nervous rat.

[gers14]

i have had my pet rat ashley for 8 months now and all she does is laze about and when i always bring her out she always likes top hide under covers etc. Are all rats like this?

[Jaguar]

Has she been alone the entire time you've had her?  Rats are very sociable and need the interaction with other rats or they can develop behavioral problems such as this.  It sounds like she lazes about because she is bored and has no one to play with.  No matter how much you play with her each day, you just can't replace another rat.  Your best bet would be to get at least one younger female and introduce them.  Having at least three is best, so when one dies one is not left alone, but it depends on your financial situation and cage space.  If you do this, be sure to read the quarantine and introductions stickies.

[gers14]

She has been alone ever since i got her and maybe she does need another friend.
thank you for your help really appreciated.

[AvaAdoreSmashing]

Jag is so right. The fact that you've had her for 8 months and she still hides when she's out really points to behavioral issues from being alone   Her laying around while inside her cage is likely because she's extremely bored and lonely.
How much does she weigh? Watch out for weight loss. Some rats when depressed can refuse to eat and loss scary amounts of weight.

[gers14]

ok will do
im getting her a friend:)
thanks

[AvaAdoreSmashing]

Fantastic! Can't wait for pictures!!!

[gers14]

Fantastic! Can't wait for pictures!!!

I am trying to find her a friend up here, but i dont know any breeders, as i dont want to buy one at a pet shop, since i have read about these rodent farms, so would rather go to a breeder and do it that way, finding it hard.

[stephaniechung]

My Splinter was like that too even though he came home to my first rat, Ratacus. For a whole 3 weeks or so, all he would do is hide and run away from my hand and all that. I eventually just picked him up and sat down on the couch with him and my lap and held him for 20 minutes and talked to him softly. Ratacus was also around visiting and wandering about. I spent three hours with Splinter, 20 minutes on me, 5 minutes off, 20 minutes on, 5 minutes off.. etc. It helped after a few days and now (about two weeks later) he's all over the place and constantly looking to me for treats. He recently learned to go to his ball on command.

[gers14]

awwww thats cute
thanks