i could use some advice!

[shredthedocuments]

well, i recently got two female rats. one of them has opened up to me already (i've only had them for about a week or two) and will gladly climb onto my shoulder, head, or arms. however, the other one isn't so willing to be handled. she does seem like she wants to get out of the cage, but when i present her with my hand, shoulder, etc, she just kind of sniffs around, leaves, comes back again, leaves again, so on and so forth. she also kind of bites me a lot, but it's never really hard enough to hurt me. almost like she's just seeing if i'm food, except she keeps doing it! is this her way of asking for me to leave her alone?

well, the biggest question that i have is whether or not i should pick her up. when i try to, she gets quite scared. however, i figure that if i pick her up and i don't hurt her, she'll realize that it's okay and be more open to being handled. she enjoys being in my sweatshirts and usually makes little happy sounds when she's in there, but this doesn't make her any more willing to be picked up or handled!

so, as the title implies, i'm a little clueless as to what i should do and i could use some help.

thanks!

[shredthedocuments]

okay, i'm sorry to bump this back up to the top but i'm still having problems.

i know that bonding pouches help squirrels to bond to their owners, and i've seen websites selling "rat bonding pouches", so is this a possible solution? i've never read about this working with rats.

i'm starting to think that she's full-grown, or at least close to it. i just assumed she was young because she was at the pet store. if she is full-grown is there no chance of her bonding to me?

any replies would be appreciated...

[laydeerodentzz]

well, im not sure about her age, but I would tell you to keep picking her up and try to get her out to get used to you. obviosly you have been doing this already so the only other way I can think of doing it is leave her alone for two or three days and give loads and loads of attention to the other one, what I would hope to result from this is the rat that does not seem to like being handled much will smell the scent on the other rat, maybe get slightly jelous-or maybe not, and realise your there for good things and come to seek attention itself... just an idea.

[mtmaughan]

I think you should continue to handle her daily, whether she seems to like it or not. Even full grown she will learn to trust you, but it might take longer than if she were a baby. She will see that you picking her up leads to good things like treats and cuddling.

My first boys were full grown from a pet store when I got them, and were not very social at all! It took a long time, but I forced them to interact with me, and after 3 or 4 months they would jump right on me when I opened the cage.

[Cazsamps]

I am having the same issues with my new boys!! One of them is a bit happier to come out and play than the other but i am just forcing them to so that they realise i am no threat only their friend!!! I like you will have just to persist. One of my girls was like this at first but after much forcing and loads of treats all 3 of them love me to bits now so my boys will follow suit eventually it just takes time and patience!!

[BrokenEclipse]

I just got a new male, he's very small, around 6 weeks now, still deciding on names but i think he'll be called Jack-Jack because that's what his little face looks like, tehe!
OK! Back on topic. He is also getting used to the socializing part. My other 2 rats, Whome i got from the same petshop around 3 weeks in advance were friendly from the beginning but this little guy seems a bit more timid. Its difficult to get him out his cage, and when he's in my hands he squirms alot and runs from one hand to the next. He's on my shoulder right now and seems to have calmed down but it's been a week and he's still adjusting. If i find any tips on making it easier i will be sure to post about them. We're all in this together!
Oh crap he just peed on my shoulder...

[bitsofmaineratt]

Rule number one, rats have pecking orders. Rats lower in the pecking order where they came from develop into socially sweet pets faster. Rats higher in the order get confused about where YOU come into the picture. They nibble to see if you fight back, they run to see if you attack them and then when they wrestle to get away you pull away, right? Because your rat is unhappy and no one wants an unhappy rat.
Pick your rat up firmly but gently, it is smaller than you and this shouldn't require a struggle where either of you gets hurt. Just be quick and firm so the experience is as painless as possible for the rat.
Next, take your rat to an area where they have some freedom to explore you without actually being touched by you. I use my bed, this gives them a place to hide and room for me to stretch out so they can start with checking me out at the feet, belly, hair or wherever they feel comfortable. Some just hide behind the pillows for up to 2 hours and go to sleep. At least this means they are comfortable out of their cage and that is a step.
I move on later to my kitchen counter. This keeps them at my hand level and if they get curious they can come watch my hands or sniff them. You want to do this in the evening when they are alert so they don't just crawl behind the toaster and go to sleep.
Lastly, after a few adjustment times with you the rat will be easier to touch and hold but often when you pick them up (firmly and gently) they will squeak and struggle, no longer out of fear or confusion but because just like a small child who has been playing outside and doesn't want to come in, your rat had alot of fun and doesn't want to go back to it's boring old cage!

[BrokenEclipse]

My little boy was more comfortable today with me, i opened the cage and scratched the pet litter a bit and he had a look, then when he came down i gave him a small treat. When i was holding him he didn't run al over like usual he seemed more comfortable. So it looks like he's finally settling (:

[shredthedocuments]

thanks for all the replies, i've learned some valuable hints!

picking her up before was definitely a struggle. she acted like she was fighting for her life to get out of my hands. over the last few days it has gotten progressively better, though, because i've been sure to shower her with love after she endures me picking her up. today she barely put up a fight.

i don't think that i ever see her as being lovey-dovey, but i am at least glad that she won't hate me and be terrified of me for the rest of her life.

[Vanilla_Rat]

Some rats just need a little more time then others.I am glad she seems to be getting better.