I just got two rats 4 days ago and I've been trying to get them comfortable outside their cage or when being held. Whenever I try to get them out of their cage they still run away even after I let them sniff my hands for awhile, and whenever I do get them out, they squeak like mad even though I've been doing the same thing for the past 3 days, getting them out for about 30-60 minutes and letting them run around or sit my shoulder. They still seem to be scared or nervous of everything. Does it just take them time to get used to everything? They seem eager to get out of the cage when I open it but as soon as I put my hands in or try to scoop them up, they dash into their little house and won't crawl up my arm if I hold it out for them.
2007-12-09 12:19:45 · 5 answers · asked by hifirockstar17 1 in Pets ➔ Rodents
Also, I forgot to ask, I though rats liked water? I put my two in the tub today with a little bit of water and as soon as I put them down they scurried back up my arm.
2007-12-09 12:53:16 · update #1
Your very conserned that's great!
But no there is nothing you can do but wait it out and do what your doing now. There just scared and don't know about things yet! They will get used to you, honestly it may take a week, two, three, maybe longer but then again it may not.
Trust me and just give it time, even if they make noises hold them, talk slowly and softly and stroke them very softly, over time things will get better, just keep up the work and they'll love you in no time!
j.
2007-12-09 12:29:48 · answer #1 · answered by J. 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Rats like to drink water, not play in it.
At first I couldn't figure out why your rats were still so scared of you. Now I think I understand. You are trying them out on activities that scare them. They're not sure what will happen after you pick them up.
Just let each one sit on your shoulder or climb around on you for 30 minutes or more. Give it something good to eat too. Don't introduce weird activities until AFTER they feel comfortable with you. Then you can try little adventures, and they will trust you more, assuming you will remove them from any situation they don't turn out to like.
2007-12-09 13:55:43 · answer #2 · answered by The First Dragon 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Most rats will get accustomed to you in a few weeks if you handle them on a daily basis. Some rats, however, either due to early childhood trauma or bad genes, may remain skittish and/or fearful their entire lives. One of my rats is like this. Even though he never bites or runs away from me, he is very timid and doesn't like to be held at all. His cagemate, however, is very friendly and got accustomed to me in a few days. He let's me handle him all the time without any fear.
Every rat is different, but you should be just fine if you handle them regularly. They are, for the most part, extremely friendly.
2007-12-09 12:29:33 · answer #3 · answered by airforcewolf 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
It took my girls about a week to get to the point where I could carry them around on my shoulder and play with them. It all depends on the rat really.
Ohmy... Those poor ratties. Most rats do /not/ like water and the fact that you put them in it while they're still afraid of you does not sit well with me. Obviously you do not know as much about rats as you thought. I suggest reading up more...
2007-12-09 16:24:32 · answer #4 · answered by Ska.Ska.Ska 4 · 0⤊ 1⤋
rats needs about two the three weeks to get used to you, you need to hold them and let them walk around you. theyll be scred at first but they will soon get used to you after. i have two rats and they were fine just after two weeks of holdingthem everyday. yes rats like water, but again they need to get used to it so dont rush them into it. my rats dont like it too much but they like to bathe. i wash them as much as i can.
2007-12-09 14:01:40 · answer #5 · answered by Mrs.Durossndamaken 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋