AstonishedTrowel
Member
I'm looking for your best advice, tips and experiences when bringing home new rats, how you got them used to you, socialised them etc.
I have just brought home 3 new boys from a reputable breeder, they have been in their new home for about 48 h.
They are nervous, tentative in taking food from me, run and hide when I go up to the cage but will sniff and put a paw on my hand. They are frightened when I rustle the substrate or make a noise and they definitely don't want to approach the cage door. They are in quite a large cage with plenty of hides and hammocks.
Am I being too impatient, should I back off and give them time?
Or should I be more proactive, sticking my hands in?
I've tried offering malt paste, and to my horror, they weren't fussed! Never had I ever known a rat to turn down rat crack!
I'm not a first-time owner, but my previous girls were from a pet shop
() and I think I could have done better socialising them. My most recent two were very aggressive and would bite frequently, so I am a little hesitant sticking my fingers in places 
Grateful for all advice
I have just brought home 3 new boys from a reputable breeder, they have been in their new home for about 48 h.
They are nervous, tentative in taking food from me, run and hide when I go up to the cage but will sniff and put a paw on my hand. They are frightened when I rustle the substrate or make a noise and they definitely don't want to approach the cage door. They are in quite a large cage with plenty of hides and hammocks.
Am I being too impatient, should I back off and give them time?
Or should I be more proactive, sticking my hands in?
I've tried offering malt paste, and to my horror, they weren't fussed! Never had I ever known a rat to turn down rat crack!
I'm not a first-time owner, but my previous girls were from a pet shop
() and I think I could have done better socialising them. My most recent two were very aggressive and would bite frequently, so I am a little hesitant sticking my fingers in places Grateful for all advice
I did have new rats once that had never had it and so they were unsure of it so maybe try again and see if they’ll try it. If not, baby food is great because they can lick it off your fingers or a spoon and it gets them to stay close to you while eating. I have had lots of scared rats and they all eventually realize that I am the treat person and won’t hurt them 
I hope that helps!
