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RAT HELP experienced owners please2007-11-24 22:14:46

i decided that i would like more rats (not a hard choice!) instead of buying them in a pet store, or at a rattery, as there aren't any very close to me. i decided to check on craigslist. i made the mistake of finding this one woman who said that her rats were from a loving home and she didn't want to see them as snake food. i got there and the cage was filthy, the rats were hiding in there hammock which i didn't think anything of because it was in the early evening. i took them home, and there as wild as can be. its clear to me they were never handled, and if they were with bad treatment. they're over a year and very dependant on each other. i tried trust training with good advice and from reputable help, but with no avail they are just as scared ad the day i brought them home. (6/12/07)

i have placed them in separate cages tonight and i'm going to re-start the trust training again. does anyone have any suggestions about these poor girls?

i hope this is enough information.

Answers:

Try spending as much time as possible with each one of them as possible, give them plenty of treats and make sure their cages are very clean. Give them each names and make sure you talk to them in a higher pitched voice and say their names as often as possible so that way they get used to it. Never scare them or awake them quickly always talk to the soothingly when awakening them and slowly pick them up if they are still drowsy. I have owned many rats and I know it's hard when the are that neglected just remember to be consistent feed them at the same time, take them out at the same time, try to have consistency and you should pull through all right.

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Wow!! a rat lover you. A long love note of an expression to the other and more experienced rat lovers out there. Just like all our pets, we all give them a love tender and care. Good luck with your training your pet rat-or rats and rats-later.

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I would say the same as everyone else; talk to them slowly, softly, and soothingly, and give them treats. Make sure they know they're loved, and not here to be frightened, or mistreated. Perhaps, even, you could give them something you don't care about that smells like you, like a hand-towel, to help them get used to your scent.