2007-05-16 13:26:58 · 9 answers · asked by Anonymous in Pets ➔ Rodents
A lot of rats don't like wheels in general. Most people think it is because they are too smart to simply run around on a wheel. If she is really young, then she may still adapt to it. I have 4 rats, and my two youngest (currently 2.5 months) will sometimes play on the wheel, but the two adults i have dont even seem to notice it.
2007-05-16 14:17:45 · answer #1 · answered by jackie_mt2004 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Like a few others have said, rats don't tend to like wheels as much as mice, hamsters or gerbils. I currently have 17 rats, and not a one has shown any interest in a wheel, except occasionally to sleep in. As far as being scared, she might be. Wheels move and make noise and that can be frightening.
However, there are plenty of other ways to entertain your rattie. Firstly, do you have just the one? Rats are very social and really benefit from a companion or two. Having more than one rat is THE best way to ensure your little one's happiness.
Second, of course, is to take her out daily for at least a half an hour (preferably 1+ hrs) playing with her and letting her get some exercise.
If you are new to rats and have other questions, feel free to email me!
2007-05-16 23:02:26 · answer #2 · answered by shellsomers 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Rats don't often play in wheels because they are big & backs don't bend the same way a mouse/hamster or gerbil would. If she likes it she will play in it. If not, then take it back. Just like people, rats can be scared of things. Just let her adjust, there isn't much you can do.
2007-05-16 20:32:45 · answer #3 · answered by Louise 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
The one and only time my rat used a wheel it almost destroyed his tail.. I'd suggest buying one of the balls meant for guinea pigs.. you have to keep an eye on it.. (my rat figured out how to open it..), but it's a tail safe mode of exercise without being completely free to get into everything..
2007-05-17 01:55:48 · answer #4 · answered by kaijawitch 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Rats dont like the ball or wheel, because they need to know where there tail is at all times and the wheel and ball dont allow them to know where it is. And because they arent as flexable with there backs
2007-05-18 17:33:06 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Heh heh, relax, it can take time!
Two of my mice took TWO WEEKS to figure out what their wheel was for, they used to just store unwanted stuff in it! I'd just given up on them ever using it when they just hopped in one day and started to run like they'd always done it.
I doubt your rat is scared, probably just surprised and wary of the new object in her environment. Just leave it there and let her get used to it. She's an intelligent creature, she'll figure it out in time. And if she doesn't want to use it, that's her choice and it doesn't matter!
Chalice
2007-05-17 19:00:00 · answer #6 · answered by Chalice 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Sometimes animals can be frightened by new toys, I would try to get her near the wheel by offering her a treat, hold the treat in your hand and guide her to the wheel and see what happens, try this for several days. Make sure it's a really good treat. hope this helps!
2007-05-16 20:37:27 · answer #7 · answered by jra60411 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
i got my hamster two days ago and for the first full day and most of today he hasnt played with the wheel but for the past couple of hours hes been playing in his cage around the tubes and the wheel...hahaa my hamster just woke up and went strait to the wheel...so funny
2007-05-16 20:36:06 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Animals are like human. Some like the wheels, some don't.
2007-05-16 20:55:17 · answer #9 · answered by only me 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋