Rat help
okay well my 2 female rats HATE water. Every time i give them a bath they squeak and throw themselves at the edge of the tub to get themselves out. The water is lukewarm (not too cold or too hot) i read about it and all the websites say that rats LOVE to swim. i put them in seperately...maybe if i put them in together they would be more calm??
Am i doing everything right?...it is about and inch to 2 inches deep. please help...i want them to enjoy baths and swimming!!
Answers:i use to have a pet rat, what you should do is introduce the rats to the water first, let them look at it, let them feel it with there feet, wet there backs a little, and then start off with really shallow water, and then slowly witout your rats noticeing, pour a little more water in. give them treats every time you add more water, so they would know staying calm will earn them a treat. this will also be a good distraction for when your about to add more water to the tub. it is also good if you start out in a little bowl, so they will feel safe and secure. gradually you will be able to let them swim around in the bath tub, and then it will be more then a pleasure giving your mice a bath.
hope it works! =]
P.s- i'd really apriciate it if you'll return the favor and answer one of my questions
thanks =]
just relax.
it sometimes takes time for some rats to get use to water.
OK. i have two rats and they hate water too. but my old ratties loved it. i put them in the bath (together) and put pans and ledges for them to climb and sit on. the water was about 3 inches deep. it may just be that your rats are too old. they normally only like it if they are introduced young enough. also, they cant see water, remember to them it is just a pool of bright light!