I have two males. I can't control them when I get them out. They try to run away. Any tips?

Question

I got them from a pet store so I have the feeling they haven't been handled much. I hold them the correct way, and don't make loud noises, or abrupt movements. I would like to get to the point where I could trust them not to run away when I set them on my lap. I have one that if I wrap it up in a towel and cuddle with it, it will sit still for like 5 min., but the other one just. won't stay still at all. I tried giving them treats to entertain them, but they won't eat when I'm holding them or watching them. I've been working on trust with them. At first both were scared of humans and ran when one approached the cage. Now both will tolerate being petted. Things were going along smoothly and they were getting better and better, and now it seems as if I've hit a stone wall, and things just aren't getting better.

Answer 1

Two male whats? Rats? Gerbils? Chinchillas? Rabbits? What?

Answer 2

If they're acting like this, I suspect they were "feeder" rats in the store and consequently ill-bred and not given much attention.  A rat should not act fearful of a friendly human, period.

In my experience most rats will not touch food and treats while being held.  That one of them will sit still on you for a few minutes is a good sign, he will probably be calmer as he gets older.  I'll warn you that it's not really in the nature of rats to sit in your lap all still and quiet, though.  They are curious animals that like to wander around and investigate.  A better way to play with your rats is by setting them on the bed and letting them burrow in a pile of sheets and towels.  You can also teach them to sit on your shoulders and walk around with them.  Even the most excitable rat will sit quietly on a shoulder to go for a ride.

There is also a chance that your rats will never be completely trusting (this is the case with my current pair of girls--1.5 years old and they still flee when I reach into the cage).  It's a little too late for me to give this advice now, but when picking out a pet rat, put your hand into the cage full of babies and see which ones act curious, climb on your hand, nibble your fingers, etc.  These are the ones who will make the best pets.

Answer 3

first of all, you didn't mention what animal it is. rub chocolate pudding on your hand, the smell will make them curious and try to like your hand. they won't find you a threat if you just let them l**k it off. do this a little every day and in no time they will trust you.

Answer 4

um..whatever they are im sure that u just have to be patient and eventually things will turn around. Just keep trying and don't give up!

Answer 5

Don't worry they probably need more toys,bigger cage and a hamster ball I can tell you are giving them so much love any other animal they meet will pick it up so don't worry ohh and boy hammies like their privacy from other boys unless their dwarven hamsters never keep two Syran they will fight to death except if they are sisters and know each other for their life,Hope this works

ps:trust me I know I've got the very same thing.

Answer 6

two male what ferrets or rats or just men ha ha

Answer 7

Whatever animal they are do not!!!!!!! rub food on ur hand it will confuse them

secondly they must be quite old so its harder to tame but not impossible

Get them out at the same time, so its a routine

get them used to ur smell and wear a baggy hoody, as they love to 2 hide in dark places

best answerrrrrr!! :P

Answer 8

What are they?

Answer 9

What type of animals are these? hamsters? rats?

Your best bet would be to let them out in an enclosed, pet-proofed area. Try the restroom with the door closed, just make sure all soaps, lotions, etc are out of reach, as well as electrical cords. Make sure they still have somewhere to go hide (cardboard box) in case they get scared, but that you will be able to retrieve them if necessary. But don't just reach into the box and grab them whenever they run in. This is their safety zone. It takes time to build up the trust and forcing them to stay on your lap or bundled in a towel probably only scares them more. Let them run around you and approach you on their own terms.

Answer 10

ok - it is not their fault.

YOu must gain their trust. Make them familiar with your hands. Also, make sure that you are not mistaking their adventurousness for running away. Rats love to explore around the house- mine would run everywhere and then let me pick him up when he was finished. You will have to work to have a relationship with them. But it is possible.

One thing - rats never sit still when you are holding them. Mine never did - he was always squirming and moving all over me.

Just be patient. keep doing what you are doing. Over time, they will accept it as normality.