Picking up a rat

Oxyvince · Feb 27, 2010

ive had my rats for about 5 weeks now.. they trust me and like me but..

once i try to pick them up, they go nuts!!

what should i do

oh and when i let it run around on my body, one of my rats jumped off my shoulder and onto a desk! like a foot jump

jorats · Feb 27, 2010

Rats are definitely good jumpers. I have a few that really hate to be picked up too.

daisylynn · Apr 12, 2010

I think this is normal. My rats HATE being picked up and taken out of the cage, but once they're out, they love it.

blytherue · Apr 12, 2010

When I first got Grady for months he would freak out when being picked up (go stiff, helicopter his tail) even though he likes coming out most of all, but eventually he stopped. Benny is my tough to pick up guy, he might grow out of it, he might not. Panache is my jumper. He tries to use us to get places. If you put your hand in the cage he will rappel up your arm like a squirrel and then sit on your shoulder seemingly for a shoulder ride, but as soon as you get near something interesting, he will jump for it. And during out time on the bed, he jumps from the bed to the computer chair to the desk. So now we move the chair during out time...daredevil rats...

SQ · Apr 12, 2010

Many rats do not like to be picked up, especially younger, more active rats.
When picking up a rat it is important to use one hand around the ir upper body to pick them up and to use your other hand to support their bottom and legs ... the way you would pick up a cat.

LadyGray · Apr 16, 2010

My old Rat Queenie loved being held but my other two don't at all. They're very cuddly still though, I just think they don't like hands - they're always jumping around my face arms and shoulders but hate hands! I didn't realise so many disliked being held though, I was beginning to think it was just those two!

@Blytherue, mine helicopter their tails too, it's soo cute

Apr 16, 2010

I have 2 rats that used to hate being picked up when I first got them, but about 2 months later they satrted to trust me more ..but still they are still not fussy on it. Once they are up they are fine tho.