I got them at the local pet shop, and the woman there acted like she didn't know what she was doing. I have two males one ismore social then the other. I can't seem to get JeJew the scared one to even come near me i have gotten Zeus to come near me and he seems to be worming up just a little more towards me. ANY advice u can offer i would apperciate it!
2006-07-17 16:34:02 · 13 answers · asked by mistymornings18 2 in Pets ➔ Other - Pets
The most important thing is to handle them both regularly for at least half an hour several times a day. It is normal for both of them to be scared (after all, they've probably experienced very little human interaction, if any, before you) but it is not normal if it has gone on for longer than two weeks and you've been interacting with them regularly.
Treats are a good idea, but make sure that their treats are not more than 1/5 of their normal food intake and that you reward them for more than just coming close to you (for example, you CAN give them a reward for coming up to you and climbing onto your lap, but don't reward them every time you open their cage).
The key is really just lots of interaction. However, if you want them to get used to you much faster, just pick one up and hold him securely so he can't escape. Rats' fear can only last about twenty minutes, so if you just hold him for that long without letting go no matter how much he struggles, he will stop being scared of you. This trick does work every time, but if you feel bad for them, just take it the slow way. :)
Good luck to you and your new rats! Rats can be amazing pets, and I've had wonderful times with all of mine.
2006-07-17 18:54:41 · answer #1 · answered by green egg 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Food! Offer cut up yams, apples, purple grapes, or broccoli - all uncooked, of course. Oh, the broccoli will make the cage smell a little, just so you know. Don't overdo the fruits and vegetables, though; lab blocks are good for their teeth and give them a good overall nutrition. Talk to them often. Rats are really sweet pets - good luck and have fun!
2006-07-17 19:07:01 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Lots of handling and really yummy foor rewards that are only given when they come to you or allow you to handle them...They probably aren't very social due to being caged with a lot of other rats and not getting much handling while in that environment. Just be patient and spend as much time as you can keep ing in mind that they all have different personalities (JeJew may always be more shy)
2006-07-17 17:34:31 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I got two rescued guinea pigs about a month ago and they were the same way. I just pick them up everyday and sit them on my lap on a towel. It may take a little time, but they are warming up to me and now come running when I open the cage door because I give them treats by hand. If you keep working with them everyday, they'll get used to you.
2006-07-17 16:39:53 · answer #4 · answered by Astro 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes food. Rats are smart and love to eat. So every time you are with them have it evolve goodies. In no time you should win them over.
2006-07-17 16:56:39 · answer #5 · answered by cyn1066 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Just keep spending time together, they'll come around. What ever you do, don't point at them. They'll bite your finger. Looks like a carrot.
2006-07-17 16:41:01 · answer #6 · answered by Adalina 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
keep in mind that they're just pets. you can't have a tea and crumpets sit-down to introduce yourself. the only thing you can do is be around them alot. wait several days to handle them, until they get used to you being there. then gradually introduce them to your hand, starting with feeding them small pieces from your fingers.
2006-07-17 22:40:18 · answer #7 · answered by dplovincalvinist 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Hi,, they just met you,, you look like a giant to them....so be understanding and give them some space and time... i know you want them to cuddle with you... ect ect.. but back off and feed them for now... they will come around...... in time....
good luck
2006-07-17 16:39:13 · answer #8 · answered by eejonesaux 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Just hold them and love them and take them out and play with them often . They may warm up to you. Offer them little treats such as little tastes of yogurt on your fingers...I loved all my ratties! Time ...give them time and just give them alot of attention.
2006-07-18 16:45:23 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
leave them alone for awhile and let them get used to their new surroundings. rats can be awesome pets, so just let them get "acquainted" with the new surroundings. they'll know your scent if you are the one that feeds them.
2006-07-17 16:42:28 · answer #10 · answered by KLH 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋