bonding with rat

[ajraver]

hello everyone i am a first time rat owner and i got two baby girls three days ago. one of my rats is becoming very sociable but is still a little nervous when i try to pick her up. she comes to the cage once in a while when i am by it and she is making progress. the second rat stays in the same corner and is very nervous and jumpy when i walk near the cage or try to pick her up. both rats are taking treats from my hand now but i just wanted some tips on how to make them bond to me. especially my rat that stays in he corner and will not let me take her out!!! thanks everyone!

 

[KingCastaway]

Don't expect them to be running up and cuddling you after only three days. My rats took a few months to get fully used to me.

Wear an old hoodie or shirt for a few days, then put it in the cage, so they will get used to your smell. Bring them out for an hour or more a day, and just sit and talk quietly to them. Once they start getting used to you, put them in your shirt or sweater with you and cuddle for a bit.

 

[GrayLightNewDay]

I find it really helpful to sit by the cage and talk to them really sweet. You can put your hand in the cage and let them get used to your smell and let them see that your hand isn't going to hurt them at all. I have two females, and my younger one is now 4 months old and still feels uncomfortable being picked up and I think she will always be like that.
And KingCastaway's tip is good, too. Wear an old T-shirt that you don't want anymore, and after your smell is on it put it in the cage for them to cuddle in. Even when I first got my rats, when I would take them out they would much rather be in my shirt than out in the open.