Socializing Ice - Should I wait?

[MischiefManaged]

Ice was a feeder rat at the pet store that I work at, she came in pregnant and gave birth about 2 weeks ago. I couldn't stand the thought of those babies being sold as snake food so I brought her and all 13 babies homes. They babies are doing fantastic, growing up fast and healthy. But Ice is a full grown, completely un-socialized feeder rat, I want to start getting to know her, but should I wait until the babies are weaned in 3 weeks? I don't want her to be aggressive because she has the little ones.

She's a good girl, I can't touch her but I can be all up in the cage, messing around with stuff, I can even take the babies out from underneath her to check on them! That has got to be a good sign right?

Any advice would be appreciated! Thank you!

 

[hopefloats]

you could start by just feeding her treats. You can also hand feed her yogurt or something that will stick to your finger. Simple thing. I know momma get out time away from their babies but at what age i dont know. You could hold her in your lap and do the trust training during that time. I think because she is a momma right now, she will have her guard up more, so she might not be ideal to work majorly on till after the babies are weaned.

 

[NinjaRatMama]

Like hopefloats said, you can feed her treats to help with trust & getting to know you. Mama's need out-time from day 1, at first it would just be a couple of minutes & then increase as the days/weeks go on. Since the babies are already about 2 weeks old she's okay to come out of the cage for a good half hour at least, give or take. She doesn't feed them that often. Perhaps start with a bit less time though to get everyone used to her having out-time.
Congratulations on the new ratties & good job rescuing them all!! :thumbup:
Another thing you can do with her is just have her on your shoulder or try the down the shirt trick! She will really appreciate getting away from all those eepers for a bit every day!
Also, even really sweet rats can be defensive & nippy when they're new mamas... so the fact that she is so cool with you touching the babies tells me she is probably going to be okay with one-on-one time with you & a wonderful new pet. Good luck & enjoy them!

 

[jorats]

At this time it's crucial not to scare mama or she will teach the babies to be scared so go at it very gently and always have treats.