Handling Rats

[scoobysoo]

I bought 2 rats on Sunday. I have followed the care guide I bought re handling them, and have been giving them treats and talking to them, but now I'm unsure of how to go about picking them up. Whenever I put my hand in the cage to try, they stand on their hind legs and sniff my hand, and one of them nipped me, and I can't get to them. Now I'm a bit nervous about the whole thing and woried that I wont be able to tame them and have them sit on my lap after all! Please help!!!!

[PurplePixie]

Make sure your hand doesn't smell of food, or they might have a nibble. An aggressive rat would bite you like a staple gun, so I'm sure you new pet was just testing!!! Don't let it put you off tho, rats are loads of fun.

I would go sit in a very escape proof room with no dangerous stuff like wires that you get chewed...maybe a bathroom...and let them run around & you sit on the floor nice & still & wait for them to come & climb on you. Rats are very intelligent & will soon tame if you spend time with them.

If you stay on the floor with them, you'll gain confidence in handling them & there's no risk if you were to suddenly panic & let go. Give them lots of things to destroy like cereal boxes,loo rolls & that will keep them bright & alert. Have fun, I love rats as pets.

When they settle down, try giving them access to a tub of water (obviously not deep & with easy means of getting in & out) some of mine have really enjoyed a paddle!

[mindimplode]

Rats have a terrible habit of befriending moles then messing about in a boat. or not.

[Coobeastie]

agree with purplepixie just give them time. let them get used to you and your smell and their new home. Don't make sudden movements at them as this can panic them.

i'm without rats at the moment :(

[Emma-J]

What sex did you end up getting?

Best way to pick them up is around the middle with one hand, then hold them in your hands like you would a hamster or a small kitten.

I had the same problem with my rats, (I had 1 rat and then got another to keep her company and the second 1 always tried to nibble me when I tried to handle her) but eventually I learned that they are only sniffing to see who you are, you will have a scent that they recognise, eventually they will come to you when you open the cage, you are in for a whale, they are the best pets to have.

Do what purplepixie says and you will have friends for life (well a few years anyway) : )

[clair3934]

When I first got my rats I used to get them out of there cage and let them curl up and sleep inside the sleeve of my jumper they are warm and safe and get used to your smell at the same time they associate you with being safe then, I did this with all 10 of my rats. If you are nervous of picking them up bodily try holding the base of the tail and then quickly but gentily transfering the body of your little pal to your arm or chest etc. or you could try coaxing them out of there own accord through the cage door this takes more time but its on there terms so they feel confident when they come out. I used to come home in the evenings and just open the cage door they would come out and run all over the room and then settle for a nap on the back of the sofa or go for a walk around the house on my shoulder. hope this helps let us know how you get on :-)

[scoobysoo]

Thanks folks