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Rat owners2007-11-24 22:14:28

i have 2 male rats. one of them is very gentle but i still can't hold either of them. is there anything i should try to tame them?

Answers:

Part of it depends how long you've had the little guys, if you've only recently acquired them I would give them a little while to settle in and get used to their new home as they'll still be quite nervous.

Make sure that the cage isn't in a position where lots of noise, or comings and goings are going to frighten the little guys - a bedroom or similar is the ideal place.

I always suggest to people that before they start handling their rats that in the initial stages they sit next to the cage and read aloud quietly to them - this allows them to get used to the sound of your voice without you actually going in and grabbing them.

Another method is to either offer them a treat to lap off your fingers (such as yogurt) or roll your hand into a loose fist inside the cage and allow them to come over in their own time and explore you. Again this is allowing them to do things in their own time without you actively going in there and chasing them around trying to pick them up.

Last but not least one of the most successful things is to get an old t-shirt and either wear it to bed or through the day and then cut it up and put it in their sleeping area. Like the idea's of using a sweater or a hoodie it means that when the rats snuggle up to sleep your scent will be on their bedding, associating you even more with them.