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Please help I can't pick up my rat?!?
I adopted 2 rats from a humane Society a few months ago. One of them is just fine and sweet, but the other, Hiccup, is really hard to deal with. Whenever I let her out to run around my room, she is impossible to get back in the cage. I have tried everything, I taught them both to come, but now she rarely does because she's scared of me, so that didn't work. She really never wants to go back in her cage even though it is big and has hammocks and things. So usually after chasing her around trying to get her out from under things my last resort is to grab her and get her back in the cage, sometimes if it is taking too long and I have to leave I may have to gently get the base of her tail (without hurting her). Anyway the point is that I really need some help. I don't know what I can do, because every time I pick her up she totally freaks out, I try to calm her down but she is crazy! I have tried everything people say, but when she's running around she just won't come up to me or get on hand, not even a chance. I really want to be able to let her out for exercise but I don't know if I can do this anymore, I feel so bad for her. In fact just a few minutes ago I had to put her back and she squeaked when I picked her up, I feel so bad :( Please help!
She will not accept treats when I am holding her... I have tried to build trust but it would take months of her never being out of her cage...
5 Answers
- Anonymous10 years agoFavorite Answer
1) Build up the rat's trust. Work up to the point where the rat feels comfortable feeding from your hand. Spend plenty of time with your rat--a single rat often demands a few hours of attention a day, or at least a companion rat so that it doesn't get lonely. Treat your rat well.
2) Wait for a good time when a rat might be easily handled: after playing, for example, or when it's sleepy. Then, slide one hand underneath the rat's ribs, and lift gently. Place your other hand underneath the feet, so that it has a solid footing--if it doesn't, it may think it is at risk of falling.
3) Steady the rat, and treat it in a calm, soothing manner--watch the rat's behavior closely. Always carry the rat with two hands, and make sure to hold the rat close to your body.
4) Every time the rat allows you to pick it up, reward it with a treat: this will associate the behavior with a reward. Don't pick up your rat if it seems to stress it out unnecessarily.
5) Adapt to your rat's personality. Some rats, no matter how domesticated, may never be comfortable being picked up. Other rats, meanwhile, may be gluttons for affection.
- clone meLv 510 years ago
You have a paranoid rat and it is not unusual. I have one named peanut who has been paranoid all her life even though she is in a mixed mischeif of 8 rats. I do not bother to let her out coz she runs straight to the nearest dark corner and hides there. She is now over a year old and seems more confident and allows me to to pick her up and pet her , where before she hated it, but only recently. Dont give up hope, your rat, over time, will become more trusting but I doubt she will loose the paranoia it is a character trait.
PS:I have found that rats thrive on consistancy and routine. make sure their mealtimes ect.. are always around the same time.
- 10 years ago
1. Encourage your pet to trust you through trust building exercises.
2.Place your hand near the rat and allow it to smell and taste your fingers and palm.
3.Slowly and gently stroke the rat on the top of its head with one finger allowing the rat to become comfortable with the contact.
4.Make a first attempt to pick up the rat by cupping your fingers and gently placing them under the rat's belly.
5.Allow the rat to climb on your body or over your arms as this will encourage a level of comfort.
6.When holding the rat in one hand cover the rat's body with the other hand to stop it from falling or scurrying away.
7.Wait for your rat relax while you're holding it. The rat will gradually become more comfortable over time and the process will become easier.
8.Give your rattie a treat or two to make it even more comfortable with contact.
it takes time for them to be able to trust you, plus they don't like being picked up.
- ?Lv 410 years ago
lift gently by the tail and as soon as you have the back legs in the air, support them and the rest of it's weight with your hand coming in from behind.
