Bonding with pet rats?

Question

A little while ago I got myself two female dumbo rats. I got them right after they were weened off their mother, and I've had them for awhile now, so they're probably a little over two months. One's really active and curious, and seems like she really wants to run away. The other's shy and nervous, and only hides in my hair when I take her out of the cage. They'll run to me when they're scared or nervous, but beyond that neither seems to want much to do with me. They don't seem like they like being petted or played with, and I can't seem to get them interested in anything.

My question is, what are some good ways to bond with a pet rat, or to recognize when they're starting to like and trust you? I mean I can tell they're more comfortable with me than other people, but they still just don't like to interact with me. Are they just too little to be able to play and learn games and stuff? I know my biology teacher said they'd have to be about six months before they learn tricks or anything.

I'd appreciate answers from people who own rats and have personal experience with them. Most sites I've found are helpful with basic rat care, but don't give me what I want to know. Thanks a lot for any advice you can give.

Answer 1

I have 13 pet rats at home, and i love them all! Dumbos are some of the cutest out there.

Hold them on a daily basis and they'll learn to trust you, feed them treats out of your hand (mine LOVE berry yogies), tickle them as others have said, i usually hold them on my lap and scratch their back gently, they generally love that. talk to them, kiss them (sounds weird, but hey), let them climb around you as much as they like. Soon they'll grow to love you and trust you. Rats are extremely social and love human contact (pet rats anyway) they're not like hamsters like that. :P

One way to tell that they are really enjoying spending time with you is when they'll sit on your shoulder and brux in your ear. Bruxing is a low tooth chattering noise usually accompanied by their eyes bulging a bit, that means pleasure.

I have 2 dumbos and they both l**k my hand constantly, at first i thought they didn't have enough salt, but really, they just like l*****g my hands.

They're definitely not to little to play there are some great ratty toys and games listed on this site: http://www.ratsauce.com/toys_games/index...

have fun with your new ratlets!  

Answer 2

Talking to them helps alot.

Hold them in quiet, dark rooms and let them explore.

Female rats aren't cuddly, really, but they'll stop being skittish when they're used to you.

And they don't l**k you cause they like you, they aren't dogs =P

They l**k you because you taste like something, or(in their opinion) need a bath.

Answer 3

Consistent , often handling. Talk to them all the time. Hand feed them treats they love ( Cheerios? ). Just spend time with them, they are social and will come to like being around you.

FYI, they only live about two-three years and it's very very hard to let them go.  

Answer 4

when they l**k you it means they like you (duh) and they appreciate  it when you share blueberries or something good for them with them and take them out a lot you can also just sit and relax with them on your lap.   is that enough?

Answer 5

Of course you need to spend time with them, continue to hold them daily.  You could "tickle" their tummies gently.  They seem to really like this.  I have one of those plastic kiddy pools with bedding on the bottom of it, and I have it set up with a wheel and some hidey boxes on a table by my computer.  While I am working, my ratties get to play in the kiddy pool, and since I am sitting right by them, they really warm up quickly if they are more skittish to begin with!

Answer 6

just keep playing with them...you got a couple young ones so there tougher..but feed them...hold them...talk to them..let them sniff you..etc  and one day when they l**k you it means they like you haha...but try this....put them on a bed with you..lie down..so there with you...then quickly stand up and go on the other side of the bed...if they run towards you..it means they like you

Answer 7

talk to them , watch tv with them . some times i take my guinea for walks in her little caring bag lol. hold them and give them food and stuff. when i call out my guinea pigs name or when she hears me talk she starts to week and stuff.