I recently rescued a male rat from a girl who was keeping him in a small (4"x9") carrier. He is about 1-2 years old. I know he is getting old but I would like to help him live out the rest of his years happily. I bought him a large cage and filled it with a small hutch, a wheel, many wood-blocks and cardboard tubes for him to play in. He seems to be enjoying this a lot, but will not leave the cage. I left the it open for an hour and the most he did was sniff the air. I think he is depressed. Should I buy another rat to keep him company? I cannot afford a girl because I will have to get her fixed or purchase another setup (which I have been told by my landlord I am not allowed to do) Would two males fight? How can I get him comfortable with being picked up? He was held a lot (and never picked up by the tail) by his previous owner but never liked coming out of his cage. Any advice would be great! Thanks in advance.
2007-11-15 07:02:14 · 13 answers · asked by Elizabeth D 1 in Pets ➔ Rodents
Give him time, don't rush him into coming out of his new cage. Start with getting him to eat from your hand, and allowing you to pet him.
Then, you can lift him up and handle him once you feel he's ready.
I adopted a male rat (unknown age) last year. He was returned to the pet store because he was ''too skittish'' for the children. He bit several of the employees and was deemed ''unable to be sold''. Luckily, I knew one of the employees, and he asked me if I wanted to add another to my group (already had 2 females).
He still doesn't come out of his cage on his own, for the most part. Even after a year. Doesn't mean he doesn't enjoy being out, though. He LOVES when I take him to the pet store. He'll hide in my jacket, and be 100% content.
He's separate from the females for obvious reasons, but he seems rather happy. I wouldn't risk putting another rat into his cage though, he's been alone for so long, that he may not be willing to accept a cage mate. (Same goes for yours!).
2007-11-15 07:09:09 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 3⤊ 0⤋
One way to coax him out of the cage might be to offer a treat out in the open. I think he is still new to the area and isn't very sure what he wants to do just yet. I had a pet rat for a long time and he didn't seem to care for getting out of his aquarium much either. I would think that rats naturally like being closed in, rather than running free like cats or dogs do. It sounds like you have plenty of things for the rat to do. I wouldn't worry about it too much. As long as he is eating and drinking normally, he should be fine and should adjust soon.
2007-11-15 07:10:00 · answer #2 · answered by ~Miss Molly~ 2 · 2⤊ 0⤋
I would have to say any caged animal is going to be abused more than one that is free to run the house. Snakes, gerbils, mice, rats, turtles, fish.. these are all more likely, in my opinion, to die of neglect than say .. a cat or a dog. My reasoning? Cats and dogs have ways of letting you know they are hungry or sick or lonely. Fishy or froggy can't bark or whine or meow or scratch until you give them food or love. Out of these pets, probably fish are the most abused, for the simple fact that fish are a. often given to youngsters who lack the capacity for caregiving, b. commonplace, sadly, and seen as less fascinating than a furry friend, and c. are given as carnival prizes more than most other animals. And yes, I am tired of hearing stupid questions from lazy pet owners who don't want to be bothered with having a professional look at their ailing animal friend.
2016-05-23 07:19:38 · answer #3 · answered by ? 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Rats are very intelligent - sounds like you're doing a good job of providing him with stimulation.
I think it's important NOT to force him! Don't attempt to "make" him come out of the cage. And for god's sake don't get another male rat!
Try talking to him often in a soft, warm, soothing voice when you're in the room with him, and keep providing him with various toys to play with. Also, try different food treats.
I'd be willing to bet that when he's completely comfortable with you and his surroundings -- he'll come out.
2007-11-15 07:07:34 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 4⤊ 0⤋
No. Just give him time. He'll get used to the new surroundings. My rats used to really enjoy toilet paper rolls with a little toilet paper stuck on it. Oh, man! They'd rip the remaining t.p. off and put it in their bedding, then play with the roll.
Remember, rats are nocturnal. He's going to want to chill during the day. If you want him to come out and play, try it in the late evening with the lights turned low. Maybe only have one small lamp on.
Good luck!
2007-11-15 07:07:50 · answer #5 · answered by Yup Yup Yuppers 7 · 3⤊ 0⤋
If he doesn't resist too hard, take him out and handle him. He will soon get used to it, and he'll enjoy it.
I think that if you got him a smaller, juvenile male companion, it would work out well. The little one wouldn't intimidate him, and he'd soon get to enjoy the antics of the youngster. He would learn to play, which I suspect he never did as a young rat, and he would have more fun. Introducing a male his size might or might not work, depending on their temperaments.
2007-11-15 19:03:42 · answer #6 · answered by The First Dragon 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I would say you probably shouldn't get another one if he was abused, just for the sake of him being nervous... Just open his cage, and put a few treats in your hand, and just leave your hand there... or offer him a finger to sniff... if he comes to you, you can pet him, and stuff... but if you don't think he totally trusts you yet, don't try to pick him up. If he doesn't come at all, do not try to pick him up or pet him, as it might scare him. Just be gentle, calm, friendly, but not too overpowering and don't go too crazy on the petting and trying to pick him up. Good luck!
2007-11-15 07:08:07 · answer #7 · answered by DunderMifflin 3 · 3⤊ 0⤋
Sounds like the little guy has a much better quality of life now, thanks to you. Depending on his personality, he'd probably appreciate another male to keep him company-- if you do adopt a buddy for him, quarantine the newbie for several weeks before doing careful intros.
Our 2 boys don't usually come out of their cage by themselves & seem reluctant to be picked up, but once they're out they obviously enjoy themselves. Our girls can't get out fast enough, though-- they swarm right up my arm & onto my shoulders the moment I open their cage.
2007-11-15 08:00:33 · answer #8 · answered by Catkin 7 · 3⤊ 0⤋
if your rat likes to held, start by holding him inside the cage for a while then gradually get closer to the top till he stays when you get him out. i know 2 males from the same family won't fight but i am unsure bout 2 different families.
2007-11-15 07:09:43 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Sounds like you are doing all the right things! I don't think I would get another one for company though, it may frighten him as he is not used to others. Just keep giving him attention and talk to him. He is in a much better environment than he was! I bet he's a happy rat!
Ewww rats.......... :)
2007-11-15 07:10:46 · answer #10 · answered by Badkitty 7 · 1⤊ 1⤋