My new rats!

Question
Hi, I have a few questions about my new rats. I have never owned them before, but thought they would be fun, loving creatures to have. I bought 2 female feeder rats and while I know some people do not thing this was a good idea, I did do it and I certainly will not return them to be be eaten. I would like to know how I should be interacting with them in the beginning. They are generally skittish and only one will eat out of my hand. They do not like being picked up and, in general, seem quite stressed. I know this is normal right now, but I also know that they may never take to me considering the way they were bred and treated when they were babies. Any advice you have would be golden. Thanks so much. -Heather.

Answer
Hi Heather

Please refer to my website, Sandyscrittercity.com  There are tons of informatoin on raising rats and also a section on how to interact with shy or biting rats. Refer to either the index or just scroll down the menu to find the right page to view.  Also check out GETTING STARTED page as this will tell you how to construct a play area for them once they are trusting of you.

Feeder rats or not, they have the absolute potential to become friendly loving pets. In fact, a secret many people dont know about pet stores that sell both feeder rats and pet rats: They usually scope through the litter when it comes in from the disgusting breeder that runs the breeding mill (Yes I am bitter about these breeders as they do not care about the health or well being of these animals and treat them like garbage in many cases)  the pet store skims the litter of rats to pick out the ones with interesting colors and markings and they take them out and sell them as pets when in reality they were bred just as carelessly as the rats meant to be sold for food.   

Please let me know if my website was helpful enough   for you and good luck!