My rats only like treats in their cage

Question
I'm trying to train my rat to sit still on my shoulder. They like to eat treats and will come to me when they are in their cage, but once they are out of their cage they completely lose interest in the treats or any other food.  I want to train them to do other things like "come" but don't know how to train them if I don't have anything to reward them with.

Answer
Hi Carly

They only feel secure eating in their cage, which is normal. They are more interested in other things while they are out of their cage.  You can try to offer them something they never had before and use it ONLY outside the cage, such as a cheerio or a rice chex square. If they see this as a treat for out of the cage they may just respond to your requests better.

I have trained them to come simply by snapping my fingers while they are in the cage and the reward is to take them OUT of the cage. If they don't come when I call them and try to get out of the cage, I wont allow them unless they respond to my commands.  I have taught many rats to come by their name, learn NO and learn YES. The rest of it is up to them if they want to listen or not. Smart yes, stubborn, even more so!!

Hope this helps!

regards

Sandra