Neutered-Scared-Skittish

TheRatQueen · Apr 24, 2012

I've had a neutered boy for about 3 or 4 months now. He's with a cage of 3 others. And no matter what we do, he jumps and gets so scared at EVERYTHING. And now...every time he's scared, if our hands are around he latches on for the bite. My poor boyfriend usually ends up being the one to get bit as well.

I am at a loss to do with the guy. Even when I pick him up, he's so tense. And now...when he gets 'super scared' he goes into a good '5-10' sneeze fits.

What in the world can I do to make this guy feel more 'safe' around here?

Dahlas · Apr 24, 2012

How is he with the other rats? Some rats just never get past being frightened oh peoples hands especially if they are older being socialized or have been hurt in the past.... Maybe use a container to pick him up...let him crawl in and give him a small reward and then hold the container and talk softly to him and use small drops of something yummy to reward good calm behavior....just drop it in and let him lick it if he wants.....maybe even have a friend in the container with him and hold them both...so he can feel the other rats calmness....don't touch him at first just hold him close and let him smell you, feel your warmth and good vibes....

I am certainly not an expert so others on here will have better advice but I have used this as a starting point for very scared rats and it has worked for me....just an idea.

TheRatQueen · Apr 24, 2012

He's fine with the other ones. They're all a bit scared still but with him...it's to a whole different degree. I can get him to climb out onto the door and get him, but if he's spooked, forget it. I will try to do that method to see what we can do.

Thanks.

jorats · Apr 24, 2012

Is he one of your regulars? Or is this a new rat?

TheRatQueen · Apr 24, 2012

I got him at the end of Jan. So he is a newer one.

jorats · Apr 24, 2012

Was he always like this since you go him?

TheRatQueen · Apr 24, 2012

He has been worse since we put him in them "big boy cage" last month.

jorats · Apr 25, 2012

It's going to take some time, and I would do lots of socializing. It's not uncommon. I've had rats that were scared like that all their lives. The best thing in fact was leaving on a radio and doing a lot of movements around the cage so he gets used to it.