How do I get my RATS to climb on me?

Question

I just bought 3 female rats 2 days ago. One is hooded, one is hooded only to the ears and theres a diamond white spot on its forhead, and one is also hooded to the ears with a diamond white spot on its forehead, except it connects to the spine.

They are about 5 weeks I'm guessing since I still see a bit of their pink skin, so their fun isn't totally grown yet.

They have already been coming to me once I open the cage because they know I'll give them food. But they never climb on my hand/arm. they don't really let me pick them up either, but I can, but its hard.

I use to have an agouti female rat, and she use to always climb on my arm whenever I open the cage, and when I put her on the floor, anytime I put my arm down, she climbs on me.

Can someone help me get my new rats to want to climb on me. I don't remember how I got my old agouti rat to want to climb on me, I think she just wanted to. But these new rats don't, they just come to me for food, but dont climb on me. Climbing on me will make it much easier to take them out or get them back after exploring on the floor.

Thank you.

Answer 1

I just love having rats! They're such great pets to have!

It'll take time, just keep spending time with them like you are doing and they'll start learning that you are not out to hurt them. The trust bond between you and them is going to take a little longer to develop than when you had your single rat because they are going  to bond with each other instead. When you had your Agouti, she was forced into companionship with you because she had no other of her kind to bond with. When I had rats, I had always started them out as single pets until they hungered daily for my attention, then moved them all into one housing. Perhaps if you have an extra cage, you could give this a try?

You also may want to try this:

Put a goop of fruit flavored yogurt (or baby food) onto your finger tips and lay your hand inside the cage, but far enough from them so they don't become afraid of the "intruder" in their cage. then watch their little noses twitch and flick as they smell that savory scent. You'll probably witness their wonderful stretching ability when they locate the yogurt, but refuse to move in close enough to reach it. But they Just. Gotta.Have.That.Yogurt! When it becomes too irresistible, they will probably stretch just far enough to be able to l**k it off your fingers. If their paws get into it, they will run away, l**k themselves clean, they will come back for more, guaranteed! At this point, it is important not to reach into grab them, because grabbing to them equals predator.

I'd say do this for a couple of days until you think they are comfortable enough with you. Step two would be to smear the yogurt onto your palm so they have to step onto your hand if they want it and l**k your hand clean. (I hope you're not ticklish!!)) After a couple of days, then smear it onto your forearm, outside the cage. When they are completely on your hand, then cup their behind with your other hand and lift them out. After a few sessions, you could start weaning them off the yogurt, using less and less. Then when they willingly step onto your hand (without yogurt) and come outside the cage with you, though they may still be a bit nervous, give them lot'a scritching and praise. Yes, it's a little bit of work, but the results are fabulous! I use to use this trick all the time with my new ratties!

Yogurt or baby food it perfect for this because the rats can't really grab it and take off with it. If they want it, they have to stay there to lap it off of you. Here's thing though, I think they can get diarrhea if you give them too much yogurt, so say keep the amount to a minimum.

Sorry this is a long post but I hope this helps you out a bit, and good luck!

Answer 2

They may not feel stable on you. The best way to gain that kind of trust carry them around on you shoulders. Its what i do all the  time. Soon they will want a free ride and will climb up your arm. You will find that as they get used to the ride they will groom your hair.

Its what i had to do with my rats and now they will rush to the cage door as i enter the room.

Answer 3

I just got a rat and he sometimes does this too.  I would say that next time you do get your rats out, play with them a long time.  Give them treats or food when they are out.  It might also help if you play with them one at a time. I hope this helps you!

Answer 4

The best way to do this would be trust. The rats need to trust you and trust they aren't going to be harmed. try putting some food on your arm then on your shoulder and so on. It will just take some time as with any animal.