hi congrads on your new babies, how long have you had them? sometimes they just need to adjust
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When I got my male Bruce, he was the same way. Ultra-defensive and never came out of corners in the cage. Wouldn't eat from my hand. Didn't want to come out. Wanted to stay in a corner in the cage for all eternity. He wouldn't even let any other rats live with him. He'd hide all his food in that corner at night so he didn't even have to leave it to eat. ): But I got some great advice from Spaz here on the forums and got Bruce neutered. It was great! It seemed like overnight he was a new rat. Once he healed and was ready to be caged with his new cagemates, my females, he was super happy, and still is. He's still a rat who doesn't like to be held, but he'll tolerate it now. Some rats just don't like to be pet/handled much. 
He doesn't nip at me or fluff up at me in threatening ways though, haha. he went from depressed to happy. Maybe your rat could use the same thing, but idk. Spaz could probably be more help here.
He doesn't nip at me or fluff up at me in threatening ways though, haha. he went from depressed to happy. Maybe your rat could use the same thing, but idk. Spaz could probably be more help here.Re: Odin
Aww, that is great!! It sounds to me like your husband had a good bonding session with Odin...I am sure Odin felt safe in your husband's shirt, and covered and secure, so that was good for him. Good job hubby! And then Odin took cheerios from you and sat on your shoulder, great! Little steps like these are terrific. Speaking of hubbies, you know, my boys have always had a soft spot for my husband, and although I know they love me to bits and they love for Mom to pick them up and sit on my shoulders (I have long hair and rats love nestling under long hair) they STILL will hang out and get pets and cuddles from their Dad (my husband) for a longer period of time. Maybe it is a male bonding thing, ha ha. :lol:
In any case, I hope your hubby will continue to do cuddles in his shirt with Odin...I am sure he enjoyed it.
As for the poops, yep, that is the usual thing, especially with young ratties. Our boys poop everywhere. Sometimes this happens because rats are very nervous but even after you sense that they are not scared, and seem to be having a good time exploring on your shirts, etc, it still happens quite a bit when they are babies.
Good job so far though, I bet you are thrilled. Just takes patience and lots of love! If you don't rush it, or push Odin into anything too fast to scare him, and take baby steps, you will have a baby that loves you more than anything. It is worth it. :wave:
Aww, that is great!! It sounds to me like your husband had a good bonding session with Odin...I am sure Odin felt safe in your husband's shirt, and covered and secure, so that was good for him. Good job hubby!
And then Odin took cheerios from you and sat on your shoulder, great! Little steps like these are terrific. Speaking of hubbies, you know, my boys have always had a soft spot for my husband, and although I know they love me to bits and they love for Mom to pick them up and sit on my shoulders (I have long hair and rats love nestling under long hair) they STILL will hang out and get pets and cuddles from their Dad (my husband) for a longer period of time. Maybe it is a male bonding thing, ha ha. :lol:In any case, I hope your hubby will continue to do cuddles in his shirt with Odin...I am sure he enjoyed it.
As for the poops, yep, that is the usual thing, especially with young ratties. Our boys poop everywhere. Sometimes this happens because rats are very nervous but even after you sense that they are not scared, and seem to be having a good time exploring on your shirts, etc, it still happens quite a bit when they are babies.
Good job so far though, I bet you are thrilled. Just takes patience and lots of love! If you don't rush it, or push Odin into anything too fast to scare him, and take baby steps, you will have a baby that loves you more than anything. It is worth it. :wave:
Sounds like you are on the right track! Some rats just take a little longer than others to warm up, so take it one step at a time, in short spurts several times a day. Each day you can keep them out for a little longer as they get more used to you. And I'm glad to see you got her to spend time in a shirt--try a hooded sweatshirt with a pouch in front, if you have one. Let them crawl inside the pouch while you wear it so they will feel safe, but they will also get used to your smell. Do not wash this sweatshirt until they are completely used to you, and wear it every time you handle them. This has been a sure-fire method for me with the rats I've had.
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