So things have happend this weekend. Friday I discovered a massive tumor on my baby and we brought her to the vet to be put down Sunday. Then we ended up getting these adorable four and six week old babies that are getting along great with my two year old rat. They are from a pet shop that breeds rats at the place and I got to meet the babies sweet parents. I chose these two from different litters because they were the best. The babies are really well adjusted and have gone on to my hand willingly and are very healthy and courios. The only problem is that they nip a lot. The older rat nips but she is not as friendly. How can I get them to stop nipping?
2007-10-14 15:09:59 · 11 answers · asked by Jenn 3 in Pets ➔ Rodents
Guys, when I say baby, I mean my baby rats.
2007-10-14 15:15:35 · update #1
Baby rats like to nip the ends of fingers and fingernails, they are exploring. This is most likely the case, IF they are not drawing blood but are instead sorta 'testing' the finger tip.
In my neck of the woods, we call those little monkeys "land sharks". I have a five week old litter right now, and they are nipping the heck out of my finger.
Also, never feed your rat through the cage bars until you are comfortable that they are not going to mistake your finger for food and chomp down hard.
Just a few notes on if you do get bit hard by the older rat:
IF you do get bit hard enough to draw blood and the rat still has ahold of your finger, do NOT pull away as you will worsen the damage. Let the rat pull your finger toward them, they will soon attempt to tighten their grip and you can pull your finger away.
Immediately flush the wound and apply some neosporin.
If you feel it's bad enough to warrant an Emergency Room visit...do NOT tell them it was a pet rat. They will freak.
Tell them a pet guinea pig. IF they send Animal Welfare to your home, tell them your cat ate it...or something similiar.
2007-10-14 16:11:47 · answer #1 · answered by Zoo 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
The biting through the cage can either be playing, or she may think your fingers are food. If she's just nipping & not biting hard, you know it's not aggression. To stop this behavior, don't feed her through the cage bars & *every* time she nips, say No! in a firm, kinda squeaky voice & imediately stop interacting with her for awhile. The hyper behavior is normal playfuness & curiosity. This may also be why she doesn't like to be picked up, although she may still be getting used to you too. Also, some of our rats don't like being picked up but their fine after they've *been* picked up. Maybe some are uneasy with the process of being lifted. Since your little girl is climbing onto you she obviously likes you already. Nipping your shirt could be either play or curiousity, possibly both. Bruxing, as you know, is usually a sign of a happy rat & if you're lucky you can see her boggle her eyes when she does this-- cute & kinda freaky @ the same time. A bit of chocolate once in awhile is fine. Keep trying to negotiate a companion for your little one. She'll be even happier & you'll have twice the rattie fun.
2016-05-22 14:48:13 · answer #2 · answered by ? 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Some young rats in pet stores are not socialized. They aren't afraid of people but they don't understand that people have feelings. They only know that when a hand goes into the cage, food is there. So they may make the mistake of thinking the hand is food too. You just have to handle them enough that they know you are not food, but a friend. Then they won't nip you.
There are occasional rats with a bad temperament, but I don't think this is what you have. I think they are just unsocialized.
2007-10-14 17:50:33 · answer #3 · answered by The First Dragon 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Nipping isn't necessarily a sign of aggression. Are you making sure to wash your hands before handling them? Any slight scent of food is asking for a nibble or two.
Sure they aren't just nibbling? Rats often nibble as a sign of affection.
They may learn from the older rat, as well. I wouldn't worry too much, as long as they are not nipping hard.
2007-10-14 15:15:03 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 5⤊ 0⤋
Babies are SUPPOSED to nip - it's how they find out what you are! Rats' eyesight is pretty bad, so they rely on their other senses.
If the nips hurt, squeak LOUDLY when they try to nip you. This will tell them that you're "another rat" and not food.
2007-10-14 19:41:39 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Does it hurt when they dip? Or is it gentle? I have had several rats and they "nibbled" but never to the point of pain. I would just keep holding them and socializing them. They may like the salt on your hands or something you have touched. Try washing your hands really well before you play with them
2007-10-14 15:15:21 · answer #6 · answered by Dalmatian 4 · 2⤊ 0⤋
my reaction was to always pull my hand away and put them back in their cage... But if you're tougher than me what your supposed to do is make a loud noise like a squeek and push whatever they're biting (like your finger) back towards them gently, to force them to release. you might lose a little blood but the nips are never deep. it sounds like they are still not quite used to you ( obviously) and it will take some time. but make time every day frequently to give them hand time because if you don't the behavior will only worsen.
2007-10-14 15:19:27 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
I bet they're cute. The people who don't understand are stupid!
2007-10-14 15:17:32 · answer #8 · answered by Cherryberry 1 · 3⤊ 2⤋
When they do screech so they know that it is bad to do that
2007-10-14 15:14:17 · answer #9 · answered by Rob 2 · 1⤊ 2⤋
Most people take their babies to a pediatrician. Maybe that's your problem.
2007-10-14 15:12:50 · answer #10 · answered by haha 4 · 4⤊ 5⤋