got my first rat. - Paw Talk

Ridley · #1 07-15-2007, 06:48 AM

So after setting up the cage and everything yesterday I went to have a look at some hammocks and see if there were any shelves for my cage at the pet shop. While I was there though I had a look at some rats and couldn't help myself there was this one female rat all alone so I couldn't help but buy her.

I don't know what type she is but she is just plain white. Shes a bit scared at the moment she has just been sitting in the one spot since I brang her home she hasn't even bothered to look around the cage is this normal?

She doesn't run away when i've got my hand near her she just sniffs it and stays where she is I can even stroke her and she doesn't move.

But yes is her behavior normal?

I'll get another girl for her once I find another one as well.

Vanilla_Rat · #2 07-15-2007, 09:51 AM

CongRATS on the new little girl.Does she have red eyes? She is probably a PEW (pink eyed white).

Anyway since you JUST brought her home,this is normal behaviour.She will be stressed and a little scared for the first few days.Talk to her softly,offer food and let her get your scent.She will come around,especially the more you talk to her and offer her goodies.

And she will need a same sex friend.Rats are VERY social.

Ridley · #3 07-17-2007, 03:50 AM

yes she is a pink eyed white.

I heard her scampering around last night while I was in bed but i got her a friend today shes a black and white rat and as soon as I put her in the white one started running around and playing with it.

There was a bit of biting from her as well to the new one I think and now everytime i put my hand near her she bites me why is she all of a sudden so aggressive?

pinkie1205 · #4 07-17-2007, 08:39 AM

Rats have very bad eyesight. Being that you arent frantic (rats bites HURT) I would say that she is just nibbling. Have you been giving her treats? A lot of times rats will associate your hands with treats and will nibble. After time they will work it out and learn to sniff before they grab (mine do anyway, sometimes I still get a few nips) You havent had her long, so its good to give her time to adjust. Just offer her treats and soon she will associate you with something good and warm up. It might take some time but it is worth it in the end. Females can be hyper so remember that also. Just expect her to want to play sometimes too

Vanilla_Rat · #5 07-17-2007, 09:11 AM

The rats are probably determining who's dominant.And I agree with Missy (Pinkie) that it was probably a little nip.Thats nothing to worry about.Rats nip a little during play and also if they smell food on your hands.

An1ma1Lov3r · #6 07-17-2007, 11:24 AM

Congrats on your new ratties!

maria · #7 07-17-2007, 01:40 PM

congrats on your little girl i have had 8 og them in the past and they make lovely pets to have

mulder · #8 07-17-2007, 01:48 PM

congrats on the ratties!!!! i can't wait for pics. did i miss it or do they have no names? you must name them! lol

don't worry about the play nipping. i consider rats to be in the dog personality category, too smart for runnign wheels and balls, love to lick and be handled. at least my boys are like that. try taking your ratties (while wearing a baggy sweater) and go on your bed and put the ratties up on your tummy. nice cozy spot, my boys love going through my sleeves

Vanilla_Rat · #9 07-17-2007, 02:14 PM

Yep,they are kind of like little doggies.

Ridley · #10 07-17-2007, 06:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by pinkie1205


	Rats have very bad eyesight. Being that you arent frantic (rats bites HURT) I would say that she is just nibbling. Have you been giving her treats? A lot of times rats will associate your hands with treats and will nibble. After time they will work it out and learn to sniff before they grab (mine do anyway, sometimes I still get a few nips) You havent had her long, so its good to give her time to adjust. Just offer her treats and soon she will associate you with something good and warm up. It might take some time but it is worth it in the end. Females can be hyper so remember that also. Just expect her to want to play sometimes too

I don't know if it was a nip or a bite but as soon as i felt her teeth around my finger I pulled away. I haven't been giving them treats yet I wanted them to get used to the new home a little before that.

What treats should I give them?

Vanilla_Rat · #11 07-17-2007, 10:13 PM

Treats you can offer can include cheerios,a little bit of yogurt or baby food (on a spoon),a piece of fruit,yogies (rat treats you can get at most pet stores),a cracker...etc.

Rats love food and treats and when you offer them some,they warm up to you quite fast.

Ridley · #12 07-18-2007, 04:01 AM

Are bananas ok for them because i read somewhere on the internet you can give them some banana. I gave them a little bit each and they seem to like it but i just wanna make sure that its ok before I feed them anymore.

If anyone wants to suggest some names let me see them because I can't think of anything to name them.

I can't get any pic sorry because my camera is stuffed and I don't have them money to get another one.

Vanilla_Rat · #13 07-18-2007, 09:04 AM

Yes,a little bit of banana is a good,healthy treat.My guys love it!

Names...well what are their personalities like? Maybe you can think of names to suit their personalities?? I like to name mine unique names or sweet names (like Jellyroll,Milkyway...etc).

Ridley · #14 07-19-2007, 12:32 AM

i'm thinking dash for the black and white one because she always darts off when theres a sudden movement.

I don't have a name for the white one yet.

Vanilla_Rat · #15 07-19-2007, 08:58 AM

Dash is a cute little name!

Hmmm...for the white one,how about:
Vanilla,Frosty,Milkshake (I have a mousey named that,but she isn't white),Snowflake or Blizzard?