Whats wrong with my rat??

Question

almost every time i pick ((her)) up she starts twitching and runs back into her cage. she has even ran down my back. and she keeps trying to kinda bite me through the cage. and she will randomly start twitching and running around like crazy around the cage! please help me ASAP im kinda scared...oh yea...by the way she is about 3 months old..thanks ♥

Answer 1

As the teacher mentioned, young rats are often "hyper" little things.  If she is new to you and your home, she will need some gentle handling and LOTS of good treats to let her know you are her friend and someone she can trust.  She WILL come around, just give her a bit of time.  

Here are some suggestions:

Handle her often for short periods of time.  Handling her 5 - 6 or more times a day for 10 - 15 mins at a time will allow her to get used to you quickly.  Gradually increase the amount of time you handle her and soon she'll welcome the chance the play with you outside of her cage.

TREATS!!  Rats, like you, LOVE treats!  Whenever you take her out, offer her a small treat.  Rats love treats like black oil sunflower seeds, cheerios, dried fruits, a bit of hard-boiled egg, ect.  Don't offer her too much or she may stop eating her regular food and hold out for the treats.  

Don't punish her if she bites!  She'll come to fear you and won't want to have anything to do with you.  Instead, gently place her inside her cage and leave her for a few minutes, then take her out again.  Rats are VERY social creatures and need interaction.  This little "time-out" will teach her that when she bites, she doesn't get to have that interaction or her little treats.  

I'm sure you and your new little rattie will be best of friends in no time!  :)

Answer 2

Rats don't really like to be held, they prefer to hang out on your shoulder like a Parrot.  My Rats never bit anyone, but they would take the end of my finger or finger nail in their teeth and pull gently.  I think out of curiosity.  At three months old she is a teenager and her hormones are at full power (something you two can share?)  Be more relaxed about your play time with her.  Remember they are nocturnal, so have low lights for her.  

I had my baby rat in a shirt pocket when she first came home.  I fed her kibble in my pocket and we bonded very nicely.  Time, patience, and regular contact.

Answer 3

Check her ears and nose.  If they are red inside, or the nose looks like it has red mucus coming out of it, she is sick and needs some meds.  If not, she could just be excited and a bit nervous.  If she is healthy, she needs to learn to be comfortable with you.  You need to hold her for longer.  You need to give her treats.  Make sure not to feed her through the cage wires, as this teaches her to bite whatever is stuck in through the wires.  Young rats tend to act kinda hyper anyways, you could just need to let her adust to you!  :0)

Answer 4

oooo well i have wanted a rat since i was 10 and i never got one but id say leave her be and call a vet ASAP if you can.

Best Of Wishes From Me!

Answer 5

she is just excited and needs to be hand tamed. hold her every day and socialize her and make her comfortable with you. young rats tend to be hyper, but will calm down and become sweet little darlings as they get older

Answer 6

thats is something that most rats do. I have a 4 month old rat that is really hyper and sometimes trying to bite my thought the cage. she thinks your finger is food or a treat. this is nothing to worry about. does she have a friend? she may be bored. my other rat is 10 months old and she is calm and fine. your rat will grow out of her behavior. dont worry.