New Female Rat

[lxxy]

Hey everyone,

I've kept rats since I was sixteen. In that time I have had eight rats. Last year while moving out of my ex-room mates I decided to leave my four ratties behind (they were in two separate cages) because they meant a lot to the older gentleman and I knew that he was reclusive and needed some sort of company.

For valentine's day my step daughter and wife bought me a cute hooded rat who was born just on January 10th of this year. I love her to death, but I am quite perplexed by her behaviour. I have had only one female rat before, and to be honest I didn't spend as much time with her as I should have (and I won't make that mistake again!) because she was completely different than any of the rats I've had before or since. I tend to love the males, mostly because while they scent mark and what not they grow to a bigger size and tend to be lap rats.

Not wanting to depart with my new baby girl, I can't help but feel like I'm almost a first time rat owner. She's very rambunctious, but quite curious. These days if someone is in the room she's at the cage staring at them. Even now she's coming up and sticking her nose through the bars.

I've been giving her treats, and she seems quite tame with people--I've been told the pet store they bought it at held them a lot. But all and all, she doesn't seem too happy to be held. I generally like to get my rats to the point where when they want out I hold out my palm flat and teach them to jump onto it. Obviously, only having her for a week or so isn't going to get her to this stage yet.

But when I pick her up she begins to back away, and I fear she might fall off my arm. However, if I place her down in my lap and cover her with my shirt or put her on my shoulder she is quite fine. I keep hand feeding her treats and gently speak to her, as well as have other members of my family try to hold her as much as possible. I just hope she isn't going to object to being held forever, not that I expect her to stay in one place all the time she is out. She does quite well shoulder riding already, actually.

And I've also purchased a big rat ball for her, but I use it sparingly because she is still so small it's hard for her to navigate in it.

Does all of this sound normal to you female rat owners? Any tips and tricks? I want her to be comfortable with us and to enjoy her life as much as possible, so if I need to slow things down a bit I would certainly. However, beyond the being held part she is pretty much calm, cool, and collected around people.

[Stace87]

You may find she'll do better if you get her a friend or two   Rats shouldn't be kept alone as they're really sociable animals. As for the ball, they shouldn't actually be used for rats as their backs are not designed for them. Also rats are too clever to be put in a ball and not be able to actually explore their surroundings. You can let her out on a sofa or if you have a rat-proof room that is safe. People tend to find the bathroom is usually already pretty rat-proofed and only minor modifications needs to be made. I'm sure she'll get more used to you soon, as you say, you've only had her a week.

Covering your lap with something like you're doing is a good idea, as she can get used to you while also having the safety of being able to hide if she wishes. Some people wear a hoody for a rat to hide in the pocket or cover themselves with a duvet and let the rat roam around underneath. While she's out on you, you could try feeding her soft foods such as baby food from your fingers (or a spoon if you prefer) so she learns to associate you and coming out of the cage with yummy food. Soft foods are a good idea as she has to stay on you to eat it, opposed to grabbing solid food then running away to hide and eat!

I've never had female rats, but apparently they do tend to be always on the go and exploring is better than cuddles. That's in general of course... every rat is different. All babies will be energetic and on the go though.

[lxxy]

Thanks Stace,

I wasn't sure about the ball. I know some places recommend them, and the particular ball in question is marketed as a rat ball indeed.

I have kept more than one rat at a time before, and plan to do so in the future, but I do spend a lot of time with my ratties. My first male rat was to have a companion, but it turned out to be female, so she had to be housed separately. That male rat was completely awesome, loving, and affection even if he was housed alone. My third and fourth rats were both males, although I bought them at two different locations they bonded pretty well but one of them unexpectedly passed away early on, and I never got him a new friend until later on in his life span. So far, that lone male--a dumbo earred rat--was the best rat personality and training wise I ever had.

I plan on purchasing a larger cage for her in a month or so, at which time I'll be better equipped to get her a cage mate.

[ema-leigh]

Lone rats are never really completely happy. I agree she needs a friend straight away... Then I would say just keep doing what you are doing and hold her for 20 minutes or longer at a time. When Im playing with youngsters I usually let them play in groups on my bed and I sit in the middle. Within a few minutes they are climbing all over me, tugging my hair! I find whilst they are still young they will stay on the bed, but once they are a little older and have gotten used to their surroundings they are roaming my entire bedroom.

I have three females, and yes they tend to be explorers but they still want to interact with me. They love wrestling with my hand, and one of my does Lucy will play tag with my dogs or chase a peice of string. The boys are definatly the lap rats but the girls are still very entertaining and rewarding.

[lxxy]

Thanks ema-leigh, I'm doing my best to keep her entertained and happy. She is gaining more trust with us everyday.

[illmithra]

I agree with everyone who said she will be better with a friend for sure, but until you are able to get her one I think you're doing the right thing. I have had quite a few girls, and a couple of boys also, and it's definately true that in general the girls are more energetic and hyper than the boys. My girls

the fact that she's always at the cage if someone's around might be a sign that she's a bit lonely in there so hopefully you'll be able to get her a friend soon.