Rats Hate being Held

Question
Hello, I have a couple of questions for you about my rats I brought home a week or so ago. I have 2 fancy rats, male, and it seems they both hate being held or pet. They aren't afraid of me, they'll come up to my hand arm and sniff all around me, but when I try to pick them up and hold them they freak out. One in particular, Tycho, hates it so much that he almost makes me drop him he squirms so hard. The other, Gabe, is better but he still grabs the cage if given the chance.

They also seem scared when I put my hand in, but they still want to play. They like sitting on my shoulder, and I want to take them out more, but it's difficult to do it.

I hold them well, I always cup my hands around them so they can't fall. And they never bite or try to hurt me to get out, they're just afraid. I got them from a Petsmart and they both came from the same cage. I'm not sure if that helps.

What can I do to lessen their fear? I love the little guys and I want to handle them without worrying of them falling out of my grasp and hitting the floor. Also, training them is a pain. They don't seem interested in it. When I set them on a table they just run around.

Does it take a couple weeks to become fully used to me? Thank you for your help!

Answer
Hi John

I have put all of my information about new rats and training them here:

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

Also check out the GETTING STARTED page also.

I wrote this all geared toward new rat owners that have shy rats, which is pretty common. Of course they need time to settle in, but this will help you understand what to do for them to help them with the transition

Please let me know after you have read the pages.

Sandra