My rat was biting me. Not very hard, more like a bite to find out what I was. I just got her and I was wondering how you train her not to do that. I was also wondering if it is okay to give her water in a small bowl instead of a bottle.
2007-12-20 07:29:42 · 4 answers · asked by Anonymous in Pets ➔ Rodents
Just handle her for 20 minutes or so OUTSIDE the cage. This will let the rat find out that you are not food. You can feed the rat while doing this if you want to. The rat will still figure out that you are not food.
Unsocialized rats will do as you describe, even drawing blood, because they know that the hand coming into the cage makes food appear. They don't realize the hand isn't part of the food.
It isn't a form of aggression, just ignorance.
You can put water in a bowl, but this can cause practical difficulties. The water will usually get contaminated with bedding and poop, or the rat will turn it over. Somewhat more practical, in my opinion, is a heavy mug half full of water. The rat can't upset it, and it won't get a lot of stuff in it. The rat can put its head into the mug and get a drink.
2007-12-20 07:39:40 · answer #1 · answered by The First Dragon 7 · 4⤊ 0⤋
Waterbottles are cheap, just buy one for your rat. It eliminates all the risk of them not having water because it spills, or it getting contaminated. If it is the sound of the bottle that is deturing you, your pet shop will have a few different options such as water that is mostly contained outside the cage and goes into a trough rather then being controlled by a ball.
About the biting, If you are feeding it through the cage then sticking your fingers in, it is going to bite them. Remember that rats have horrible eyesight and there are times when they can just get your fingers confused with food. Also when picking her up, let her know you are there by saying hi or something. Also, dont come from the top and from behind her with your hands to pick her up. (they are wary of things comming from the sky- hawks etc)
Another thing that will stop rats from biting is if they have a friend. Please get another girl to keep yours company. They will be just as attached to you but have something to do when you're not around. They are just so much less nervous when there is more then one.
2007-12-20 17:23:51 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
first find out why was it biting you, are you cruel to it? rats luv to clean each other and try to clean the people they care about.it sounds weird but they are saying you are part of their family when they do that. i have 2 boys and been having them over 1 year plus they're not my first.if you let your rat out to run the floor, keeping them in 1 room, i keep a bowl of water where they know where it is. they can get back into their cage when they want or need to but when they are on the floor, it's easier to just run to the bowl. but make sure it learns where the water bowl is. in the cage i have a water bottle for them.so they really have 2 ways to get water.
2007-12-21 02:05:19 · answer #3 · answered by N M 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Firstly, a bottle is preferable as water bowls can be knocked over. However, you could use a heavy one that will not be able to be knocked over; you'll be fine that way.
If she's from the pet shop, then she's likely to bite. And yes, it's just a 'wow, you're different' bite, she's just curious. It should stop as soon as she's become adjusted to her new lifestyle.
2007-12-20 07:34:40 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 4⤊ 0⤋