Shy/Scared rat.. Any advice please!

[jenniferkelley]

As you all know I have two girls, and two to come. Princess and Layla. Well ever since I got Layla from the humane society she was always a bit skittish, I thought she would come around with slow touches and soothing voices, and of course out time. Nothing has changed.. when I take her out she wants to go right back to her cage. If I have her just sitting on my bed, shell go to the end where the cage is closest to and stand and bob her head up and down basically saying "I want to be in there, not out here". She always seems like she needs to be in the dark spots.. She is fine under her blanket when I play with her, but dare you take that blanket off, her heart will start racing and shell run around everywhere looking for a place to hide. I REALLy thought she would eventually come around, but she hasn't yet. It's kind of bothering me, I feel like I can't even hold her, or play with her without her squirming away.

It's very discouraging. Does anyone have any suggestions on how I can get her to trust me?? & since I know it will be asked somewhere along the line - EVERYTHING else with Layla is completely normal, its just her personality.

ALSO I'll be having the new girls at my boyfriends for 2-3 weeks for quarantine but when it comes to intros: How exactly does it work? How long should it take? Is there anything I could potentially do wrong in the process?

Thanks in advance! I know everyone here is always willing to help out another rattie friend! :heart:

 

[Sharlees rattakisses]

I am having the same issues with Leila.
She is so young to have been a Mommy and needs mega socialization.
She wants out but wants back in when I take her out and becomes frantic.
Making a hammock of sorts to carry her around is starting to work.
She can hide but poke her head out and look around when she wants.
Treats and lotsa cuddle time.
Introduce the babies slowly on neutral ground like your lap for play time and watch for aggression.
Treats and patience.
It will work but it will take time.
See you tomorrow. :cuddle:

 

[jorats]

Have you tried the "down the shirt" trick? You put on a sweatshirt over a tshirt and the rat in the middle. Keep rat there for about an hour each time. Do this several times a day. It will make rattie bond to your scent and she will soon relate you to dark comfy cozy place.

 

[jenniferkelley]

Have you tried the "down the shirt" trick? You put on a sweatshirt over a tshirt and the rat in the middle. Keep rat there for about an hour each time. Do this several times a day. It will make rattie bond to your scent and she will soon relate you to dark comfy cozy place.

Yup she's fine when she's in my shirt. That's usually where shell run and hide to. I'm just disappointed I can't hold, snuggle, or play with her. Are some rats just like that?

 

[jorats]

Ya, some rats are just like that.

 

[Joanne]

Ditto, my Jazzy is like that. Never comfortable out in the open, will *sometimes* settle in my shirt, but generally runs around and won't calm down until she's back in the cage. She's a sweetie, but doesn't snuggle...she's over 2 now. It's just her personality, and I've come to accept that. I still drag her out though for time with me (under duress!) and she accepts my kisses willingly enough.