Taming timid new rats
I have just bought my first 2 rats (females, aged 2 months). I got them from a reputable breeder because I thought they would be more used to being handled and would get used to me quickly. I'd done some research before I got them because I don't know anyone with rats and obviously it's a learning curve for me too. I left them in peace for almost 2 days to allow them to settle into their cage and get used to the new smells and sounds. I then sat in the room with them talking to them and feeding them treats to get them used to me. However, i have now had them 10 days and they still seem scared of me. When I try and handle them they panic and try and jump out of my hands and one of them makes snuffling/sneezing noises (although she doesn't in her cage). One of them got curious the other day so I let her run around the room and she hid under a cupboard and didn't come out for over 30 hours, when she got really hungry. Am I doing something wrong or do I just need to be more patient?
Answers:so lets take it right back and start as if theyre brand new, all of you need to regain your confidence with each other
put your hand in and let them sniff and lick and run all over it, leave it in there for about 30 mins, i know its seems a long time but rats are neophobic and take about 30 mins to get over that fear
get yourself some yoggie drops[ i use the dog ones theyre bigger] and hold them in your fingers for them to come and nibble on, they'll soon love you forever