Disciplining my two girls

[capetonian31]

Hello. I'm new to this site. I have two beautiful little girl rats. They dont bite, they dont grab their food, the one likes to cuddle an play, the other can't be bothered with me. They are about 4 months old. My problem is they dont come when I call them. The play full one might, but usually they just ignore me, and disappear behind the furniture. I love them to bits, but this morning I lost it completely with them. What can I do? I feel very bad about it.

 

[Joanne]

First rule above all: you cannot discipline rats.
What you need to do is work on TRAINING your rats with positive reinforcement. This involves playing with them and giving them yummy treats every time they do something you want them to.
If you want to work on recall, then start working on them in a smaller area so they can't get into or under furniture. Call their name and then give them a treat. Repeat this many times every day. Soon they will associate the sound of their name with a treat and come running.
Rats are smart and very trainable. With lots of positive reinforcement you can get them to do amazing things!

 

[jorats]

Exactly what Joanne said.
Everything needs to be positive!

 

[SterlingRats0408]

I found with my guys what I would do to help the name recall was hand feed snacks at the cage and use their name whenever they touched the food in my hands.
Example (with cute pics of course)
Good girl Mellow

Yes Tilly

 

[capetonian31]

Thank you so much. I appreciate your advice. Is that oats in Mellows bowl? Regards, Riaan

 

[SterlingRats0408]

In Mellow's bowl is Oxbow Regal rat with kamut puff cereal in it. It's another fan favourite around here and great hand feeding treat. The Kamut is what is in my hand in the picture with Tilly and Tatter (R.I.P. all my beautiful girls in these pics)

 

[hopefloats]

Get a gerber puff jar. Shake it, give them one, shake it give them another. THey will learn that shaking sound means treats and they will come flying to the sound. So much better than anything harmful. Loud voices and anger ruins a soul.

 

[capetonian31]

We dont get those where I live, Cape Town.

 

[capetonian31]

We dont get those here where I live, Cape Town.

 

[capetonian31]

I dont really know Oxbow Regal rat, kamut or Gerber puffs.

 

[Deer]

Amazon.com or amazon.ca . Gerber puffs are a snack for babies, you should be able to find them at the grocery store. Any online pet supply store will have regal rat or other lab blocks.