My rat still seems scared of handling?

Question

I adopted 2 rats from my local humane society a few months ago. Their names are Sunshine and Hiccup, Sunshine is 1.5 years, and Hiccup is 1. They are very very active, and not very snuggly. However Sunshine will let me pick her up without much of a fuss. Hiccup on the other hand squirms and freaks out a little whenever I pick her up. I have been trying to get her used to it, but she still seems scared of me and being picked up. I have been taking her around the house on my shoulder which she seems okay with, but if I even touch her she tries to get away. Does she just not like attention? She is a lot better than she was, and now she will take treats from me during play time or in her cage, but not when I am holding her. What else can I do to get her used to me?

Birbitt_98 · Accepted Answer

For many rats the problem isn't being held, or touched but rather the act of a large object (your hand) coming down on top of them, it makes them nervous as that is how predators would catch them.  Try using a bit of baby food, or whipped cream on a spoon to "lure" her to stand on your hand.  Then lift her out of the cage.  Once she is used to this, she may be more tolerant of petting.   

Also some rats just don't like to be touched a whole lot, for those rats sometimes it's just best to interact with them on their terms, let them come to you and sit with you if they want, otherwise just talk to them and offer treats.  

I have quite a few rats and of them I do have two who just don't like being petted or picked up, but if they are playing on my bed they will come up and snuggle with me, or they will climb on and give me some rattie kisses.  

It's a learning process and we just have to learn our rats personalities.

? · Answer

My sister's rat was never big on being held, he was more of an explorer; clearly if she rides on your shoulder then she trusts you and likes you, she's just not the touchy feely type. Female rats are most often the active ones (I have a male rat right now and he's VERY massive and lazy...recently started loving cuddles...) and she's probably just wanting to take a good look about. Just make sure you're extra gentle with her and take care not to tip her up onto her back (or tip her at all), let her climb on your hand and get up onto your shoulder herself so she knows that she's in charge of when she's held and give her lots of warning before you pick her up (try calling her name before you scoop her up or offer a hand).

Also, good on you for taking in two preloved ratties.

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My rat still seems scared of handling?

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