2007-09-27 08:58:57 · 7 answers · asked by Anonymous in Pets ➔ Rodents
It's frustrating when you first buy your little one and he or she decides that they are terrified of you! It will take a lot of time and bonding to get your rat to trust you, but in the end it will be well worth it! Some rats are naturally shy and will take more time to feel safe with you. These rats can take a month or two to make you out as family. Others will take a week or two. Depends on your new rat's personality. Odds are you probably bought your baby from a pet store. Sadly, those rats are not as socially acclimated as a breeder's rats would be, but that just means a little more time on your part with the new little rat.
Twenty minutes or so a day is a good start. Don't pick up your rat if it doesn't want to be picked up. For the first few days, just pet your rat in its cage, offering a treat. Do NOT put the treat through the cage bars however, as they will come to think of fingers through their cage as food and will nibble any finger that comes close (most rats don't bite hard, but it's enough to startle a youngster who puts their little finger in to poke it).
Once your rat is comfortable with your hand and sees it as a positive experience (hand=treat and a pet), start pulling your hand away with the treat and let your new baby come to it. Eventually your rat will come out of the cage for it and onto your hand.
When the rat is out of it's safe house, draw it close to your body and cup the rat's back legs. This helps the rat to feel secure. CONSTANT contact is key during this stage. A great bonding game is to put two shirts on (that you don't mind nibbled) and allow the rat in between the shirts. They love to play under clothing. The second shirt is to simply keep the little nails off of your own skin. Lots of treats while they are out helps quite a bit as well. Say "Treat" or make a noise when giving the treat. That way, they will associate the sound or word with getting some good eats and won't bite so readily at fingers that don't say it.
Keep the play area small and keep the play time short in the beginning. They will soon feel safer with you. When you place your rat back in the cage, give her a little treat. Soon your rat will love you as much as you love them!
2007-09-27 18:13:41 · answer #1 · answered by Yelliez 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
This is pretty easy with pet rats. They have practically no fear unless they have been hurt. Wild rats are different.
If your rat is at least 3 weeks old, take it out and hold it gently. Let it sit on your shoulder or climb around on you. Within 20 minutes it should be pretty used to you. After that, take it out every day, and don't hurt it. Pet rats are naturally calm and friendly, though they can also be playful.
2007-09-27 19:11:39 · answer #2 · answered by The First Dragon 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
don't make it come to you. open the cage door. hold your hand out with a nice treat on it. the rat will smell the treat and in order to get it the rat will have to come out onto your hand.
2007-09-27 09:07:13 · answer #3 · answered by Madison 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It's called trust training:
http://www.ratfanclub.org/trust.html
2007-09-27 09:01:45 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Offer food nibbles, and hold and pet him gently. A lot. Enjoy! Ratties are SO sweet!
2007-09-27 09:02:34 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 1⤋
Wash your hands everyday with the same soap, so we he sniffs you he smells the same scent.
2007-09-27 09:07:24 · answer #6 · answered by Nana 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
hold him close to you and at the same time cup your hand around him. and handle him more offen give him more hand fed treats.
2007-09-27 09:26:51 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋