Help with litter training our rats?

Question

A few days ago we purchased 2 baby rats (both girls). They love their cage and the space they have (the pet store's cage wasn't the proper size which angers me). Anyways the started pooping in the one corner so I put the litter box there, now they keep pooping in front of the litter box and the one rat is even taking the p**p OUT of the litter box that I put in there and adding it to her pile.

The reason why there is p**p in the litter box is because I put it in there so they can see that's where it goes. But she wants it out in front of the box.

I have put them in the litter box, they kind of move around in the litter a bit then come out. (well its more like a litter house looking thing, bought ones of the litter kits that comes with everything)

What do I do now?

(keep in mind they are only babies and have only been living here 3 days now)

Answer 1

Since they are so young, that is probably why it isn't going so well. I don't really push them to use their litter box (I use the same method you described) until they are as old as 6 months old, but usually I wait until 4 months. Before this time, I notice that most don't respond to litter training as well as they do when they are older.

I suggest you keep doing what you are doing, but don't expect any real results until they mature a bit.

And make sure they have plenty of nesting areas because they may be favouring the litter box as a nest. If their box has a top, this is what probably makes it so cozy. Take the top off, and get another box that has no lid.

Answer 2

They are mistaking their litter box for a nesting box.