Bonding help!

[ajraver]

I am a first time rat owner and i want my rats to bond with me i have only had them 3 days, but they are taking food from my hand and one will almost crawl on my hand. the other is scared by any movement i make. please help! If my rats seem reluctant to be picked up out of the cage should I leave them alone? Or should I encourage them and take them out of the cage so they can get used to me quicker. I have read about something called forced socialization that has worked for a lot of people any thoughts on this? Tips for bonding with my girls?

 

[Ace8670]

It's only been 3 days? Sounds like you are doing a great job if they are taking food out of your hands. I mean idk much on the "force" socializing as in I've never done it tho to that issue I've read websites that say there is no such thing as handling your rats too much but I always figured that when you are working with a rat that the key thing is you are building a trust with them and I don't think you can truly "force" trust It is built with time and patients you want them to trust that one you aren't a predator and are going to eat them and two that you are going to be a source of love, care and fun. But try just sitting there with your arm or hand in the cage let them explore it get use to the smell or get an old shirt or hoodie wear it for couple of days to get your scent on it and stick it in their cage so they can sleep and cuddle with it to become use to your scent. And also if your room is rat proof and they can't escape open up the cage and make them come to the door to get treats and sit on the floor close to the cage after they start taking the treat from the door way put it on your knee or leg make them climb up to get the treat and work with them slowly yeah it might take more then 3days but its truly rewarding once a rat sees you in that light where they are over joyed to get out of the cage and spend time with you. Anyways I hope that helps with a few idea but for it only being three days you are doing a good job keep it up they will warm up to you

 

[jorats]

I've done both, let the come out at their own pace and force trusting, both works but I find I have a stronger bond with the ones I force socialize.
I grab my babies out of their cage and put them down my shirt. I wear a sweatshirt with a tshirt underneath and put the babies in between. I leave them there for about an hour and I do this several times a day. This makes the babies bond to your smell. They end up relating you to dark cozy place.

 

[ajraver]

Thanks everyone!

 

[Ace8670]

Hmm interesting Jorats I will have to try that I don't usually do the hoodie part til a couple of weeks with having them but I will definitely remember that and keep it in mind for the next time I get a new rat