My pet rat?

Question

I have a female pet rat names Honey and she is very shy how can I make her less shy and run around the house and look happy? She likes to be out of her cage but when you go to pet or touch her she runs and when you pick her up she trys to back up in your hand and get down like she thinks your gonna drop her how do I gain her trust and make her more playful?

Answer 1

Sorry, I didn't know that Rats can be domesticated! Good Luck!

Answer 2

The more often you interact with Honey, the friendlier & more confident she will become. Some rats don't really want to be picked up unless it's *their* idea (they are catlike in this way). Our boys, for example, are often a little reluctant to be taken from their cage, but once they're out they're happy & snuggly. Our girls usually *leap* from their cage seconds after I open it.
When you hold Honey, make sure her body is supported & that she's close to your body so she doesn't feel as if she might fall. Or, you might train her to ride your shoulder, which most rats enjoy & many seem to do by instinct.
Also, I agree that Honey would be happier & possibly more sonfident & playful if she had another female to hang out with. Rats are social creatures & it's also a lot of fun to watch them interact & teach each other games.
Good luck with Honey.

Answer 3

I would really recommend a playmate for her! Rats are extremely social and she may be feeling lonely - this could really help! Obviously, another female rat around her same size is recommended. Most pet stores should allow you to bring in Honey to test for temperment with another rat - but call ahead first!

Good luck!

Answer 4

Though I've only had my rat for about a month I did do a lot of research on the subject before getting one. As far as I've read it really isn't uncommon for rats to be shy or scared. My rat is still getting used to me though he'll get on my hand on his own accord eventually. Most importantly, you have to give them at LEAST one hour of play outside of the cage every day. As they're very social animals it's important for them to have other rat friends, but be careful introducing new rats into a cage (pay attention to sex, temprament, etc... do some research). If your rat is alone in its cage it needs that much more attention. Just because it runs away don't ignore it. If you just decide to leave it alone you may not be aware of medical risks. My suggestion would be to let her run around on a level surface that she won't fall off of. Let her explore and get used to the scents around her. Sit down and let her lay on your lap or run around the couch with you there. If she's in the cage put your hand into it and just leave it there for her to sniff and get used to. My own rat sniffs my hand, runs around crazily, sniffs, runs around, sniffs, and only then gets on. Don't be afraid of picking her up, you won't hurt her (remember rats can fit through very small gaps). Eventually, she will come to you, as long as you give her love and care.

As a side note, remember to clean her cage once a week (preferably twice if it's a glass cage). Urine in the cage building up will cause upper resperatory infections in rats. Stay away from wood that has dust. Aspen is the one I use, avoid cedar! Sunflower seeds should only be given as a treat and rarely. Also, making your own mix for them to eat is much better than that store bought stuff. Companies will add pellettes into the mix that the rat will not only not eat, but has no nuetritional value. I make my mix out of cheerios (plain... extra sugar is bad for rats), dried banans, soy nut (not salted!!!), dry oatmeal, and granola bar with raisons. I also add a little dog food for the protein, but not too much as high protein will cause skin problems. I give carrots as a treat that he seems to enjoy very much. =) I'm only adding this just in case. It'll make your rat happy to have a bit of variety in her diet.

Answer 5

you just have to wait. Over time the pet will get used to being held and being around people in an open environment. You just have to wait until Honey is comfortable.

Answer 6

Try working with her and maybe she will eventually not be as shy. Give her time to get used to you and know you will not drop her and not hurt her either.