Heya everybody! I am new to the forums (I also posted an introduction), and ALSO new to ratties.
I have two female rats in a three-level cage (I will post pics later if you guys want me to) right next to my bed in my bedroom (because I do most work there, and the living room is often very noisy)
A friend kind of made me jump into it, which caused me to make a lot of errors initially (like just getting one rat. From a pet shop!), I regret it now... but no crying over spilt milk, I'm just trying to approach things better now. My second rat was a rescue rat, because I couldn't find a breeder without a ridiculous waiting list and didn't want to support pet shops and their practices another time. The introduction went well, and they live quite happily together now.
However, the questions I have are regarding things such as behaviour, body language and handling. I learned a lot about the factual stuff a rat needs to be happy (such as cage size, toys, diet, etc.), but because I have no prior experience with rats or even other animals aside goldfish and rabbits, I find it hard to interpret their body language etc.
They are both curious, but not used to handling at all. They eat treats from my hands just fine, though Snoopy (the smaller one) tends to bite my fingers (not as in, drawing blood). I tried to pet and pick up Zelda (the bigger one) a couple times when she was still alone, which completely erased the little bit of trust she had started to gain for me (even though I did it very gently in a non-forceful way), so I am kind of scared to attempt socialising with them again now. So first question... how do I know a rat is ready for the "next step" such as petting etc.? And how can I see whether they like me or not? Also because they bit me a few times in the beginning I am extra cautious with them.
On terms of biting: when is a bite actually a "go away"-bite and when is it playing/grooming/tasting?
And my room itself isn't rat-proof. I am planning to create big cardboard "walls" so I can put them down on the floor... but in the meantime, if I'd let them out on my arm/shoulder/chair/bed, how likely are they to jump off and start chewing on stuff?
I just want the best for my ratties, and I most of all want both of us (me AND the ratties) to stop being scared of each other (I am a bit scared of them too, because I find it hard to gauge what they want/feel), so I can take them out for indoor shoulder-rides and out-of-cage play and snuggle time.
Sorry for the long and (maybe?) chaotic post, but thanks in advance for any help and tips
Cheers,
Erik
I have two female rats in a three-level cage (I will post pics later if you guys want me to) right next to my bed in my bedroom (because I do most work there, and the living room is often very noisy)
A friend kind of made me jump into it, which caused me to make a lot of errors initially (like just getting one rat. From a pet shop!), I regret it now... but no crying over spilt milk, I'm just trying to approach things better now. My second rat was a rescue rat, because I couldn't find a breeder without a ridiculous waiting list and didn't want to support pet shops and their practices another time. The introduction went well, and they live quite happily together now.
However, the questions I have are regarding things such as behaviour, body language and handling. I learned a lot about the factual stuff a rat needs to be happy (such as cage size, toys, diet, etc.), but because I have no prior experience with rats or even other animals aside goldfish and rabbits, I find it hard to interpret their body language etc.
They are both curious, but not used to handling at all. They eat treats from my hands just fine, though Snoopy (the smaller one) tends to bite my fingers (not as in, drawing blood). I tried to pet and pick up Zelda (the bigger one) a couple times when she was still alone, which completely erased the little bit of trust she had started to gain for me (even though I did it very gently in a non-forceful way), so I am kind of scared to attempt socialising with them again now. So first question... how do I know a rat is ready for the "next step" such as petting etc.? And how can I see whether they like me or not? Also because they bit me a few times in the beginning I am extra cautious with them.
On terms of biting: when is a bite actually a "go away"-bite and when is it playing/grooming/tasting?
And my room itself isn't rat-proof. I am planning to create big cardboard "walls" so I can put them down on the floor... but in the meantime, if I'd let them out on my arm/shoulder/chair/bed, how likely are they to jump off and start chewing on stuff?
I just want the best for my ratties, and I most of all want both of us (me AND the ratties) to stop being scared of each other (I am a bit scared of them too, because I find it hard to gauge what they want/feel), so I can take them out for indoor shoulder-rides and out-of-cage play and snuggle time.
Sorry for the long and (maybe?) chaotic post, but thanks in advance for any help and tips
Cheers,
Erik
