new dumbo rats 8 weeks old males

Question
Hi there - I just picked these boys up yesterday and they're adorable.  Have taken advice on their home, feed, given them toys etc. and they seem happy and a bit more active today.  HOWEVER .. both are making little sneezy noises and haven't eaten anything yet.  Is this normal?  I hope they haven't got a respiratory problem but they are very active and I've just left them as don't want to try handling them till they settle in for a day or two.  I have never had rats before so advice would be handy - thanks!!

Answer
Hi Carol

A bit of sneezing while they adjust to their new surroundings is normal.

The bedding should not be cedar, pine, corn cob or any type of cat litter and of course if you read up you already know this.  Offer them some peas and leave the room. I bet they eat them up in minutes.

As for handling them..be sure you have a safe area like my website says (not sure if you read it or not, but if not, check out GETTING STARTED) and do NOT reach in and grab the rats ever until you have of course earned their trust.  Put your washed hand in the cage, palm up, and let them come to you, talking to them in a soft gentle calm voice. No sudden moves or noises or this will send the rat fleeing back to his hidey house where he feels safe.  Since your new to rats, you should know that they come to us antisocial UNLESS they are from a good breeder, mainly because pet store rats are from breeders that breed dozens upon dozens of rats and they dont have time to work with them. SO, we have shy rats that dont trust us and its important to show them positive energy right off. CHasing them in their own cage to grab them to hold them will make them very insecure and they will fear you for longer than we want them to.  Anyhow, dont stay away from them, let them know your their owner and see how they do.

My site:


http://www.freewebs.com/crittercity/gettingstarted.htm


let me know how things are going in a day or so...