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How long do I wait, and how do I get her to trust me? My rat.?
I have had pet rats in the past. I am very farmiliar with the careing and training of rats. But, all of the rats Ive ever owned were male. After studying them they are what I prefered because of their size and temperment. Also in the past I raised my rats they trusted me. So here is my situation. Since my last rat died (old age) I have been wanting to get another pair of boys. Well, while visiting a friend I over heard someof them talking about how "its been outside for over a week with no food or water and its still alive." So I say "Whats been outside?" a rat. The poor thing was in a horrible rusted cage in the dirt no bedding, no food, no water, in the middle of the yard with no protection from the sun! I'm sure I dont have to tell you I was pissed. I demanded they let me take her home imediatly. (she was just snake food to them anyway) Well, to top it off she had a baby the day before. Who knows if she had more than 1. But 1 cute beautiful little boy was left.
Just to let you know she is from the pet store. I have had her at home now for 4 days, and I cannot get her to warm up to me. I will not aproach her, because she has the baby and I do not want to get bit. My question is: after being mistrated will she warm up to me, how can I teach her that I love her, and is there a possibility she has contracted a disease from her past living conditions?
Oh yeah, and how old should the little boy be before She will not be so protective of him so I can start to teach him to trust people?
8 Answers
- FozzieBearLv 72 decades agoFavorite Answer
Any mother animal with babies is a bit difficult to deal with. Slowly introduce yourself to her. Put your hand just inside the cage where she can approach it if she wishes to. If she comes over to sniff, don't move. Let her explore.
After you do this a few times, you can begin to slowly move your hand and let her get comfortable with that. It may take days, it may take weeks, but she should eventually become comfortable with you and allow you to hold and pet her. The baby should be handled the same way. Let him come to you.
Also - make sure you separate them once he's a month old or get him fixed (unless you want a lot more rats). Not a bad thing in my opinion, but you may not want more.
- Anonymous2 decades ago
Once the baby is up and walkin' on it's own, eating solid food, you should be able to seperate them, and start bonding with the baby. As for the mother, just talk to her, give her treats (if she takes food from your hand, that's a good sign), but overall, just let her do things at her pace. Don't rush her. Also, since she is nursing, you can feed her cat food, because it is higher in nutrients (and lower in fat) than most rat foods. Once she realizes that you are feeding her, caring for her, not trying to take her baby away (yet, soon you will, since he is male), she will slowly start to take more and more interest in you. Make sure you have an igloo or some form of hiding area, for then she has a sense of security to run to.
- 2 decades ago
I don't think anyone can give you a clear time frame on how long it will actually take to get her to warm up to you. Poor thing being mistreated like that. I've only ever had female rats and found that they would let you know when too much is enough in regards to their offspring. My suggestion to you would just be to spend as much time with her that you can, and do it on her terms. You may want to just put your hand in her enclosure and keep it still so that she can sniff you out. I wouldn't recommend baiting her with food as she may mistake your fingers for a treat at some point. Good luck!
- hubbertLv 45 years ago
hello...your typing is poor,no offense (you want to textual content,do not you?it shows in the way you spell.) to placed it in a lighter tone:how you should spell and act more desirable maturely till now getting a puppy,no matter in case your mom and father will allow you to. i do not mean to be impolite yet... =) settle down.it type of appears like you're indignant.yet another lesson:only because you've many pets would not recommend you're a sturdy proprietor.i'm only offering you with an adivse:pay interest for your mom and father.They understand what's top for you.there is no aspect for asking this question.you only choose people to listen for your tale. *I were given my hamsters at the same time as i replaced into 13 yeard previous.I used to have them at the same time as i replaced into 8 yet i did not preserve them heavily back then till I grew to develop into 13. P.S:do not reply.i don't love fights.ok.I provide up.You win...even with you want.i'm only affirming my adivse and opinion
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- 2 decades ago
Just what ever you do keep the fridge stocked .we dont want you to get hungry and eat the rats You big women are so silly.
- Anonymous2 decades ago
animal love