I'm a NEW first time rat owner

[Emilytherattyrat]

hello:3
I am a new pet rat owner, i got my first rat skyla from the pet store 2 weeks ago and then here sister luna a week ago.
I am so eager to own pet rats and devote my time to my girls, ive researched so much for them, they have a good cage,food ect..
but they haven't took to me well, i have no idea [glow=red:1g7ca0qj]around how long it will take them to warm up to me[/glow:1g7ca0qj], and[glow=red:1g7ca0qj]what can i do to help the prosess[/glow:1g7ca0qj].
i love them so much i dont want them to be scared forever.
and i guess i want to know what i can do to make them warm up to me?
thankyou
-Emily

 

[jorats]

Welcome and congRATS on your new sweeties.
When I get new rats, I always grab them out of the cage and force socializing them. I like to use the "down the shirt" method for that. Put on a tshirt, and a sweatshirt over top and put the girls in between. Keep them in there for about an hour and do this several times a day. Soon, the girls will bond to you scent. While they are in your shirt, offer them healthy treats like peas or corn.

 

[jennifervb]

:yeah:

Welcome to the Rat Shack!!!!!!! :bunnydance: :bunnydance: :bunnydance: :bunnydance:

 

[Cassia]

I've found that female rats do take a little longer to settle with you than males but don't worry, they will!
I tried the letting them come to me technique but that doesn't always work lol so I would suggest taking them out and having them almost forced to be with you (I know that sounds bad but it's not really lol). That way they will learn that you picking them up isn't so bad afterall and they get to clamber around on your arms and shoulder and hide in your sleeves and pockets! It's all good fun! We are rattie climbing frames! :dance:
Also, treats! The best kind is ones is a liquidy form you can put on a teaspoon so they don't just grab and run with it lol they have to stay with you to carry on nomming.
Don't be too rough with handling, keep in softy softy and slow movements.

It takes a little time with some rats but keep it up and you'll soon have two new best pals! :heart: