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Should i return my pet rats?
Hi rat lovers!
I got 2 pet rats 3 months ago after reading about how great they are. I was looking forward to playing, tickling and scritching them. I found a breeder and got two girls. At first, they bit me a couple of times, and the breeder said that was strange, and to take the socializing more slowly. They don't bite now, and sometimes I can get them to crawl onto me, but they duck and dodge my hand when I try to pet them. It's very hard to get them to let me pick them up. It's VERY frustrating. I spend 10-15 minutes with them in the morning, and at least that long in the evenings and weekends.
The breeder seemed really good, but she had a LOT of rats (and mice) in a LOT of bins, so maybe she didn't have time to socialize them properly.
The rats are now almost 6 months old. Will things get better if I just hang in there, or are they a lost cause? Should I return them and find a new breeder?
Christine
I definitely don't let them out that much..(I'm away at work 10+ hours a day). I put them on my table once or twice a week for an hour or so. But I have a cat and I'm in a studio apartment right now. I'm buying a bigger condo, so I'll be able to lock up the cat and give them more outside time. Sometime when the cat is relaxing alone in his own zone, I try lying on the couch with one of the rats, but the whole time she's just trying to make her way back to the cage. I can see their mood change when they smell him as he comes close, so I don't think he's the general issue. They just don't seem to like me in general. I'm just a source of food and a nuisance to them.
6 Answers
- RobinLv 61 decade agoFavorite Answer
When a breeder has a lot of animals, you can know for sure they aren't getting the proper socialization they need. Rats need at least 1 - 2 hours of play per day outside their cage, and no owner has 24 hours of time to spend with their rats, especially if they also have a lot of mice.
You probably can tame them, but it will take a while. I would hang in there for now. If you return them, it is unlikely that they will find a good home. Do you mind if I ask which breeder this was (email me privately if you don't mind giving up a name)? I would definitely not adopt from that breeder again, and try to find somebody who can spend a little more time with their babies. If you like I can send you some links, if you let me know what state you live in.
10 minutes twice a day isn't a lot of time, I would take them out for at least half an hour, preferably an hour. Carry them in the front pocket of a hoodie or on your shoulder, or just have them crawl around on the couch while you watch TV and they will eventually get used to you. Make sure to offer them treats, especially things they have to lick from your hand and can't run away with.
Hope this helps, good luck!
Source(s): I am a veterinary assistant who has owned rats for 10 years and bred them for 5. I currently run a rat care website at http://careguide.evergreenrattery.com/ and will answer rat or other rodent questions via email, just click the link in my profile. - 1 decade ago
They're definitely not a lost cause. In my opinion, you shouldn't return them, you should keep at it. Hand feed them, be slow in approaching them, talk in a soft voice and no sudden moves. Hold them daily, if only for a few minutes, and try and pet them in their cage often. Are you giving them out-of-cage time daily for a few hours?
They'll get there eventually.
- Anonymous1 decade ago
I think your are right, I doubt the breeder socialized them at all. Just keep working with them and they should calm down and become your friends. Rats make awesome pets as they are so friendly, yours will get there with you to help them out. Good luck.
- ?Lv 61 decade ago
you cant expect them to instantly love you with only 15 minutes twice a day. If you dont have the patience, then animals arent for you. No matter what animal you get, they require lots of love and patience.
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- Anonymous1 decade ago
i dont think you should return them.
the breeder probably wouldnt have had the time to go to every single rat when theyre a baby and handle them.
be slow and patient, they will start to be more social and tame. handfeed them and stroke them as much as you can. sit with them and talk softly. when youre reading or on the computer, take them out and let them walk around on your table or on you.
good luck with your ratties!
=)
- Anonymous1 decade ago
no no no !! i toke me a month for my rats to trust me!!