the new boy came today

[elegy]

my lab rat, johannes. he is so scared and overwhelmed! he's about 5 months old, and he's bitey. he's only ever been picked up by his tail.

i've never had to trust train a rat before. i've read the rfc article on it, but i'm not especially looking forward to this. how am i supposed to clean his cage if i can't pick him up? (he's in an aquarium until his martin's gets here).

[Audrey]

I am trust training also, man, I didn't know what I was getting into at first!  Romeo is my untrusting rat boy.  When he first came, I actually took him out of the cage while he was in his nest ( a basket ).  I waited until he wanted to come out onto my lap at that point.  Or put him in the bathtub, with his nest, to clean his cage.  So he was somewhere safe.  I don't know if others will agree with this, but it seems to have worked with Romeo.  I've had him a little over a week and he is becoming very affectionate.  But he was never bitey fortunately.  Good luck!  Meeka, Eskimo, Pipsqueek, Raindrop, Romeo, and me!  

[Ali]

Hi Elegy

for the times that you really do need to pick him up (such as cage cleaning) I suggest using a thick gardening or leather glove.

Poor little Johannes! Best of luck with your trust training! I'm sure he'll turn out to be a lovely little boy!