Rat Problems

[scoobysoo]

Hi. As some of you may know, I bought 2 male rats last week in the hope of have some furry little buddies to bond with, cuddle etc. However, it now seems that I have a bit of a phobia. They need cleaning out today and I tried to do it but I just can't. I've spent all week trying to get them used to my scent, giving them little tit bits and I thought it was going well until I tried to clean them out. First of all I tried putting the cage in my hallway, opening the cage door and sitting there quietly so they could explore me, but after 1 hour they refused to come out. I tried putting my hand in to pick them up and they attacked me as I was very hesitant. I just haven't got the guts to actually touch them and I now realise this could be a big problem. I'm in a bit of an emotional state now and don't know what to do. Please help.

[meltoadhall]

perhaps you should have researched this a bit more. have you got anyone who is used to handling rats or mice who can help you?

they will sense that you are afraid. really you have two choices - keep trying and get over your fear or take them back to where you got them.

[~Wingnut~]

Hi There scoobysoo

A week isn't really long enough for your 2 new buddies to get to know you, and for you to get to know them. It needs to be a gradual process, It'll take time but before long you'll be sticking your hand in, cleaning them out etc.. without even thinking about it.

Each day spend some time talking to them, just by the side of the cage. Keep trying with keeping the door open and trying to entice them out, if they dont come out leave it for that day and just keep trying, eventually they will realise they can trust you :o) The more you handle them the more they will trust you. It will take time tho.
Oh and if you plan for them running round a room, make sure it is escape proof ;o) Their little beggers for finding escape routes!!!

Hope this helps & let us know how you get on!

~Wingnut~

[lankeela]

Watch to see what they like to eat and try feeding them something like a peanut fron your hand or between your fingers. they will learn to come to you for a treat and then you can lay your hand flat in the cage and they can climb on it.

Does the top come off the cage? If so take it off and just sit there with your hand on the bottom of the cage and let them explore. they will notbite you if they come to you, they will only nip if they are frightened.

Although you should not hold them by the end of their tail, you can pick them up by holding the tail near their body, with you finger and thumb and then lift them onto your arm or hand.

[snook]

Just to add to earlier answers, if you're really scared of them nipping you, get hold of some thick gloves and use them for now, til you're used to them and they're used to you. I'm thinking of work gloves, the type you'd get in a hardware shop (or even welder's gloves, if you're really terrified - they'd have a job biting through them). It's only a temporary solution, if you're really jumpy.

[jedimistress]

I've never met a rat who didn't enjoy sweetcorn.

I think the rats know you are nervous now, so play on it. I think the suggestion of getting somone who is used to rats to come in and help is a good one.

[clair3934]

snook rats can bite through a breeze block so gardening gloves will not help they are also not reccomended because if a rat does bite you through the gloves you could end up with fibers from the glove in a wound this could cause infection. just try giveing treats through the bars of the cage at first then strart opening the door and putting your hand in to give them treats, as far as cleaning until you are more confident with them try to coax them to the top level of the cage then take the top off and put it strait on the floor then clean the tray out and do the same to put the cage top back on.

Be patiant it will take time for you to get used your 2 new friends it never happends in a week or a few days it can take weeks or months good luck :-)

[Ghostlove]

Hi, how are you doing with your rats? Have you settled in happily with them now? :o)