Positive Conditioning, but what is the next step?

[faintardis1]

Sorry I have been asking so many questions lately! I am a college student and even though I handle them every day, there are windows to spend hours focused on my ratty loves.

My husband and I adopted two rats from a Petco (it was the smallest two and I couldn't bear having them eaten) before we found a wonderful breeder in our state. They are sweet girls, whose names are Ponyo and Noka. We have had them about 7 months and they have gone from fearful hiding in the corners of the cage to eating from out hands, timidly climbing onto us, and even allowing pettings. :dance:

They always get a little frantic when the time comes to be physically moved into or out from the cage for play time, but they are reasonably happy once in the play area. What do you guys think the next step would be to encourage them to be more comfortable with being held or carried about?

 

[Aida]

I think how you're coming along is fine. By 7 months my most timid rat was long used to me, but they came from a place where they were handled like animals- not like a chunk of food for a snake- so your girlies understandably are taking a little longer. (Poor things)

What you're doing now, I think, seems to work. Just handle them often, and they'll soon warm up even more. Also, remember that girls are usually very active, and they won't want to really sit still and be petted for a long time until they age a bit and mellow down. As long as they aren't fearfully squeaking, pooping when you hold them(called fear poops), or really struggling to get away- they are most likely just being normal, frisky, always-bouncing-around young ratties. What I like to do is lay down on a floor in a room where they are running around, closing my eyes, and waiting for them to come out to me. Mine usually can't stand the curiosity of what the heck I'm doing, and run out to explore my ears/clothes.

 

[jorats]

Have you tried inviting them onto your arm using treats? Show them, they get a "ride" on the arm/shoulder to their play area might make them feel more comfortable.
My parents once had a rat who loved piggy back rides... He would jump on my dad's back and he would walk around the house on his hands and knees. LOL

 

[mia9_28]

Like Aida said, lie on the floor/bed with them and don't move. They will come to you and climb on you/sniff you/nibble you. My most timid rats eventually give in and come near me, and I let them sniff my face. Once they feel more comfortable around you (this can take a long time, so make sure you have an hour to lie on the floor and do nothing), start petting them gently. They will probably run off, but come right back when they realize that you don't want to hurt them/pick them up.

If the only interaction they have with you is you picking them up, that can be a bit traumatizing, considering that you're a giant, so let them come to you. Spend time with them where you're not trying to pick them up and force them to things they don't want. You will eventually earn their trust and they will feel more comfortable with you picking them up.

 

[user 2700]

To add on to what others have said, for now don't pick them up with your hands. Use a box, or something always the same thing though, and teach them to go in it. Once they are in you can use that to get them to your out time area and let them get used to you. (You could throw a couple of their favorite veggies or treats in there and when they find the treats say "in." Pretty soon you'll be able to say "in" and they'll go running into the box/carrier/whatever you use.)

 

[faintardis1]

Thank you guys for this advice. I use a transport cage to move them to their play area (so as to not have to stressfully move them in my hands) and Ponyo has started eating in my lap during play time! Very exciting. I'm just glad that they are more comfortable and not so scared. Thank you guys very much =)