Taming my new male rats
I just got 2 male rats yesterday and they are still jumpy when I come near their cage. Providing I'm petting and trying to hold them once a day, how long before my rats will really get to know me and be tamer?
They go wild when i hold them.
Answers:Congratulations! Rats are the coolest pets!
I have also had to socialize rats myself- and the key to socializing your rat is handling, handling, handling. Hold your rat for at least twenty minutes several times a day- Allowing it to sit on your shoulder is not socializing, as your rat can't get used to the feel of human touch if you aren't touching it. Above all be patient, it won't happen over night. Reinforce socialization by offering your rat treats that it has to lick off your finger such as cream cheese, yogurt, or jam. Have fun with it- and before you know it, your rat will be running to the cage door begging to come out and play with you! Bear in mind that your rats are new to you and you are new to them, they are still adjusting to your home, the new noises in the home, other pets, smells..etc, give them time to settle in- and then begin handling them regularly, stuffing them in your shirt- playing with them, and enjoy the companionship they offer.
teej
Try hand feeding them. Take the food out of their cage and only hand feed them. This will teach them to trust you and they won't be so jumpy. Good luck
Stuff them up a sweater while you're sitting down and let them shoulder surf while you are doing things around the house
If I had to place a ballpark guess, it'll be at least a few weeks to a few months before they really settle down. You have the answer right already though. Holding them and petting them, usually for short times and then placing them back to their familiar environment should help. Being up in the air is sometimes disconcerting for them too. It may help to pet them on the ground some as well.
The way through rats' hearts is through their stomach, in a sense, as well. They respond well to treats, and as long as you don't go overboard they're a great bonding tool. The best part is that 'treats' can be healthy usually and they thus get nutrition while you're building the relationship. My favorites to use are banana chips, plum tomatoes, grapes, carrots, celery, cucumbers, wheat thins.
There is no quick-fix for time, though. The more time you spend handling the little guys, the more attached they will become. Soon, when you walk in the room, you'll see a few sets of eager eyes looking up at you. No better feeling.