She sits in the corner all the time. :[

Question

My rat Zara sits in the corner when she's put her cage, it's either the back left or right. She just stares at me. She eats when I put food in front of her. And when I take her out of her cage, she's as active as ever! She's always climbing everywhere, exploring everything, pooping everywhere :|

Anyway, she's really healthy and active, outside the cage. When she's put back in she looks timid and scared, sitting in the corner, huddled up.

I play with her allll day whenever I'm up, and she looks happy and cozy, and she's always braxing on my shoulder.

Maybe she's not used to her surroundings?

Getting another rat is impossible at the moment, because my mom believes everything the small shop owner tells her, which is

"She'll be fine alone, the people who say they need to be together are too obsessed with their pets and believe they should have houses, those are the people who treat their rats better than their own family"

I know this is not true. Rats are just social animals, but please don't suggest I get another rat, because it's impossible right now.

by the way, I have a log that is edible in there, I believe its called a "Snak Shack" so that if she would ever run out of food for some bizzare reason, she'd have it to eat. She sits in there with her little nose poked out, sometimes her front two feet.

I put cut up cloth in there from an old T-shirt, and a toilet paper roll, she hasn't touched it.

Keep in mind I just got her yesterday. Is she just scared? Will she warm up?

Answer 1

Maybe give her more stuff to do in the cage. I mean, I'm sure she has a wheel, but maybe get her a little house to sleep in. That shop owner is just being a t**d and I beleive that hamster's and rats should have fun syuff to do, just like humans. Get your rat a ball to roll around in, give her some Milk-Bones to chew on, let her have some toilet paper. Rodents love to usee toilet paper to make a nest from, and it's fun to watch!!!

~Animal_Lover

Answer 2

she is gettin new to her surroundings give it about 2 weeks and if she is still actin weird get another 1 cuz rats are VERY social creatures

and may be lonely in the future mayb get her a bigger cage and more toys

*she is so cute!!!

Answer 3

Simple answer- she's new to the surroundings. It takes time. Jeez, give her half a chance to settle in!

Answer 4

you gotta make her feel at home

she's still trying to adjust

good luck to you and Zara!