Rats nipping

Question
Hi Jess

I have asked you questions before about my sneezing rats Oreo and Aero... (they are now healthy despite hating the meds they had to take)but I've noticed a rather un-desirable quality in them... they're nipping me! They aren't really bites... but nips, expecially Oreo each time I clean out their cage.

I've been trying to figure it out myself, and I have a couple of theories... lol...

1) They don't like their cage being cleaned... cause I throw out their hidden treasures.
2) I've gotten into the habbit of handing them treats every time I open their cage... and now they don't bother checking, they see my hand and go to take the treat...
3) Or my personal fav... they're afraid I'm going to give them more meds so they try to scare me off...

Unfortunately I haven't taken them out of their cage as much as I should have, when they were sick I just kinda left them (talked to them a lot but didn't take them out... less stress. They don't nip once out of their cage but are very nervous running for cover under whatever they can find.

I love my little ladies very much and want to have the relationship with them that I know rats enjoy... What should I do?

Robyn

Answer
Hello Robyn,

Glad to hear that Oreo and Aero are better. The main cause for nipping is if you hands smell of food of if they are used to treats be pushed through the bars, so try washing your hands before handling them and don't offer the treats through the bars. When handling them try having them out for more that a hour at a time, this should help them to over come there nervousness.

Rats have very poor eyesite (especially if they are pink eyed) so they may just be mistaking your hand for food.

Hope this helps you.
Take Care
Jess
Nitros Fancy Rats