[jsabine]

Hi there,

First time posting, so please let me know if you need additional info or anything like that.

I adopted a pair of male rats about two months ago, and they're just about a year old now. Their previous home before being fostered was neglectful and dirty (their little ears are chewed up from mites, and they needed a lot of help getting better). In the time I've had them, they've slowly started coming out of their cage for longer and longer lengths of time. I can pet them... kind of. I move slowly, speak softly, and sometimes hum to them while I pet them, but they freeze up like I'm going to personally eat them when I do so, so I really feel like it's torture to them more than anything else. Being held or picked up is almost entirely out of the question. One of them squeals like I've thrown him when I get my thumb and forefinger around him, and the other wriggles away like I'm trying to smash him.

I'm starting to feel really hopeless. I give them treats, I hand-feed them baby food, I do my best to interact with them, but they still seem terrified of me. Is there something else I can do? Are they just too old to be comfortable with being picked up? They're absolutely precious, and I adore watching them play, but I feel like an awful pet parent.

Thank you in advance.

 

[jlhummel]

I had a rat once that squealed like that when I tried to pick him up. He too was from a neglectful home and was not used to handling. One thing that worked for him was a towel, sling or cuddle pouch he could "hide" in and feel a little more secure during laptime. I have a sling that's kind of like an infinity scarf. Its made of fleece with a bit of elastic in the edges and hangs around my neck.

What I would do is hold it in the cage and encourage him to crawl in. I started off giving him treats for just climbing into.it. Then I'd pick him up awhile he was inside and give him a treat and let him return right away. And finally I would put him around my neck to carry him around for a bit while providing treats and pets. At first he was still quite scared but eventually with patience and repetition he realized it meant his favorite treats and being held wasn't such a big deal. He even started climbing out of the pouch and into my lap after a while.

Maybe something like this would be helpful for you?

 

[lfraser06]

It takes an infinite amount of patience, time and treats. And my girls are use to me and shoulder rides, but there are times they still like the cuddle pouch ...... so try one. I had mine made rather than the ones I found online.

 

[Tinytoes]

I had three rescues, all over a year old and neglected. They learned to hop into the carrier and go to the Rat Room, where I'd open the door and let them come out on their own. They loved crawling on me and getting treats, hiding in my robe, wrestling and playing and were just a joy to have. One even learned to get tickles and popcorn for me!! I decided they may never be comfortable with being picked up, so I didn't force it. You're doing a great job, but don't be discouraged if they would rather not be picked up by giant human hands lol.