Hi all
I've read some really helpful things on socializing babies, here and on other sites. I want to get thoughts on whether forced socialization is really necessary. I have 2 baby girls, about 7 weeks old. The girl I got them from said the babies had been handled daily, but when she picked one up for me she grabbed her by the tail....so I doubt that their experience with human hands has been ideal.
Here's what I've been doing every day: luring them out of the cage onto my hands with treats, resting my hands in their cage, giving them scritches when they're calm (in the cage). I have only picked them up & taken them out twice so far. I've had them for one week and they're comfortable with hands, starting to explore the rest of me, will eat while sitting on my palm & just last night became interested in exploring the world outside their cage.
My question is- should I be picking them up & forcing them to spend time with me one on one? Or is the 'taking it slowly' approach I've described okay? I'd like them to be comfortable being held, but I wonder if that has to be forced at an early age for it to happen, or if that can come in time. I think they've made alot of progress in one week!
I've read some really helpful things on socializing babies, here and on other sites. I want to get thoughts on whether forced socialization is really necessary. I have 2 baby girls, about 7 weeks old. The girl I got them from said the babies had been handled daily, but when she picked one up for me she grabbed her by the tail....so I doubt that their experience with human hands has been ideal.
Here's what I've been doing every day: luring them out of the cage onto my hands with treats, resting my hands in their cage, giving them scritches when they're calm (in the cage). I have only picked them up & taken them out twice so far. I've had them for one week and they're comfortable with hands, starting to explore the rest of me, will eat while sitting on my palm & just last night became interested in exploring the world outside their cage.
My question is- should I be picking them up & forcing them to spend time with me one on one? Or is the 'taking it slowly' approach I've described okay? I'd like them to be comfortable being held, but I wonder if that has to be forced at an early age for it to happen, or if that can come in time. I think they've made alot of progress in one week!
they happen to be what im wearing most of the time anyway but they are ideal for plunking little rattie babies into (the hood that is) and i find that become more used to hanging out on your shoulder as well.... I dont really look at it as FORCED per-se just more spending more one and one quality time with your kids - then you become their safe zone 
