i have two female rats and they won't let me hold them, if i open the cage they won't come out even for food, i am worried i may never be able to hold them. I also am scarred they will bite me. don't know what to do????
2006-12-19 02:56:16 · 18 answers · asked by amelia-rose 2 in Pets ➔ Other - Pets
i am not getting rid of them!!!!- people who think its clever to leave messages like that, go and find urself somethin else to do!!!
2006-12-19 03:00:54 · update #1
i have had them for bout 2 months
2006-12-19 03:01:51 · update #2
i have had them for bout 2 months
2006-12-19 03:01:57 · update #3
I have had a few rats in my time. Hand feed them exclusively then they will come to realize that your hand means something good. I would also take them out one at a time and play. The more they know you the less they will be afraid of you.
They won't bite unless you hurt them or really scare them.
2006-12-19 03:01:21 · answer #1 · answered by moobiemuffin 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
This is a simple fear that you can over come by simply setting your hand in the cage and leaving it there for a few moments. It has been my personal experience that rat's don't really want to bite they would much rather just get away. So my advice is to one let the rats see your hand from the side, don't come at them from above because this totally freaks them out. Go ahead and pet them to start off with then you can grab one by the tail to hold her in place while you pick her up with your other hand. She may squeak and pee and poop on you but this is normal. Once you get her just hold her close to your body and try not to let her leap out of your hands. This worked really well for my rat the only time he tried to nip me was when I put him on the floor and blocked him with my hands. Keep the sessions short so as to not stress your rats out. Also do one at a time so they get used to being with you alone.
2006-12-19 03:04:40 · answer #2 · answered by Drifter D 1 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Try to rest your hand in the cage for 5 minutes a few times a day, without gloves make sure they walk up to your hand too. This is so that they become used to your scent, then after a few days try putting a little bit of food into your hand see if they will take the food from you. After a few days of trying that, then try to hold them. When they finally let you hold them, do this for many time a day so they become completely used to you. People think rat disgusting however once you tame them they become as faithful as dog
2006-12-19 03:00:44 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
The rats might sense your nervousness for one. Rats by the way make wonderful, trainable pets!!!
You can start by opening the cage and just letting them sniff for the food. Then approach them gentle with the smell of your hand.
From there, they will gradually get used to you and vice a versa. Rats have a very gentle feeling when there mouth touches your hand unless they have been abused as any animal would.
I have given you source below that is great for new "RAT" owners:
2006-12-19 03:06:25 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I am presuming they are still quite young rats since you have only had them for 2 months. I find that new rats take about 4 months to get to trust and know their owner it takes time just keep offering treats etc they'll come round :)
you will find that female rats are less prone to biting unless startled though just dont grab at them you'll be fine
2006-12-19 04:07:44 · answer #5 · answered by thunderchild67 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You should spend a lot of time handling rats from almost the day you get them. Try offering them food. Move slowly and deliberately around them to gain their trust.
Some rats -particularly females - don't like to be held and restricted too much, but you should get them used to you so that they'll come when they're called.
2006-12-19 04:23:32 · answer #6 · answered by fizzy_wolf 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Put on a pair of thin leather gloves. That way, you know that even if they do bite you, it won't hurt and it won't break any skin.
And did you just get them? If so, they would probably need at least a week to adjust to the new environment.
Right now, just get the gloves, and just put the gloves on every time you feed them, water them, so they get used to the leather smell. There is no need to rush things. When they feel comfortable, they will slowly venture out. Once they venture out when your hand is there, feed them a treat that they like out of your hand.
2006-12-19 03:00:15 · answer #7 · answered by Vaynthe 3 · 4⤊ 0⤋
Be patient and take your time and don't be frightened of them. I'd start by letting them get used to your hand in the cage. Put some food on your hand and gradually they should come to you. They need to associate you with something nice and it could take a while so don't rush. As they get more confident, you could try petting them, then gently putting your hand around them, eventually progressing to picking them up. It might take a little while though so spend plenty of time with them.
2006-12-19 03:04:38 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
They'll get better, keep talking to them and being slow. It is good to be catious, they can bite. The immortal... answer above me is great. Use the gloves, and yes, if you just got them hold on a bit. Sometimes just petting them even when they don't like it is a great way to tame them, and eventually holding them. They love cornflakes too, those are good treats to give them.
2006-12-19 03:00:17 · answer #9 · answered by sir'slady 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Wow! i have never heard of someone having a Rat as a pet b-4?
How do u care for them?
Rats are kinda dangerous they can bite your fingers off so be very careful.
Good Luck with your pet RAts!! lol that's something i'd be too chicken to have.:D
2006-12-19 03:04:43 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋