[flowercow]

Please don’t judge. Two weeks ago I adopted two female rats that are 8 weeks old. I had done a lot of research prior to this about how social and cuddly and playful theyre supposed to be, they’re diet, likes and dislikes… When I got my two babies I was really excited and completely fell in love with them. But now that I have them I feel like i’m regretting this decision for several reasons:

To start with the fact that they are usually very scared of me and always hide. if they seem ok with me being around it literally means that I CANNOT move otherwise they just get scared again and run and hide
I give them treats and gently stroke them when they allow me to but I just don’t think I like them and it really hurts. They’re afraid of me and it’s really hard because I’m a dancer and I need to practice in my room every day (jumping and doing physical exercise) So I think that they will always see me as this big person that makes loud noises.

I also take them outside their cage to play each day for 1/2 hours but I cannot relax while I do because they just go to the crazies places and I’ve barricaded my room to rat proof it to the point that I don’t even remember last time my room didn’t look like mad max

I’ve also been really struggling with depression and I’m finding it really difficult to have the mental capacity to deal with all this.
I feel devastated because I feel like such an idiot for regretting this decision. I hate myself for adopting pets that I’m not ready for. I feel like they’re never gonna like me or be happy in my house and I feel like it’s taking such a big toll on my mental health i’m constantly panicking. I don’t want to make them feel bad I just want them to trust me and love me like I love them. I don’t know if I should give them to someone else as they’re still very young before they get too used to me, or if I should keep trying. I just cannot bear with the idea that I’m making their lives worse than they could have been

sorry for this long post. Im new to this and Im really anxious I don’t know what to do

 

[flowercow]

Please don’t judge. Two weeks ago I adopted two female rats that are 8 weeks old. I had done a lot of research prior to this about how social and cuddly and playful theyre supposed to be, they’re diet, likes and dislikes… When I got my two babies I was really excited and completely fell in love with them. But now that I have them I feel like i’m regretting this decision for several reasons:

To start with the fact that they are usually very scared of me and always hide. if they seem ok with me being around it literally means that I CANNOT move otherwise they just get scared again and run and hide
I give them treats and gently stroke them when they allow me to but I just don’t think I like them and it really hurts. They’re afraid of me and it’s really hard because I’m a dancer and I need to practice in my room every day (jumping and doing physical exercise) So I think that they will always see me as this big person that makes loud noises.

I also take them outside their cage to play each day for 1/2 hours but I cannot relax while I do because they just go to the crazies places and I’ve barricaded my room to rat proof it to the point that I don’t even remember last time my room didn’t look like mad max

I’ve also been really struggling with depression and I’m finding it really difficult to have the mental capacity to deal with all this.
I feel devastated because I feel like such an idiot for regretting this decision. I hate myself for adopting pets that I’m not ready for. I feel like they’re never gonna like me or be happy in my house and I feel like it’s taking such a big toll on my mental health i’m constantly panicking. I don’t want to make them feel bad I just want them to trust me and love me like I love them. I don’t know if I should give them to someone else as they’re still very young before they get too used to me, or if I should keep trying. I just cannot bear with the idea that I’m making their lives worse than they could have been

sorry for this long post. Im new to this and Im really anxious I don’t know what to do

I must also add that they’re sisters and adopted them from a breeder at pets4homes

 

[AnimalWhisperer21]

Please don’t judge. Two weeks ago I adopted two female rats that are 8 weeks old. I had done a lot of research prior to this about how social and cuddly and playful theyre supposed to be, they’re diet, likes and dislikes… When I got my two babies I was really excited and completely fell in love with them. But now that I have them I feel like i’m regretting this decision for several reasons:

To start with the fact that they are usually very scared of me and always hide. if they seem ok with me being around it literally means that I CANNOT move otherwise they just get scared again and run and hide
I give them treats and gently stroke them when they allow me to but I just don’t think I like them and it really hurts. They’re afraid of me and it’s really hard because I’m a dancer and I need to practice in my room every day (jumping and doing physical exercise) So I think that they will always see me as this big person that makes loud noises.

I also take them outside their cage to play each day for 1/2 hours but I cannot relax while I do because they just go to the crazies places and I’ve barricaded my room to rat proof it to the point that I don’t even remember last time my room didn’t look like mad max

I’ve also been really struggling with depression and I’m finding it really difficult to have the mental capacity to deal with all this.
I feel devastated because I feel like such an idiot for regretting this decision. I hate myself for adopting pets that I’m not ready for. I feel like they’re never gonna like me or be happy in my house and I feel like it’s taking such a big toll on my mental health i’m constantly panicking. I don’t want to make them feel bad I just want them to trust me and love me like I love them. I don’t know if I should give them to someone else as they’re still very young before they get too used to me, or if I should keep trying. I just cannot bear with the idea that I’m making their lives worse than they could have been

sorry for this long post. Im new to this and Im really anxious I don’t know what to do

I'm very sorry you're feeling this way, I know how stressful it can be.
Of course, the final verdict is yours, but I personally would give it a little more time.
They are still very young, it's natural for them to be scared of you. Rats are very food motivated, so you can try putting some baby food on your hand and letting them lick it off your palm. Then you can start putting baby good further up your arm, so that they HAVE to get into your hand to get the food.
Secondly, I would recommend getting into the bathtub with them and playing with them in there. Or if you don't have a bathtub, playpen works well. You can get in there with them, and if they want to play, they'll have to walk all over you to do so.
Talking to them on the daily basis helps. Just sit in front of their cage, don't stare at them, and talk softly about something. Tell them how your day went. Tell them they are beautiful. All animals can pick up on your vibe. If you are calm and your voice sounds loving, they will see you as calm and loving.
I would also recommend one-on-one time with each of them. You can get to know each one's personality much better.

I would give it maybe another month, I think it will all be okay. If you see that you can't connect with them, that's fine too, not every animal is compatible with every human. Maybe you just haven't found your match, but it's out there. I wish you all the luck, keep us updated! 😊

 

[TwilxghtRat]

I know it’s very easy to feel sad or even regretful. New pets can be very crazy! However, like mentioned above, it’s always good to wait. Lots of baby rats act skittish and scared when they’re new. The progress I was able to make with Cloud and Dew in 2 weeks blew my mind! One moment they were hiding and afraid to eat or even be seen by me and the next, they were completely energized and bonded with me. Try lots of treats and keep doing what you‘ve been doing! Good luck, and don’t feel sorry!

Ps -
I doubt your rats will continue to be afraid of your dancing after a while. They will probably get used to it or at least tolerate it!