HELP Me!!!!!!!?

Question

I WAS A BAD OWNER TO MY RAT AND NOW HE WON'T LET ME PLAY WITH HIM, AND HE WON'T LET ME PLAY WITH HIM BECAUSE HE'S SCARED OF ME, AND HE'S SCARED OF ME BECAUSE I DON'T PLAY WITH HIM, AND NOW I'M SCARED OF HIM, AND HE'S JUMPY, AND HE'S NOT ACTING LIKE HIMSELF, AND TO TOP IT ALL OF I THINK HE'S BEEN HURTING HIMSELF 'CAUSE HE'S BLOODSTAINED AND I'M WORRIED AND DON'T KNOW HOW TO BREAK THE CHAIN AND I NEED H-E-L-P HELP!!!!!

Going into detail, how I was a bad owner was i never played with my rat and ignored him. Also, I recently noticed several lumps on his side and back. :-( Wahhhhhhhhh! What is wrong with my rat?

Answer 1

Bloodstained? If you are referring the the areas around the eyes & nose, that can be caused by stress.
What I would do, to regain your rat's trust, is to start off simple. Talk to him while he's in his cage. Place treats near him (do not try to hand feed him, to prevent injury). When you feel that he has gained some trust in you, lay your hand in the cage, while talking to him. Once he's comfortable with that, attempt to pet him. He might squeak when touched, but just back away, talk to him more, then try again. Eventually, you'll be able to pet him. Then you can hold his midsection like you are going to pick him up, but don't. Just let him get used to the feeling, and realize no harm comes from it. Finally, when the time comes, pick him up and hold him close to you.

Answer 2

Wait, wait, calm down. What exactly did you do? Why are you scared of him? Why is he scared of you? He's bloody? If he's hurt, take him to a vet. Stuff the whole cage in your car if your rat won't let you put him in a travel carrier. If he's terrified of people, the vet can give him some kind of tranquilizer in order to examine him. Also, are you sure the blood isn't porphyrin? It comes out of the rat's nose sometimes when he sneezes, and it can look a lot like blood. As far as the relationship between you and your rat friend goes, start from the bottom up. Pretend that he just came home with you. Open the cage door and hang your fingers inside. Don't do anything but sit there with your fingers perfectly still. Progress slowly until you have your whole hand in there, and then put some treats in your palm. Your rat will eventually come to your hand and eat some treats. It'll take a long time, especially since neither of you seem to trust each other, but it'll be worth it.

Answer 3

bad owner? did you abuse him?

if you did, i'm afraid there's no turning back :-(.

sometimes, when animals are in an extreme state of stress or neglect, they will mutilate themselves. some more than others. i don't know anything about rats, but i do know something about animals.

when i was about five (this story makes me sick, and i usually try to forget it, but right now i think i need to tell you), i went to my cousin's for a week. she had the cutest little dog, and for some reason, i have NO idea why or what was running through my head, but i just starting hitting it with a leash *hard*. even though i was so little, i still remember it and it still makes me feel awful. anyways, now i'm fifteen and the dog is STILL afraid of me. i have done all i can, but she won't forgive me. she's not afraid of people, she's afraid of me. i really just don't kow what to tell you, but i'm afraid that if you abuse an animal, they DO NOT forget it.

now, i love all animals. i would NEVER EVER EVER EVER abuse one! it's just that for some strange reason, i abused one dog when i was little. animals have a way of teaching us hard lessons, and your rat may be teaching you one.

if this is the case, say good-bye, and give him to a new home. then, start over with this valuable lesson under your belt. never take an animal for granted, they are one of those things that you often don't realize what you had until it's gone :-(.

Answer 4

Try giving him extra food and rat proofing the cage. Also if you want to pet him giving him a nice little pat.Start slowly and move up.good luck!!!!!!!

Answer 5

i think what u should do is when u go near the cage u should have some food on your hand to give him and that way he will not be a fear of u.

Answer 6

the lumps on his back could be cancer i would take it to the vet and have him checked out and also ask him what you can do to handle him again.

Answer 7

Well I'm no animal expert but I know that if you do have any such problems with your pets then going to a petstore such as petco or petsmart might be able to get you some help. Or you could go to your local vetrenarian and as him/her for help.

Answer 8

POOR THING....TRY AND TAKE YALL RELATONSHIP REAL SLOW DONT STARTLE HIM OF COURSE...GO TO A VET IF YOU HAVE ANY MORE QUSETIONS

Answer 9

just be play full!!!!!