We have had two female rats for 3 months. We pick them up daily. We also have put our fingers through the bars to pet their heads and they have never bitten. Occationally they might nibble and then walk away. Out of the blue one aggressively bit my daughter's finger. Blood everywhere. Next night, same thing. Why the change? I am afraid of that one now. I have picked her up since but I'm not very comfortable with her anymore. I need to find a home for her. Some of my kids are young and I can't have something that bites like that. Is there someone that is looking for company for their pet rat and can work with her? If I open the cage door she comes up and I can pet her. Does anyone know why the sudden change in behavior?
2007-09-14 15:31:39 · 8 answers · asked by Mama D 1 in Pets ➔ Rodents
Rats can become territorial and so try to protect the area.
Females rats can become sexually frustrated and will bite out of temper
If the females are pregnant or have babies they can bite to protect it`s family
Did your child have food smells on her hand at the time as the rat may have wanted to taste it.
Has your children ever unintentionally hurt the rat and it attacked out of fear or has the children been over handling as this can frustrate the rat if not given time to be it`s self.
Some rats just become biters once matured ,they may like to be held when young but want less attention as the age
2007-09-14 15:47:05 · answer #1 · answered by kevinmccleanblack 5 · 2⤊ 0⤋
my rats have done that, too. don't know why other than (a) your daughter's hand might have smelled like food (maybe she had been eating candy or something else?) and the rat thought her finger was the food; or (b) she could be in heat and maybe they can be a little more aggressive or territorial during those times. If she is still basically docile, I would keep picking her up and schmoozing with her the way you always have and just maybe avoid putting fingers through the bars for now. Three months is still pretty young, even as rats go. good luck - i love the little critters.
2007-09-14 15:45:59 · answer #2 · answered by magichorselover 2 · 3⤊ 0⤋
Sometimes females get rather nippy when they are in heat. It does not happen all of the time, but I have heard of it. Is it possible that your rat was frightened by one of the kids, or by someone sticking something into the cage and poking her? Sometimes they have mood swings when they are sick, too. Give her a little time. Keep her away from your younger kids, explain that she isn't feeling well to the older ones, and then wait and see. If after a while she calms down, problem should be over. If she doesn't, or if you find that you can't get past the facty that she bit your child (I was mad at a rat of mine for months when he bit my son!), then you need to give her to a home that can work with her.
2007-09-14 15:43:53 · answer #3 · answered by Kinder/1st grade teacher 4 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Maybe the female rat is just a insecure and tempered rat, pr perhaps your daughter may have rough handled the rat in the past and therefore it has developed a dislike for her? All in all its not right to have a pet that bites or attacks family members so giving it to another might be the best option.
2007-09-15 00:44:35 · answer #4 · answered by Me M 1 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Rats are very strange pets, we have one & although he is my daughter's pet, he has chosen me to be his rat person. And he's very jealous & doesn't want anyone else to pick him up but me.
Apparently, the kids may have hurt him accidently & he seeks you for protection. Just make the rat off limits to the kids.They only live for 2 or 3 years, surely you can give him a good home for that short of time. If you give him to someone, he might become lunch for their snake.
2007-09-14 15:44:42 · answer #5 · answered by ♫ Bubastes, Cat Goddess♥ 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Hmmm. Rats usually don't bite. The only times I've been bitten are once when I poked my rat and startled him awake and another time i had just eaten and my rat smelled and bit my lip.
2007-09-15 01:57:28 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
maybe she is pregnant.Do you know for sure they are both girls?
just a guess I hate rats and couldn't imagine having one let alone having it bite my child. But, I'm not judging you We had a bird that loved my daughter, and thought we would get her a friend, after we did she would nip at my daughter, she preferred the company of the other bird (i guess)
2007-09-14 15:44:38 · answer #7 · answered by charm1936 4 · 0⤊ 3⤋
Watch out! Your daughter could get rabies! Don't give the rat to someone else because then they'll get bitten too. Put the rat to sleep ASAP!
2007-09-15 02:23:42 · answer #8 · answered by Laura 4 · 2⤊ 7⤋