aggressive rescue rats?

Question
Hi,
I'm considering getting a couple of rescue rats (I think the rescue
organization got them from an open-door shelter), but I concerned because
when I first wanted to get rats my parents did some research and read a
bunch of stories about rats of unknown upbringing suddenly turning
aggressive and attacking their owners. Have you ever heard of something like
this happening?
By the way, I've had one rat before, whom I got from a friend.
Thanks!
Sophie

Answer
Hi Sophie


Rats only bite when scared or sick. Sometimes they can be aggressive when they are being territorial but to attack an owner?  I would not use the word "attack" when describing a bite.  

Shy rats can be easily trained from the start regardless of age and usually the more shy rats will bite out of fear.   All you need to do is work with them a little with alot of gentle talk and do not reach in after them if they show they are very scared, just let them go at their own pace.  Never put your fingers through the bars either because they may have been fed that way and assume your giving them snacks. Rats cant see that great so they assume a finger is a treat and may bite.

Check out my critter city site and the page  on training shy or biting rats.

good luck!