I have two female 8 week old pet rats, they're not showing any signs of being particularly intelligent or loya

Question

*loyal.

I wanted rats because I heard they are very loyal, intelligent and enjoy human company, my rats don't show any signs of the above.

Any advice?

Answer 1

Play with them and put a used sock in their cage to let them get used to your scent. Treats will also make them friendly.

Answer 2

Rats are loyal. Most are intelligent.

i had a rat from november 2006 - june 2008 and i had her from when she was 12 weeks old. shes was INCREDIBLY loyal. sadly she died about 3 weeks ago from cancer. :(

Answer 3

they are very intelligent and loyal. 8 weeks is pretty young, and i'm guessing you havent had them for very long. try offering them treats or pieces of fruit with your hand. they will get used to your smell. also, dont try being overly aggressive with picking them up. my new rat is very timid and she just needs a little extra TLC.

Answer 4

my sister breeds rats-mostly hairless, but a lot of rescues.  according to her they are as you are wishing.  would you like a link to her e-mail for questions and answers-she is very adamant about rats-so expect LOTS of info!

Answer 5

Young rats, if they haven't been handled a lot before, will take a while to get used to human companionship. If you got them from a pet store, they've probably never been held except by the tail - so you're likely working with some pretty scared rats.

Offer them treats like fruit and seeds, and spend a lot of time near their cage, talking to them. Handle them frequently, and they'll eventually get used to it and become "friends" with you. Animals can take time to bond with a new owner, but it will happen if you are patient.

Also, make sure they have a nice big cage and lots of toys - happy rats will warm up to you faster than bored ones.

Answer 6

They are intelligent and loyal. Your rats seem to not have got very to used to you yet. Try handling them more often, and getting them out of the cage more. When you get them out, give them a treat for they know when you are around good things will happen! Give them some time, they sound shy...They will eventually come around!

-JoshLuver-