A few days ago, I bought a new pet rat. The man at the pet store told me that she was about 5 weeks old, but she looks younger to me. I had no trouble with her until yesterday and today; she spent the her first few days riding in my shirt. She seemed very calm, but maybe she was just shy in her new surroundings.
Last night she began to get more active. She spent a good part of the time I held her running around my neck. She also took food out of my hand for the first time, somthing I took to be a good sign. But she also started nibbling on my fingers. I dismissed it as normal rat behavior; I thought she was just feeling me out. But today, when I took her out to hold her, she spent some time on my shoulder, ate a piece of apple and became very interested in my fingers. She gave me a few light nips and then she bit me hard enough to draw blood.
I'm really worried. I have had rats bite me before, but never when I'm holding them. How can I combat the biting? What am I doing wrong? Thanks!
2006-12-05 05:21:46 · 8 answers · asked by anbugirl 1 in Pets ➔ Other - Pets
Hi! You aren't doing anything wrong. . . except maybe expecting too much from your new pet.
I really love rats. They actually are less apt to bite than mice! They are actually one of the least aggressive rodents, contrary to popular myth. The most likely time they may bite is while taking food from you or if you reach into the cage to get them. (A rat that will bite a hand reaching into the cage, will not bite the same hand outside the cage. It's a territory/safety thing.)
She is really young, and just getting used to you. She doesn't know your fingers aren't part of the food, and edible. She is testing. After she took the apple from your fingers, the fingers still smelled like apple, right??? That bite probably told her not only was the finger attached to you, and not available, but that it wasn't good food.
Some other people here have some good advice: she may indeed by teething. Also do ask your pet store. There are probably good rat books out there - like a Pet Rats for Dummies book?
Just watch your fingers! Every rat is a bit different. It sounds like you have one with a lot of personality. Remember that they aren't as bright as a cat or dog (I'm not saying they are stupid, I'm saying that they just simply don't have the mental capabilities of another, bigger animal). Don't expect her to understand things that she just doesn't. And don't think she means to hurt you - she doesn't.
2006-12-05 05:32:11 · answer #1 · answered by Mac 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Some rats just have a biting personality, especially males, they are more "hot-headed". In my personal experience I had a female Rat I called Callie, I had her for around two years, she trusted me from the start, she was a little sweet heart. By the end of her life she started biting and being aggressive and it made no one wanna spend time with her. Turns out she had cancer. So just be careful, however, I don't think that's the case with you being that you said they treated the rats bad earlier. Maybe this is something that will just take a bit of time. When he bites you, give him a little flick on his nose or something (not too hard!! Just a little sting), that will teach him not to bite.
2016-05-22 21:33:13 · answer #2 · answered by Lynn 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I have 3 hamsters and 1 bunny . They are all very cuddly and friendly . The best way to get a pets trust is treats , just while you hold him feed him 2 treats every day do this ( it got my hamsters trust and now they are very friendly) . also you can take a few minutes out of your day to talk to your pet. they love when you talk to them :) do this maybe 2 minutes a day and he/she will start sniffing and look at you more . Now i also have a newt if you know what that is ... but he is pretty much on his own see it all depends on the pets behavior my hamster Buffy is very moody and jumpy but Harley , ginger and Ferdy are very friendly so i hope i helped you . good luck . remember to check that they are eating and drinking everyday . thank you
2006-12-05 05:34:58 · answer #3 · answered by hottiecocacolaqueen17 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
i used to have a pet rat and what i think is going on is that it's just getting a feel for whats going on in it's new surroundings and for you. it's also very possible that it's teething since it is a baby. just give it some time otherwise contact your local pet store like petco, petsmart, etc.. they can give ya some great tips.
2006-12-05 05:25:36 · answer #4 · answered by divamommy_4 4 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Bless you for having this baby for a pet.
2006-12-05 05:50:37 · answer #5 · answered by starrdevine 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I guess its normal for a rat to bite. Hope its helpful
2006-12-05 05:27:02 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 3⤋
i can really start reading this story but training it or taking it to petsmart will work they would give u proper advice on what to do
2006-12-05 05:25:07 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 1⤋
I'd bite it back!
2006-12-05 05:34:45 · answer #8 · answered by kyrieous 2 · 1⤊ 4⤋