New rats not going to well

[kalliedoss2022]

We got 2 new 5 months old male rats yesterday. They poop every time we take them out of the cage. They don’t like to be taken out of their cage and they will grab onto the cage wires when I try to take them out. Help please their transitions is not moving as smoothly as it should and I need help. I want the best for my rats

 

[Dena]

They need time to adjust. They need to get to know you, and their environment. Give them a few days before you try to grab them, pick them up, or force them out. They need to learn to trust you. Right now, their cage is their safe place, so they are trying to stay in it. Give them lots to play with, places to hide, and comfy stuff to make a nest with. Then, SLOWLY start giving them yummy treats to show them you won't hurt them, and they will associate you with good things. They learn super quick. When you distract them with a treat, and they sit in front of you and eat it, instead of running and hiding with it, then you can sneak your hand in and sneak a pet. Also, in the meantime, sit by their cage, and talk to them, or read or do other stuff. Put your hand in the cage often, but don't grab them or force interaction. Put treats in your fingers, and let them take them. Then move to your palm, and so on. Also look at www.joinrats.com for some good info on socializing and stuff. Also check out our reference thread for good info as well. Welcome to being owned by rats, and welcome to the forum!

 

[kalliedoss2022]

Ok but what about play time and taking them out to interact with me and have stimulation. Also is there any treats that I can make at home to give them. What kind of treats or snacks could I make at home.

 

[CrazyRatLady]

Ok but what about play time and taking them out to interact with me and have stimulation. Also is there any treats that I can make at home to give them. What kind of treats or snacks could I make at home.

I’m not sure about the snacks- I’m sure someone else will be able to help with that!
But for the playtime, after you do the steps Dena mentioned and the rats are comfortable with you, then you can take them out for playtime. As Dena said, the cage is their safe place for now and it’s best to wait for them to feel safe with you before taking them out of their safe space.

 

[Dena]

The problem with playtime before they know you, or their surroundings, is if they get spooked (which can happen easily), they may run away, or escape, and you won't be able to catch them or help them safely. They really need to get used to sights, sounds, smells, of their surroundings before you remove them from the cage. If you NEED to remove them before they are used to all this, you can use a box. Put it up to the cage (most will willingly climb in), and move them to another cage for the time being.

As for snacks, most of us give plain cheerios (it's a BIG hit with ratties), I will once in a while give plain rice crispies one at a time, plain yogurt to lick off your finger, unsweetened applesauce off fingertips, pieces of fruit, I sometimes give raw veggie pasta, cooked rice, baby puffs, I sometimes give a piece of rice baby cracker. There's a list of foods in the reference thread on here.