New rat momma ~ Quick Question~!

[ktmck048]

I have new baby boy rats not neutered (4months?) Great little guys. I got them about a week ago and I take them out every so often (at east 1.5-2 hrs a day(just for right now, i'll probably take them out more). First of all - after reading a little bit - maybe I shouldn't be handling as much as i am? They've been handled since birth so maybe its okay? But i've been reading some posts where they maybe need to get used to you? They seem okay(one gives me kisses already). But the major question I have is - they pee everywhere! They pee on me at all times. ALOT. I take them in my bathroom (a huge bedroom sized bathroom) and they run around and come to me every so often and just PEE. Will this random peeing stop??? How can I get them to stop?? I dont want to be constantly peed on - i dont mind it every so often. I just hope its not like that forever!

**glad to be a rat owner, so happy! **

 

[ktmck048]

Oh- also - I can't tell who is dominant. One climbs everywhere and doesn't care for me - explores more than relaxes. The other stays near me and loves cuddle time and loves relaxing and hanging on me. But he is the big PEE PEE! And he peed on the other guy today (alot, over his head and back) And when im petting the other guy he tries to get my attention. I think hes the dominant one, but hes soo shy and calm and relaxed and smaller!!! - how is that possible lol!!


okay...maybe a few questions lol, but after this help I'm done....for now!!

 

[SQ]

They are urine marking you as theirs.
It is a compliment

 

[victoria]

I agree with SQ, they are marking you. Neutering would likely reduce it but it may not stop it completely. As far as handling them too much, it doesn't sound like you are. If they are not afraid to be out with you, the more the better. They may stop marking a bit once they settle in at home.

 

[adreabri]

My man rats still do it, they always have and I suspect they always will

 

[Moon]

With some rats the marking settles with time, and your guys are still pretty young, so just prepare yourself by wearing rat-friendly clothes when you take them out

As for who is dominant, that is best figured out by watching what they do together in the cage. But, again, they're still young and the roles might shift yet so I wouldn't worry about it too much.

 

[jorats]

Like Moon said, they are still young so right now, it's hard to say who will end up dominant. The marking everywhere is normal especially since they are still new with you. Give them more time to settle but continue to take them out. Exercise, human interactions, mental stimulation are all very important to the rat. You're doing a great job!

 

[Dahlas]

You are doing great...and I have found once they get used to you (and get neutered) they will rarely pee on you I have two babies now...I have had them about 2 months....and I have had them neutered and they never pee anymore when I am holding them or playing with them....unless I have them out to long .... I do notice they seem less 'content" so I quickly put them in their bathroom area and they pee and are ready to come out again.
I don't think it is possible to handle them to much......the more you handle and play with them the better....

 

[kscanuck785]

getting peed on comes with owning rats
but like other said, it will more than likely be less once they get settled in and get older.

you are doing good and you are coming to the right place at the Shack, TONS of great info on care for rats and other fun tidbits

 

[Zooy]

A little rat pee just means they love you. At least that's how I always took it. A huge pee means lots of love... and time to change.

 

[mamarat]

Too funny, Zooy, but so true.