[KayRatz]

Well she doesn't hate them to the point that she'll bite, but she just freaks and hides if I put my hand in the cage, whereas Klardae is happy to come see me. I know she's a petstore rat, but... I've been trying so hard, and Klardae is perfectly tame now. Is there anything I can do...?

 

[DonnaK]

I would just suggest the usual, really... forced socialisation or opening the door of the cage and enticing her out onto you with treats etc.

How long have you had her? If you haven't had her long, you may find she just comes around of her own accord. Some rats can take a few weeks before they're totally confident.

 

[KayRatz]

I've had her since I think around the 10th to 15th of February. So nearly three months. And I've actually taught them both to come to the open cage door when I shake the yogie container, but when I put my hand there Zinc backs away. And I've been doing the treat thing, too... I don't really want to /force/ her to be as friendly as Klardae though o_o I'm thinking I should have looked closer at the rats' personalities though - I figured that after Klardae, to me they all acted the same, frightened and all, so I chose my second based on color rather than friendliness. Klardae really was the only friendly one at the store, though. o_o

 

[Spider]

Talk to her. get close when she feels safe and quietly tell her how much she means to you, how important she is , tell her how much fun you'll have with her and things you will do together.Speak slowly and quietly so she has to pay attention. Do this as often as you feel comfortable at the same time respect her wishes to be the way she wants to be and proceed at her pace/ don't set a time limit for success.
I believe a Rat loses something with a forced socialization, I always kick back and take what ever the rat is willing to give me.

 

[DonnaK]

I haven't actually tried forced socialisation - I've just heard so many success stories with that method.

You have to do what you are comfortable with. Talking to them is a very good way of getting their curiosity and getting them to come to you. Also, playing with the responsive rat in front of the non-responsive rat should perk up her interest, too... at least, that is how it went with our two girls.

 

[Sky14]

I sorta forced Una to be with me but after the first week it was either me or the cage and now it's been about a month and a halve to 2 months and she loves to be with me but only me and she is still scared of alot of sudden and or loud noises.

I hope everything works out.