If you want a little help with the holding part, while you hold them, try giving them some yogurt. my little guys love that. actually what i do is i use unsweetened, plain, low-fat yogurt then sweeten it with splenda. that way they aren't taking in too much fat. now they're always licking my hand to see if i have some more of it. i've had this new one for about a month and a week and it took him quite awhile to get truly comfortable with me holding him. if you like snugglin with your rats, just wait until they settle down in your lap! 
