How long until I can pick up my rat?

[askmeanything1]

I just bought a pair of female rats from the pet store yesterday. I tried to pick one up to cuddle with it, but it crapped all over me - I think it was scared. They seem very shy and won't even let you give it a treat. They are 2 months old and are not used to being handled as they came from the pet store and lived in a large glassed in container. How long until they will get used to me? They don't seem interested in treats whenever I try to feed them to them. They shy away in the corner when I open the cage.

 

[elmoboy]

i had a problem just like yours and it turns out that if you wait another month or two without manhandling them they will be okay with you handling them or holding them oh and they love treats when they are older. well good luck!

 

[lanimalLOVER]

You can pick it up now ..

 

[paladin12990]

Don't put female rats together they'll kill each other. And yes one was scared. Your not supposed to pick them up for at least 2-3 days.

 

[Jessica]

Rats make fantastic pets. :]
You just got them, so there is a lot of new things going on for them. New sights, new smells, new food, and a new person that picks them up; which is something new by itself. Give them time to settle in, spend time by their cage, and occasionally just stick your hand in the cage so they can get used to you. It might take a while, but it will be very rewarding.
Good luck.

 

[YOURMOMt]

all rodents will crap on u if you hold them but I say give it a week and let them get used to their new home

 

[DebbK]

I love rats. They are Intelligent and friendly. Did they tell you the rats were 2 mnths old? If so, they are not used to being handled yet. It will just take some time to gain their trust. At a pet store they could have been mishandled by people visiting the store. You just need to be patient. You also need to realize they were never given treats at the store. So other than the food they were eating, (lab blocks?), they aren't used to other things in their diet. I used a little cheese...

I'm so glad you chose 2 females. I always had 2 females, or a mother daughter. Never had a fight like males can have.

Just give them time, take them out together, give them a place to hide in their home. They sell these domes where they can make a nest. You just talk to them and lift it when you get ready to take them out.
When you do take them out, get o the coach with a blanket. They love to crawl between the covers and play.

Rats do not usually poop when they are out, so you're right, they are still frightened. However know that rats do wet sometimes when they are out, they do not have good bladder control.

After awhile you'll be enjoying them and they will make you glad you chose them. Good luck.

 

[kel]

My suggestion is to handle them daily, they will get used to you. They are at a new home, new smell, new surroundings and if the pet shop didn't handle them then they won't be used to it. Just do it day by day, handle them and let them sit on your shoulder while you walk around the house/watch tv or what ever

Hope I helped

 

[patienceamess2008]

3 days; and put maybe a towel or old shirt in the cage to make ur smell familiar. after three days of no interaction, slowly work your way up to full on cuddleing!