How can I get rats used to myself?

Question

(Trying out Yahoo Answers for the first time, hoping this is the right amount of detail)

My girlfriend and I just got pet rats; they're two young females, about 2 months old which according to the breeder who sold them to us (very experienced guy) is the perfect age for them to be taken away from their native group. Anyways, I picked them up and drove them home (they spent about an hour in the car) and put them in the cage we had set up and "furnished" for them. They were not aggressive or anything at any time, but after I put them in the cage, they seemed scared and at first almost catatonic.

This was two days ago, and it looks like they're feeling a bit better now. They've eaten and explored the cage a bit; but they still tend to spend most of their time in one of the four hiding places in the cage and they seem to be scared of us humans.

Now, I'm aware rats are shy and naturally predisposed to be frightened of something as much bigger as a human, and I'm not writing because I'm expecting a miracle. Still, while I find good tips on a lot of pet-rat-related issues, I've only found sparse information on how to actually behave for the rats to become more used to humans and develop a more "pet-like" attitude.

So essentially, my question to anyone owning pet rats (or otherwise experienced with them) would be how to actually go about this. Should I "force" contact, i.e. just lift them out of the cage and hold them in my hand (they don't like this as of yet, obviously)? Should I let them run around the living room a bit and stay with them? Talk to them, as someone has suggested to me? Use food to show them my intentions are good? Give them a chance to approach me somehow?

Any input or tips from anyone more versed in this than I is greatly appreciated. Cheers

Olivia · Accepted Answer

Before training or play comes trust. If you have had your rat as a companion then in all likelihood the bond of trust has been established.
With a new rat you have to start from square one. Here we will discuss trust training with a skittish rat. Rats showing aggression need to be handled a little differently and will be discussed in another behavior article.
First let the rat get used to the new cage and surroundings. Make sure that the cage has an opening large enough for you to get both hands into. Then approach it carefully with snacks. Be sure to keep your fingers safe with a new rat. Put soft food on a spoon to not only protect your fingers, but to keep the rat in place while eating rather than running back and hiding in a corner with the food. Laying your arm inside of the cage will help get the rat used to you. Often their natural curiosity will inspire the bravery for the rat to explore your arm.
As your rat becomes more comfortable try picking it up gently from the sides and holding it. Use both hands to pick the rat up. Do not pick the rat up by its tail. This is frightening to the rat and can cause injuries such as tail deg loving. Hold it gently and securely. If the rat’s tail begins to whip around it means that it is frantically trying to regain its balance. Be sure to support the rat’s hind legs to prevent making it feel as if its balance is off. If the rat becomes agitated then return it to the cage and try again later.
You may find that some rats are more responsive during certain times of the day. Rats can have their own schedules, although they will usually adjust to yours. Talk soothingly to the rat. Let it know that you are not to be feared and that you are the provider of treats.
Once your rat is comfortable being held, just spend time with it by having him ride on your shoulder or hanging out with you while you are relaxing, then you can begin playing more and training.
Rats learn quickly. Using positive reinforcements such as treats and praise will ensure that your pet rat is eager to learn. The mental stimulation that training provides will enhance the rat’s natural intelligence.
When teaching your rat a trick, for instance coming to his name, repeat the word while holding a treat. When he comes to you release the treat to him, praise him verbally, and/or reward by giving physical contact such as scratching or by holding him. One of the most useful things you can train your rat to do is to use a litter box. You will find detailed training instructions here.
Things to remember when training your rat is that the rats own personality may determine what tricks it will be best at. Active females often do better at tricks that require agility and speed. Some rats are smarter than others are. Gearing the training to the rat’s activity level and intelligence will save both you and your rat from becoming frustrated.
Be sure that there are not a lot of distractions during training time. Keeping the training area consistent will help to keep the rat’s natural instinct to explore new things at bay. Do not try to train male rats where female rats have recently been, or vice verso. The scent will distract them and the training session will be useless.
Keep your training sessions short- between 10 and 15 minutes. Never punish your rat if it doesn't perform.

Trending News

How can I get rats used to myself?

1 Answer