Jumpy rat

[Alicia]

I adopted two young male rats (3-4 weeks old) from the flea market this past Saturday because they were in horrible living conditions and they were only $1 each, so they'd definitely be snake food.

One of the young ones, which I don't have a name for yet, is really tame and recognizes my smell now. The other, Fivel, is really jumpy. He actually jumped out of the guy's hand at the flea market, but I picked him up and cuped him before placing him inside the box. He seems okay if I have him and his brother in the empty bathtub with me, but doesn't want to be picked up. However, he loves to be petted.

What are the best things to do to help him get used to people? I take out both him and his brother together, along with a toilet paper roll to hide in. I ordered a pet play pen and it's on its way.

Any suggestions on what to do with these two babies would be greatly appreciated!

~Alicia


(Does anyone remember Atreyu's horse's name in The Neverending Story?)

[Lilli12345]

I dont know about that. i have got a new rat who is 9 weeks old called alfie. he is tame and all that but he jumps when he hears the quietest sound! he is used to my voice but if i clear my throat or blow kisses he jumps about 5 cm up in the air! maybe its just their character?

[Dennis]

The horse's name was Artax
 

[Alicia]

He's jumpy enough to where I can't hold him, but he isn't afraid of my hand at all when I'm petting him inside his cage. His brother is very calm, but he's not. I just need a few tips on how to calm him down as well.

[Dani]

Handle them for only short periods at a time until they start to feel more comfortable,use lots of treats when they are out and try to take them out in a quite room, and make sure you talk to them alot. Good luck!

[Panda Phil]

 If the conditions were really bad he probably also hasn't been properly handled or acclimated to people. Just give him time to get used to  you and his new home and I'm sure he'll calm down. The easiest way would be to let them both run around on you on the couch when you're watching tv, or run loose on your desk while you're at the computer.Don't forget to offer him lots of treats with your fingers.

 I've had my boys for about six months now and they really aren't terribly fond of being held. They'd much rather be running around and exploring. One of them is still easily startled though so I guess it also has to do with their individual personality.

 So basically, lots of love and patience is the best way to bring him around. Please keep us posted on how things go.

[-Kelly-]

The boys I just adopted are kinda like that, Odin is fine with being picked up, and I can trust him to go on the floor now with the girls, but Remus is still iffy about the picking up part. He's ok with being held, ok with being petted, but the act of picking him up makes him sqeal. I just talk to him, pet him and make sure I hold him so he feels really secure. He'll come around, as will your rattie. They just need a little adjustment time.