New baby is a very hard test-biter!

[DaneliDesigns]

So we just got a new baby from a really great place... he is totally fine with being handled, very curious and sweet, and bonded to Pres almost instantly. It is his second night sharing a cage with Pres, and I caught them all snuggled up together and nearly died of cuteness!

However, he is still getting used to us (of course) and is very very curious... but he doesn't seem to understand that his "what is this?" bites should not be so HARD... he did a little test nibble on my finger, and it was a little rough at first. But the second one he actually broke the skin a little! He is really determined to keep nibbling to figure me out. It's very clearly not malicious; he's not lunging or anything, just sniffing and slowly moving forward to nibble, but then he keeps biting down harder and harder! It's very odd - is there anything I can do to discourage this? I can barely get my hand near him without him getting curious and trying to nibble!

 

[UhHuhHer]

My newest girl was exactly the same. I had a lot of one on one time with her. We snuggled and she got treats and I made it happy time for her. As soon as she bit though, I helped and put her back in the cage. After a couple days she understood that biting hurt me and ended her play time. She hasn't bitten me in months

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[lilspaz68]

When he bites down what you think is too hard, make a high pitched (not necessary super loud) "eep" sound. Its rat language for "Owww! Stop!". He should stop and look at you a bit confused, then try it again, keep it up, and eventually he will figure it out

 

[Spudrat]

To train the rattie, you must talk like rattie.

 

[Godmother]

I can talk ratty when the nip is not too hard, but I yell when nipped hard! Most babies get the message, though.