female rats

Question
I have previously only kept male rats, but i recently got 2 females. I understand that when first introducing rats into your home they need as much attention as possible to get used to you. I am finding this very difficult as both girls, particularly one, are very slight and jumpy. I have so far been unable to get one out of the cage without her jumping onto the floor and hiding away for a very long time whilst i try to get her out and get her back into the cage.

Do you have any tips for how I can try and bond with my rats without them scurrying away??  

Answer
Hi Bekki;
I find it best to sit in an enclosed room (bathroom, walk-in shower, etc.) and take their cage with me. Then I open the door and offer them treats little by little, encouraging them to come to me rather than insisting they be with me. It'll take time, most definitely, but they'll eventually realize you = treats and not danger. The enclosed room means they can't get very far if they do hop away from you and therefore you can just let them explore and check back in with you as they wish to.

The perfect person to talk to about this is Sandra Todd, also an expert on this site. She has great first-hand experience with flighty/jumpy rats.