baby rat training/socializing

Question
Hi!  We just welcomed 2 baby rats into our home one week ago.  They are sisters and are 6 weeks old.  One of them is very brave and friendly.  When we open the cage she will (usually) climb right out onto us and crawl all over us.  Although she definitely is also trying to get away so we have to be careful to not stand somewhere she can jump off onto!  I assume this is normal with a baby and she will become more content to just hang with us as she gets older??  I guess that is my first question.  My second question is that her sister is much more skittish.  She will not come out of the cage on her own and when I reach in and take her out she becomes very nervous and tries hard to get away.  She will occasionally pee or poop on us (I know this is normal with being nervous) but not always.  As a result her sister is getting handled much more.  I want to try to get her more used to us, should I continue to take her out, even though it appears to really upest her, or wait until she becomes confident enough on her own?

Thanks so much, I look forward to your responses!  We are really enjoying them as they are just adorable!!

Holli

Answer
Hi Holli!

Welcome to the world of being a ratty-mom! We, at the rescue, call the ratlettes that small "popcorns" because they just jump around and dart about in silly directions.

First Question: Some gals are very friendly and like to be in your lap all day long, but most gals are very inquisitive, and like to see what's new, what something smells like, or where there may be a morsel hidden.

Secondly: Some rats tend to bond later in life, in the way we're hoping they'd do as kits. There are some techniques you can use to ensure she'll trust you, though. Keep handling the little squirmer as much as possible.

If you can, sit in a room away from her cage, (a bathroom or even on a bed is ideal), and just let her walk over you and see what you're about. Try hiding treats in your sleeves, or in pockets, and soon she will start associating you with things that make her excited and happy. You can bring her sister in, too, and very often when one is more daring, the other will follow.

I tell people to keep in mind that rats view their cages as their only safe place. If you are having a tough time getting her to come out, put the cage beside you on the floor, and let her come out on her own. Maybe she'll snoop for a moment or two, or maybe she will discover hiding places. Some rats DO nip if they feel threatened, so putting your hands inside the cage is risking a nipped finger!

Another way to get ratties used to you is by putting dirty socks, an old tshirt, or even an old pillowcase in her cage for a few days at a time. She'll soon learn that the snuggly thing in the cage smells like this giant trying to play with her. It will keep her a little more secure when she's in your hands.

I hope you visit RMCA.org, or other ratty related sites to find other ratty moms and dads. There are a bunch of us nutters, with all sorts of advice on games and toys!

Thanks for writing in, and it sounds like they're lucky little gals!

Cathe