Scared Rats

[Kirsty]

My two pet rats, Remus and Sirius are extremely nervous around people. They hate being handled and try to avoid me as much as possible. Ive tried trust training and that hasn't worked. I have also asked my small animal keeper at college during my practical lessons and she said to just handle them no matter how much they squeak and squirm. I've tried that and that worked a little bit with Sirius but Remus however squeaks so much that it scares me as I think I'm hurting him when I'm not. I know its just a nervous squeak but I know that stress is harmful to small animals. I have also tried just sitting with my hand in the cage and also just sitting next to cage when doing my course work. What else could I try?
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[dspch911]

I had two like that and when I put them in the carrier and take them to the vet they become two completely different rats and want to be petted and held. Perhaps if you try a different location one that they don't feel so comfortable in. I also will scoop one up, hold him for a few minutes keep telling him what a good boy he is and after I put him back in the cage he gets alittle treat. Before scooping him up though I tell him I am going to pick him up. They both got neutered recently and are doing much better.

 

[jorats]

Have you tried the down the shirt trick? I recommend putting on a tshirt and a sweatshirt overtop and put the babies in between. While in there, give them treats if they will take it. Read a book or watch tv while they are in there, keep them in there for about an hour or two. And do this a few times. Inside the shirt, is better than being handled, it's less scary for them because it's dark and safe.

 

[Kirsty]

Thank you, they've been down my top and they refused to come out. Also when I try to pick them up I rest my hand under them so they get used to my hand, then when I try to bring them Into my body so they feel safer, they flip out and I can't get them out the cage. I got Sirius out once and he roamed around on my bed and back but as soon as I went to put him back he started to freak out and wouldn't let me hold him. Once I got hold of him I went to open the cage, he squirmed his way out of my hands and escaped into my room. After that session of handling Sirius is a little better - hopefully because he knows he won't get hurt, but he is still a little jumpy, I think this might be because he's picking up on remus' nerves maybe?
I don't want to get them neutered unless it's vital as surgery on small animals is far too risky.

 

[Joanne]

What I have been doing to encourage my rats is to open the cage doors and sit right next to the cage in contact with it. They can come right up to me and still be in the cage. It has really increased their comfort level with me, and they will run onto my shoulder and then back off again, or sniff my arm, or nibble on my fingers.

 

[Kirsty]

What I have been doing to encourage my rats is to open the cage doors and sit right next to the cage in contact with it. They can come right up to me and still be in the cage. It has really increased their comfort level with me, and they will run onto my shoulder and then back off again, or sniff my arm, or nibble on my fingers.

That's what I'm doing atm