[samdameron309]

Hello all! New rat dad here! I have two girls (Brie and Camembert), sisters, about 8 months old. They don’t like to be handled that much, but we are getting some progress with nap time in a hoodie. They will come out of the cage for treats and tolerate some pets. But the real issue is that Camembert is constantly biting the cage wires. There are plenty of toys, chew toys and stimulating toys (I got an old sock filled it with treats and bedding and paper), a wheel. But still she will chew on the cage all day and night long. I have read that some rats will do this for attention but she will do it even with me sitting right next to the cage feeding treats and giving pets.
please help!

 

[VivDaRatLuver]

My girl dibs used to do this. I am not sure why she did it but she grew out of it very quickly! I'm pretty sure that it is just one of those behaviors that they eventually grow out of!

 

[Rats4All]

Most rats bite the cage when they are bored. Or if the cage is to small. How big is your cage? Or what cage are you using?

 

[Rex the Rat]

Can you take a picture of your cage and post it?

 

[samdameron309]

Most rats bite the cage when they are bored. Or if the cage is to small. How big is your cage? Or what cage are you using?

The cage is 2 stories.

here is what we have set up right now.

 

[Rex the Rat]

The cage is a bit small. How often and how long do they come out?

 

[samdameron309]

The cage is a bit small. How often and how long do they come out?

Usually about 15-45 minutes a day. I have tried to get them to free roam but they don’t seem that interested in coming out of their cage even when I back away and watch from a distance. And when they do come out they just go back behind the cage and dig at the carpet. Everytime I try to free roam without the cage nearby they just sit there and shake with anxiety. I’m going to try to bring them in the bathroom tonight with the cage (after rat proofing the bathroom) and see what they will do when I put boxes and treats around.

 

[Rex the Rat]

I’m going to try to bring them in the bathroom tonight with the cage (after rat proofing the bathroom) and see what they will do when I put boxes and treats around.

That's a great idea! Hopefully the smaller space will ease their nerves. The more boxes and hiding places you give them, the more confident they should be about coming out.

Usually about 15-45 minutes a day. I have tried to get them to free roam but they don’t seem that interested in coming out of their cage even when I back away and watch from a distance.

Have you tried luring them out with food?

 

[nightRAT]

The cage is 2 stories. View attachment 303642
here is what we have set up right now.
View attachment 303643

thats more like 3😱

 

[loukie crados brother]

The cage is 2 stories. View attachment 303642
here is what we have set up right now.
View attachment 303643
[/QUO
umm you can try putting some peanut butter on the spots that they chew it works with my girls you can try it

 

[Enne]

Do not give rats peanut butter, it poses a choking risk as it's too thick.

 

[VivDaRatLuver]

Do not give rats peanut butter, it poses a choking risk as it's too thick.

Im pretty sure it is ok to give some as long as it is spread very thinly on a spoon or finger.

 

[samdameron309]

Just wanted to update everyone on the girls! We got them a critter nation double size and a bunch of new toys. So far there has been no cage bitting! Before the new cage the bitting had slowed down due to lots of attention and bathroom time (which they are super nervous about still and usually end up hiding in my lap or hoodie for snooze time). They are enjoying the new cage along with the new hiding boxes I’ve made for them. Next up on my list is a dig box! We’re trying to litter train by giving less bedding (aspen) and more nesting material like tissue paper and cloth from the dollar store. Would you guys be interested in pictures of the new set up? I’d love some opinions on what else I could put in the new cage since there is so much room! Thanks for all the replies and help so far!

 

[Rex the Rat]

I'm so glad, that's amazing! I'd love a picture of the new setup!

 

[Enne]

Awesome! Yes, please post photos

 

[samdameron309]

Here is the new cage + set up! I’d love some opinions on it and what else I should add! I’ve gotten a few more hanging bird toys and some stuffed animals for them to chew up but I’m trying to put them in slowly since everything I bought ended up over $300 in the last few weeks. The last 2 images are them rn curled up in my hoodie. I was trying to get them to explore the bathroom more but they always seem to end up back in my hoddie for nap time, lazy ratties! It does warm my heart that they will sniff around a little and then dart back into my legs for safety. It makes me feel loved and like all my attention I’ve been giving them isn’t for nothing. They are very sleepy rats for only being 8 months old or so.

 

[Rex the Rat]

Your rats are precious!! For the cage, the more hides, hammocks, and toys the better. To make cleaning easier, you can put fleece on the shelves with binder clips (all you need to do is throw them in the wash):

For inspiration I like to explore [this] thread.