What do I need to do to get my new rat to like me?

Question

I just got a male rat from the pet store a day ago. I did what the rat magazine said and gave him his alone time for 3-4 hours and then I tried to get him to come to me and he would hide from me. He even bit me a couple of times when my hand would go near him. So today I tried another approach that the magazine said and took out his little hut so he couldn't hide and I offered him some treats. Then I was able to pet him a little but when I tried to pick him up he freaked and really squeaked. So I waited a little bit and put my hand back in the cage and this time he bit me which drew blood. I know I just had the guy for a day and that it will take him awhile for him to get used to everything but are there any ideas that anyone would have on making it easier so he will come around? I talk to him a lot and I am trying to get him used to my voice and my scent but I think it's going to take awhile before he warms up to me but I would like to know if there is anything else that can be done?

Answer 1

3-4 hours? He should have at least a day to settle in. Pet store rats are poorly socialized so expect it to take quite some time for him to warm up to you.

First of all he NEEDS a same s*x friend. Didn't you research rats before getting one? They need to be kept in same s*x pairs.

Information on trust training him:

http://www.ratfanclub.org/trust.html

http://www.afrma.org/trusttraining.htm

http://members.aol.com/juliesrats/behavi...

I'd recommend getting another rat from a reputable breeder or rescue as pet store rats are often ill or, in the case of females, pregnant. Plus, you don't want to support pet stores and their mills or backyard breeders:

http://www.petinfopackets.com/rats/ratin...

http://www.petinfopackets.com/rats/ratin...

Always make sure to quarantine a new rat:

http://www.petinfopackets.com/rats/rathe...

Before doing introductions slowly and on neutral ground:

http://ratguide.com/care/behavior/introd...

http://www.ratfanclub.org/newrat.html

http://www.ratpalace.com/rat-articles/ra...

Answer 2

what i did to my hamster i talked to him with my friends and we held him in the 2nd day

the1st day you have to give him some time just like all animaks have to get use to the enviorment then you can play with it

Answer 3

I wouldn't be trying to handle him the first day.

3-4 hours isn't much time for him to adjust to a completely new environment. Give him a few days, not hours. During those days, make yourself visible. Stay by the cage and chat with him, and be close enough that he can get your scent. He needs to get used to your presence being non-threatening. Think about it.. he's sitting in the pet store, and suddenly this giant thing has him, and is reaching into his cage. He does not know you, so doesn't know whether you're going to hurt him or not. Pet store rats are generally not handled much, and require lots of time to get used to new surroundings & being handled.

When you do put your hand in, give him the back of your hand to sniff, not your fingers. Those are just asking to be bitten. :P Make sure to bring plenty of treats like cheerios or sunflower seeds (not too many of the seeds, though, they're fatty).

Answer 4

dont try to pick him up the first few days.  have your hand in his cage with some food in it and have it on the ground of the cage and let him come to you.  talk to him while doing it.  eventuzlly h**l crawl on your hand and you can pick him up

Please get him a friend, too :(

Answer 5

rub vanilla extract or chocolate pudding on your hand.  this will intrigue him and when he starts l*****g your hand it will establish a bond and let him know that your a friend. also leave him alone the first day, talk to him the second, hold him for a little bit on the third, and then you can play with him on the forth.

P.S. get him a friend and he wont be so scared

Answer 6

just keep talking to him and let him know you are not go in to hurt him. also he might still be scared still . establish a bond between you and him and he will eventually come around and let you pet him and hold him like i said talk to him and pet him        Good luck