I'm a new mommy and have some basic questions!

[lsiler22]

Hello, everyone! I just bought my first rat today! She's approx. 6 weeks old, white, and in a big cage. I've noticed that she seems a little intimidated by both her cage and me. I've read a lot of things and I just wanted to ask everyone for a general answer: how much time should I be spending with her at this point? Should I encourage outside exploration?

I know that a lot of her shyness is probably due to all this activity and new things today, but I'd love to start being able to play with her and show her how good a mommy I can be!

 

[SQ]

Poor baby ...
I would suggest you go back asap and get at least one of her sisters to keep her company.
Rats need to live with at least one other rat of the same sex.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cDy3bMRu ... re=related

I would also suggest that you put on a shirt and a looser shirt over it. Then put her down between the two shirts to help her get used to you.

 

[stormmidnight]

awe poor thing ! cant wait to see pics !

 

She needs a friend asap! you should go back and get a sister for her. Also the shirt trick is awesome like SQ mentioned!

Also what bedding and food are you feeding?

 

[jorats]

Lots of socializing is important, outside play should be on you at this age, you don't want to lose her if you put her down, they can be fast and get into tiny places. But a friend is most important.

 

[flailinggypsy]

It's amazing how having a buddy will bring a shy ratty out of their shell.

 

[NinjaRatMama]

She definitely needs a buddy, and if you can get one of her sisters that would be great! Definitely try the shirt trick like SQ has said, it'll get her used to your smell. Also, like Jorats wrote, encourage out-time often but strictly on you right now, even if she seems scared.
Good luck with your new baby and I can't wait to see pictures!
Let us know how it goes with getting her a friend.

 

[KatTheHippie]

Well, like everyone said, a friend is definitely important! My girl Alice was a single ratty for the first few months after I brought her home, and she was incredibly lethargic and shy (Well, compared to how she is now.) Once I brought home her current cage mates, Harlow and Dorian, it was AMAZING how quickly she perked up, and started acting like a rat should

Also, the shirt trick is a great, GREAT idea! They also like curling up in the hoods of sweaters, and in shirt pockets, if it's safe, just tuck her in there while you're going about your chores around the house. If you put one of your old shirts in her cage to snuggle up in, it'll help her get used to your scent. Also, if you start hand-feeding her treats. They always associate food with a good thing!