My rats never eat outside of their cage..any reason?

Question

My rats are fairly tame and like being out of their cage but they never eat anything I give them, even treats. Once in their cage they fight each other to get a treat. So why do they have a problem having treats outside their cage?

Answer 1

Probably just a territorial thing, don't worry about it. It's not a big deal, animals will eat where they feel most comfortable, and this is usually their home :)

Answer 2

My hamsters and rabbits both do that they never eat when their out of their cage.  I think that they're not comfortable taking food out side their cage because maybe they think that it's not safe to eat.  Hope I helped and good luck!!

Answer 3

How long have u had them? It could be that they're not comfortable with you yet. Do you let them roam freely in a room when u "let them out"? If not, it'd be a good idea to rat-proof and room and let them play freely for awhile. Or it might be a personal comfort zone. A few of my rats never ate outside their cage for months, but the second they went into their cages, they ate. If your rats run away to eat their food this is a huge hint they just want some privacy. Food is a big issue to rats, some are just protective over it. But they'll probably eventually get over it.

Answer 4

When i used to have my gerbils they did that, they would eat out there cage but they'd always run to the side of there cage and sit in a corner to eat there food/treats. It might depend on how long you've been letting them out there cage, your rats probably just feel safer and more comfortable in there cage then outside where they haven't been much. Maybe someday they'll use a corner and make just as much mess as my gerbils did :)  

Answer 5

maybe they like to stash ...I had one rat ,Jade who would do that..shame really because when she'd leave the stash the other ratties would eat it !!!

Answer 6

not sure, but if i put some fruit and veg in my rats cage they will eat in a few minutes, but if i have 1 of them out and i try to give him som of his favourite treats, he wont touch it

Answer 7

i have a hamster and he don't eat out side the cage but i haven't had him for that long so it probably depends on if they trust you.

    hope this helps :D

Answer 8

i have hamsters and they don't eat outside their cage too. They only eat when they are in their cage, where they feel safe