best way to "break in" a new Rat?

[Gary]

As some of you may remember, I bought two new Rats on Saturday. I am new to Rats and am wondering how I "break them in". Should I leave them alone for a while longer? Should I be handling them? Picking them up? What should be the procedure when dealing with new Rats living in a new home?

One seems rather friendly and out-going, although won't necessarily crawl on me too readily. The other one sleeps alot and is fairly skiddish.

Thanks!

[Christy]

I always leave my new ones alone for the first day if they came from a petshop.  It helps them become more comfortable with the new sounds and smells of their environment.  On day 2 I begin petting and holding and going from there.  

They will come around eventually, some take longer than others.  Do be sure they have some hiding places where they will feel safe such as a kleenex box or an igloo.  Time and patience is key, and food/treats is always a good thing!

Good luck!

[Gary]

Thanks Christy,
I do have a Kleenex box actually, the timid one loves to be in it.

The other I've been hand feeding, and she is more than happy to snatch lettuce and popcorn, and whatever else I offer her.

Well, sounds like I'm on the right track, maybe it's time I start holding them. But I may leave the timid one alone for awhile longer. Not sure she's ready.

[Grace Jr]

Just a note here, but be careful with the lettuce.  It is mostly water, and can be gassy, causing diarrhea.  Plus, it doesn't have all that much nutritionally.  At least, iceberg lettuce isn't healthy.  Romaine is better, although I still stay away from lettuce for my girls.

As for the intro process, it can take a while.  One of my girls took 7 months before she bruxed on me for the first time. And she is still the shy girl.  Abbie on the other hand, was social from the start, even though they both came from the same place.

I'd start handling them both now.  What you can do is when you are watching TV, reading a book, or doing any other sedentary activity, leave your hand resting in the cage.  That way they get used to it, and usually will get curius and check out your hand.  After a while they will start climbing on it, and then going up the arm.  And, be sure to give plenty of treats when they do something good like getting on your hand.  If they don't seem too nervous, you can pick them up and cradle them right up against your chest.  They will feel more secure that way, and it will make them realize that there is nothing to be scared of.  And, as always, treats are a plus.  Cheerios or Rice Crispies are a good idea to use, since they are small and healthy.

[Gary]

Grace,
thanks for the advice.  It's been a few days, and this one rat is still biting me! Bit me this morning and I'm still bleeding!

The other one is friendlier. Wonder what's going on with the bity one.??

[JulesDoug]

Gary
Just a thought the 'bitey' one isn't in any pain is he?  Maybe worth ruling out any physical reason for his snappy behaviour.
Jules Babs n Bonnie

[Joe]

It's been a few days, and this one rat is still biting me! Bit me this morning and I'm still bleeding!

Which is the one biting? If it one of the two originals you got, it's probably still upset with you for taking its best friend away. It probably knows your scent right now as the one that took away its only remaining friend, and never brought it back.
Do you have your two rats together already, or is the newer one still in quarantine?

-Joe

[Catalyst]

Gary, did you get the rats from a pet store that sells their stock as reptile food?  

If so this generally means no steps were taken to produce sweet socialized babies. It sounds like your biter is the product of bad genetics (causing a nasty temperament), which could be irreversible.

No rat should bite for any reason what so ever, being shy isn't an excuse (nor is being pregnant).

Be careful! Biting rats can very easily cause nerve damage.   Their teeth are unbelievably sharp.

[Ali]

I agree that it's never normal. But in spite of that, some rats DO bite, and now that Gary has this rat he needs all the advice he can get to try to STOP it biting!  

It's certainly not the most pleasant way of entering the 'rat world' but he's going to have so much experience of trust training and patience after this!

I'm sure it'll work out.