make sure you always smell the same! They'll identify you by the way you smell so don't continually change perfume or handle them after handing something strong smelling. They'll get confused!
A week is not really a long time so you're gonna get there in the end - especially when the associate you with goodies and fun time. Then they'll be begging at the cage door to be let out. My girl rat always let me know when she wanted company, she'd just park herself infront of the cage door till someone appeared for cuddles and play time.
What i did was them was rather than trying to pick them up and chasing them about the cage which frightens them i gave them wee treats like apple, melon, cake etc which gained there trust and eventually they came to me.
The gently gently approach is best and eventually they will come when you shoult on them thinking they are getting treats!
male rats are fantastic! Enjoy!
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