Trying to get my rats used to me.

[wagz77]

I have had my rats for a week today. Two girls, Swiss and Cheddar. I got them from a breeder. Cheddar was born on 1/31/10 and Swiss was born on 2/3/10. They do not take treats from me? I dont really know what to do. Everyone says, give them lots of treats and theyll get used to you. What if they dont take them? They wont take rice crispies, they rarely take yougies as well. Cheddar is the only one who will occasionally take a yougie. Swiss refuses. Is this because theyre so small they dont eat a lot? Or is it because they arent comfortable eating from my hand?

[hshelton]

Its probably just because youre new to them. They haven't had a chance to get used to you yet. Give them time and they will warm up to you. My two new babies are the exact same way but my older girls take them from me. Just try to be patient and they will take them from you eventually.

[Miz]

Don't worry about it, some rats take longer to adjust than others, some are more people friendly, and some just plain don't like people or have had bad begginings, all things contribute toward how they act toward people.

Just sit your hand in their cage, play with them, feed them things they can't run off with, like creamed rice or jelly. Dip your fingers in that and let them lick it off, they won't be able to resist it. Let them cuddle in your hoodies too.

[Leesha]

You might try putting a few treats in their cage and letting them eat them on their own over a bit of time, get them "addicted" to the treats and then let them try to take one from you after they've had some time. Also, try a fruit or veggie baby food, put a bit on your finger and let them lick it off if they'd like. It forces them to sit still and get a treat instead of running of to their hide with it. Don't worry, they're young and in a new place, give them some time! They'll get used to you, I promise. 

[Caitlin]

I've had trouble getting rats used to me, give them time to settle in and get used to being moved about. I found that if everytime i walk past the cage, just putting my hand in the door so they can have a good sniff - be warned they may nibble! - and they would get used to my smell and eventually come to realise i'm not there to hurt them. take it one step at a time. you'll get there in the end!

[Little_Vixen]

Remember that you have only had them a week, these rats are still babies and while they have obviously been a little handled by the breeder, they are probably still getting used to their new home. Talk to them, pet them, try to entice them with treats or get them hooked on the treats by putting them in the cage and then try feeding out of hand. It took my old rats Seraphina and Isis around 2 to even start to get comfortable with me. It just takes patience and a little time, every rat is different