How do I get my new rat to be more comfortable with me?

Question

I just got my first rat today. She's a girl, and she was the calmest one at the pet store. (the others all squeaked and jumped out of my hands)

I only got one so I can get to know her first before getting another.

I am now wondering how I should go about getting her to be comfortable with being handled and if I'm doing the right thing.

I have picked her up gently several times today, and put one of my own shirts in her cage to get her used to my scent. She doesn't really let me hold her for more than 10 seconds and I keep her close to the cage so she can jump back in. She hasn't taken food I offered her, either, but she has eaten.

Should I just hold her several times a day until she's used to me? What do I do?

Answer 1

I have a female rat and she let me hold her after the second day. Let her sniff your hand to get used to the scent. Offer her treats, not her normal food.

Take her right out of your cage, sit on your bed or a chair and put her on your lap. Stroke her behind the ears, let  her know your hand is nothing to fear. It is really easy to handle rats. Of course she wil want to run around but just lift her up and put her back on your lap again.

Answer 2

you should hold* play with her*(like sit on your bed and let her run on you picking her up every few seconds letting her climb on your hands her for 20 mins to half an hour a day,then in the evening talk to her for 5 minutes,you can do the holding thing in little bits if you like *5 or 10 mins several times  a day*after about two weeks she should be haappy and waiting for you to play.they dont tend to like taking food out of your hands as they tend to like eating in private.so dont worry thats not just your rat...hope i helped

Answer 3

It's called "trust training", and you can read up on it here: http://www.ratfanclub.org/trust.html

You also need to get her a same-s*x friend or two - rats tame a lot easier in pairs or groups (contrary to popular  - and false) belief, and are much happier besides. Solitary rats tend to become clingy, neurotic, depressed, sometimes even aggressive toward people and other rats. They also get sick easier and have a harder time getting over their illness (which leads to big vet bills).

http://www.ratfanclub.org/single.html

http://www.nfrs.org/company.html

http://www.curiosityrats.com/infolone.ht...

Read up on quarantine (which is absolutely essential unless you want to run the risk of all of your rats dying as a result of something horrible one of your babies brought home from the pet shop or breeder) here http://ratguide.com/health/basics/quaran... and proper introductions here http://ratguide.com/care/behavior/introd...

Consult the Rat Guide for information on rat care - it's going to be a lot more reliable than some of the answers here at Yahoo. You could also sign up at Goosemoose.com - everybody there is friendly and has lots of good advice. I'm a member myself.

Answer 4

a rat? go get a life u sicko

Answer 5

I have had 12 pet rats. Some where babies, other were rescued. To get your pet rat to get used to you feed her.  talk to her in a calm voice, they love human attention, much like a dog does. My ratties even knew their names, they did tricks, and were potty trained! I fed them with my hands, gave them treats....eventually they will warm up to you. The older they are the more clam they will be. Its takes a while but it is worth it. If you rush it, they may start to not want to be in your hands.....they will let you know when they are ready. There are lots of sites on line that cane hlp you.

Answer 6

I think this will do.There really is not that much out there in the way of help info on rats but try this site  on getting to know your rat.

Answer 7

First, you should leave her alone for the first day so she can get use to the surroundings around her. Then the next day talk to it and try to hand feed it. The third day, try carrying it out and give it lots of cuddles, oh, and give it some exercise in a certain area in your room. Remember to love it foreva!