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I just got my first two rats and tonight will be their third night home. As a new owner, I am wondering if my rats' behaviors are normal... First of all, they won't be picked up or petted. Whenever I try to pet them, they go inside their igloo or simply avoid my hand. I have fed them by hand, but they still won't let me touch them, unless it's them stepping on my hand.
Also, one is very shy and usually runs into the igloo when i enter the room, but will come out after a couple of minutes. The braver one always tries to climb outside the cage when i put my hand inside. After sniffing at my arm, she attempts an escape.
Is this just them getting used to their new home and me, and will I eventually be able to hold them calmly?
My last problem is the water bottle. Earlier, they were both drinking from it, but both were very eager and this nearly resulted in a fight. As of now, I put a dish of water in the cage, where both immediately drank from it, and I'm wondering if this is better, or if I should get a second water bottle...
Hopefully I'm just a nervous new mom?...
Also, one is very shy and usually runs into the igloo when i enter the room, but will come out after a couple of minutes. The braver one always tries to climb outside the cage when i put my hand inside. After sniffing at my arm, she attempts an escape.
Is this just them getting used to their new home and me, and will I eventually be able to hold them calmly?
My last problem is the water bottle. Earlier, they were both drinking from it, but both were very eager and this nearly resulted in a fight. As of now, I put a dish of water in the cage, where both immediately drank from it, and I'm wondering if this is better, or if I should get a second water bottle...
Hopefully I'm just a nervous new mom?...