How do i coax my rats out of their house?

Question

ive got 2 fancy rats, (Neo n Gizzy) and ive had them for about 3 weeks but they won't come out of their house, even when tempted with treats! They sit with their backs to me so its hard to even let them see ive got a tasty treat for them, even when I'm talking to them and encouraging them to turn around.

They have been out a few times but it's taken an absolute lifetime to get them out, and when they are out they sit on my shoulder as they seem to feel safe there.

Has anyone got any tips on how to coax them out so i can build up my relationship with them!!!!

Thanks

Answer 1

They may be shy still, or maybe they're just lazy lol. If you need to I would just pick them up (never by the tail) and handle them for a while, that way they can get used to your scent. Try to do this everyday so they become more familiar with you.

I had a wild rat and she was very shy (probably because of natural instinct) but I played with her a lot. I was the only one that could hold her without her jumping out of my hands.