Okay so i have two rats there sisters that love being together. I just got them a new cage and moved them to my apt. (my sister was watching them) The one Bianca is doing great she exploring all the levels of her new cage and found her treat dish. but Mildred on the other hand wont come out of the one corner she just sits there i know she just needs time but im a bit worred that she might get depressed! any advice?
2007-01-14 03:38:36 · 6 answers · asked by Sarah F 2 in Pets ➔ Other - Pets
Here is a pic of the two of them (mildreds on the bottom lol)
2007-01-14 06:49:45 · update #1
Well heres the link
http://i51.photobucket.com/albums/f380/Saf2451/HPIM0585.jpg
2007-01-14 06:53:17 · update #2
Has Bianca always been the more outgoing of the two girls? If yes, then that would make her an extrovert and extroverted rats adapt very quickly to new surroundings. New smells and sights excite them. Big new cage to explore, new appartment to sniff out.
Has Mildred always been Bianca's side-kick? Does she hold back and depend on Bianca to do all the work? If yes, then Mildred is an introvert. The move to a new appartment has scared her, the big cage is scaring her. The smells in the appartment are scaring her.
This is not unusual. I've had many sister rats who are the exact opposite of each other.
Maybe Mildred doesn't remember you because the girls had been at your sister's for a period of time. I know with my own rats, and I have over 50 at any given time, that on the rare occasion that someone other then myself should walk into the rat room, some of them are just petrified of the new human and the new voice. Others are at the bars waiting to greet the visitor.
You're right, she needs time to get use to everything, but I don't think she is depressed. I think she's nervous in her new surroundings. Freezing motionless and cowering in the corner are fear responses.
May I suggest that you try and get back to a routine similiar to what your sister had with the girls before the move. Re-establishing a familiar routine would be comforting to Mildren and help her settle into her new surroundings.
Might you be concerned that Mildred is sick???
Is her coat smooth or ruffled?
Is she eating well, or picking at her food?
How is she acting with her sister?
Bottom line, when in doubt, have her checked out, by a vet.
Edit:
spazrats
http://spazrats.tripod.com
Specializing in the health and care of pet rats since 1997
2007-01-14 04:58:05 · answer #1 · answered by spazrats 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I have three rats and they are all sisters, born at the same time and all, but get this:
Emily and Elmyra are really outgoing and friendly. they love to play and come out of their cage and they love to be held. Frances on the other hand hides a lot, stays in corners, etc. I had her for almost 2 weeks before she would come out of the cage on her own.
Rats are very smart and a lot like people, some are shy, some are very outgoing. When I first put them in their larger cage, Emily and Elmyra were fine. Frances became a basket case, (this was like 3 days before Christmas), and it took her a long time before she would come around, but eventually she did. You just have to have patience with her. Leave the cage in the same spot and don't move it or anything. Perhaps you should leave a radio on by their cage so she gets used to noise and stuff. I mean, don't turn it up full blast or anything, but constant noise, or try spending some one on one time with JUST Mildred.
As long as she isn't sick, she's okay. Rats are social creatures and it's excellent that she has her sister with her. As long as she has a friend, she won't become neurotic or anything. I don't believe she's ill, I just think she has the "new kid in a new school" syndrome.
As long is she isn't excessively sleeping, she's not wheezing, as long as her eyes and nose are not runny she's okay. sick rats will also have diarrhea, bushed out hair, odd postures, dull eyes and they will be very lethargic. I'm sure your rat is okay, just keep in mind, rats are just like people. You might see her always in the corner, but you better believe that as soon as you aren't around, her and Bianca are running around and acting silly.
Frances is the same way. If myself or my husband is around her cage, she will be still and stay in a corner, but if we sit quietly for a while and just watch, she will come out and play with Myra and Em.
Cheer up, she's fine, I promise!!!!
Good Luck!
2007-01-14 05:57:38 · answer #2 · answered by linswife1998 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
She might be feeling sick, but most likely she's scared. She's in a new cage that's in a new environment. Give her a while to adapt, and interact with her a lot. If she still won't come out of her corner, take her to the vet. The vet might be able to find something phsically wrong with her that is making her depressed.
2007-01-14 04:13:32 · answer #3 · answered by monkey9 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
its ok rats are very smart. she just needs some time to get used her new surroundings. its probably her sisters personality to be exploritive and mildred to be a little scared at first but shell catch on,promise.
2007-01-14 03:51:51 · answer #4 · answered by hot blonde 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Take her out yourself and show her around. She knows you right? Maybe she is just scared and needs assurance that the place is o.k. and you are there for her.
2007-01-14 03:43:25 · answer #5 · answered by 'lil peanut 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
just be patient. See what happens. if it continues for a long time go see a vet
2007-01-14 03:43:23 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋