Scared Rats

Question
Hi Sandra

  I have bought 2, 5 month old pet rats. they are brothers, one is smudge and the other is spike. I really think they scared to death of me. i try to pick them up out of their cage and they squeak or run away and hide in their tent. They do the same if i try to stroke them. If i do pick them up they are always trying to escape and run away under things like beds, sofas and wardrobes. What do you think i should do?

Answer
The very best way that I have found to calm down skittish rats is to carry them with you as much as possible. The best way to accomplish this is to wear a hoody, either forwards and carry the rats in the kangaroo pockets, or wear it backwards and carry the rats in the hood.

By doing this the rats learn that your closeness means security. They get familiar with your smell, and your voice, and your heartbeat. They learn that they can trust you.

For more information type "Trust Training your pet rats", or "Bonding with your rats" in your search engine and browse the links that come up.

spazrats
http://spazrats.tripod.com