Rats in fear

[AmeliaJ013]

My three rats were out for playtime and running around and the vacuum was being used at the same time. They've heard the vacuum before and do not like it but have never reacted like this previously. They stopped running around and bolted for cover, one of them went back into the cage. Two of them stayed under cover for over an hour, one of them coming back out long enough for me to put him in the cage. The other is still under cover and I cannot get him, I've tried to lure him, sit with him and talk him out, but he just won't. All three of them are sat unmoving, staring into space. I really don't understand the problem. They came from a bad breeder with loud dogs, could this just be fear brought back to them from loud noises? I'm still new to them so they do not trust me very much yet.

I'm completely lost.

 

[Coffee Babies]

It's normal for rats to be afraid of loud noises, the freezing you saw was the classic flight or fight motion when this happens you want to wait till they snap out of it before trying to lure them or hold them. To get your rats used to sound you can try to desentize them using objects that make different levels of noise. You would start with making a low sound with something then placing that object near the rats, if they go up to that object and act curious then you reward their confidence. After awhile once they get used to that level of sound you can go up.

 

[AmeliaJ013]

It's normal for rats to be afraid of loud noises, the freezing you saw was the classic flight or fight motion when this happens you want to wait till they snap out of it before trying to lure them or hold them. To get your rats used to sound you can try to desentize them using objects that make different levels of noise. You would start with making a low sound with something then placing that object near the rats, if they go up to that object and act curious then you reward their confidence. After awhile once they get used to that level of sound you can go up.

Thank you, that is helpful. However, since then they have remained fairly unresponsive. They're not blankly staring or staying still like they were before but they do not come to the door for food or did not even get excited for their breakfast this morning. It is like they have lost trust in us completely. Is this normal after their shocked state and they will revert back to their usual behaviour soon?

 

[Coffee Babies]

Normally the shock state doesn't last that long and it doesn't drag on. It sounds like your rats have lost a little confidence, are they responsive to any type of treat? Are they showing any signs of fear at noise or anything?

 

[AmeliaJ013]

Normally the shock state doesn't last that long and it doesn't drag on. It sounds like your rats have lost a little confidence, are they responsive to any type of treat? Are they showing any signs of fear at noise or anything?

They still take treats but they do not come to the door to get them like they were before. They are more hesitant and one of them is too scared to. Their excitement for breakfast is coming back and they still react positively to treats when I bring them.They're more jumpy as well, yesterday they were jumping at each others sneezes and today one of them freaked out when I didn't make any noise (he was close to crawling onto my lap like he used to). I really do not know why a loud noise would set them back so far, they were starting to trust me. They still let me pet them whilst they are in their hammocks and are sleepy and still lick my hand from the comfort of their cage.

 

[Coffee Babies]

If they are taking treats from you than you can use treats to lure them out. Since they are a little frightened you want to reward confidence. To take it slowly, get them used to each of the things that make them jumpy. For example let's say the sound of opening their cage door makes them frightened then open the door give them a treat if they come to you, then close and do it again. Is there anything they are afraid of besides for noise?

You can also add some noisy paper and bedding in the cage so that the rats would be making noise themselves so they won't freak out so much, also making noises when you come to their cage with treats or food should get them to anticipate noise instead of fear it. If you make noise and they go hide, then just lure them out and give them treats.

 

[SQ]

In addition is the rat cage located in a busy area of the home?
This is recommended, if possible and safe, because they receive more attention and will also become used to the normal sounds in the household. As prey animals rats will react to sounds, movement, smells etc
You did not mention their age or how long they have lived with you - both important factors but will not make a different re your response