Bonding with your pet rats begins from the moment you bring them home. It’s important to build mutual trust and show your rats they’re now living in a safe, friendly environment. It’s a lot for a rat to process all at once. They’re such small animals who, in the wild, are used to being hunted by predators. Because of their vulnerability, remember to go extra slow and to spend as much time as possible with your new rats.
Here are three key ways in which you can spend time—while creating trust and building relationships—with your new friends. These three steps will work well for pet rats you’ve already had for awhile, too.
Step 1: Cage Location
Make sure your rats’ cage is located in an area where you already spend lots of time. It can be a place where you read, watch movies, study or whatever else you regularly do while you’re home. Having their cage in an area where they can physically feel your presence and hear you talking softly and moving about will help them get used to you.
While you’re near their cage, whenever you notice one of your rats looking toward you, softly say “hello” and “Good!” and they’ll gradually begin to interact with you. In time they’ll even come out just to see you when they know you’re nearby.
While it’s ideal to have their cage in a communal living area, you’ll also want to make sure there aren’t threatening sounds or smells nearby. Initially it’s a good idea to limit their exposure to any other pets in your household. Keep in mind that your goal is to set up a calm, secure environment. Sudden loud noises and the smell of other animals can be scary to a rat new to their environment.
Step 2: Being with You (…..on your body)
Physical contact plays a significant role in building relationships. Petting and cuddling with our pets lowers stress for them and for us. To begin establishing trust, have your rats ride around on your shoulders several times a day, preferably at least once in the morning and once in the evening. While they’re on your shoulders, walk away from their cage so they don’t get distracted by wanting to get back inside. Allow them to crawl inside your tucked-in shirt, a pocket (if they’re small enough), or the hood of your sweatshirt if it makes them feel more comfortable.
Your rats can ride on your shoulders while you’re washing dishes, watching a movie, reading a book, working on your computer, etc. You can also make or buy a bonding pouch. This works well if you prefer to “wear” your rats around the house instead of having them on your shoulders or inside your shirt.
When you’re sitting down with your rats, they may eventually get drowsy and even fall asleep inside your shirt or on your lap. While they’re so relaxed, it’s a great time for them to get used to being gently petted.
As long as you’re in an area away from their cage, your rats will generally want to stay with you rather than escaping. As you spend more and more time with your rats outside their cage while they’re on your shoulder or inside your shirt, they’ll begin to associate you with safety.
Step 3: Exploring New Environments
After your rats get used to shoulder riding and being close to you, take them out onto the floor of a rat-proofed bathroom. They’ll gradually start to explore and will, over time, become increasingly comfortable with being in a new place. While venturing out farther and farther, they’ll learn to think of you as their “safe zone” to which they can return at any time which will further increase their trust in you. For more information about helping your rats to feel comfortable exploring new areas, see Transforming Your Rat: From Shy to Social Butterfly.
After they get used to exploring the bathroom, keep introducing them to new surroundings. This will help reinforce that YOU are the safest place for them to be. Your rats will increasingly enjoy being with you. Let them check out being on a bed or a table top where they can return to you whenever they feel the need for reassurance.
While You’re Together: Learn How Your Rats Communicate
Observe them closely to learn their signals and ways of communicating. If they act super wiggly, it could mean they need to urinate or defecate. [For information on litter box training, see Litter Box Lessons for You and Your Pet Rat.] One of my rats looks at me with huge eyes as if she’s worried when she needs to go to the bathroom. Another of my rats freezes in place—which I now know means he’s about to urinate or defecate. After spending time with your rats, you’ll start to notice the little idiosyncrasies and signs each of your rats communicates to you and you can then respond accordingly.
The above three steps will help you and your rats develop trust in one another. Always remember: Be patient and spend as much time as possible with your rats. Preferably visit with them at least twice a day using these tips and you’ll create deep, lasting bonds.
Hello, i would like some insight into my situation please. Im a first time rat owner and i got 2 male 8 week old rats brothers on the 28.7.2024. Their cage in the only room in my dorm and i spend a lot of time with them every day, talking, holding and peting them and cleaning their cage. One if the rats is more easily scared and not so curious like the other one and this rat i have a problem with. Today ( 3.8.2024, during outside cage time it hid and i reached out to take him and he bit me. Yesterday i had some salmon on my finger and put my finger in the cage and Ratatouille bit me strongly but only because of the salmon. The bite during outside cage time was much weaker but im afraid he will become a more confident biter in the future and will bite me often and strongly. How do i prevent this? Today i also gave him my finger in the cage and for the first time in this scenario he tried biting me and would have if my finger was really in. Generally both rats are becoming more confident every day and i give them treats during and after outside cage time. The only thing im thinking of doing wrong is I always pick them up from the cage which they dislike but if i put my hand in there they wont come on it to be taken out.
Many Greetings,
Anita
Hi Anita,
First, remember that your rats are still fairly “brand new.” It generally takes several months before you’ll feel like you’re all familiar with one another. So, don’t worry, and keep doing the great job you’re doing of spending lots of time with them and giving them time outside their cage.
Have you read my post Pet Rat Bites & How to Stop Them?
This post may also be helpful for you if you haven’t read it yet: Transforming Your Rat: From Shy to Social Butterfly
Besides the tips in the above articles, here are some ideas that pertain specifically to the circumstances you’ve described. (Note: Some of these ideas are already in the above articles.):
* Biting – don’t give him the opportunity. This means that for now, don’t let him near your fingers.
* To take your rats out of their cage you can use some of the ideas in Bonding with Your New Rats.
* Since he bit you when you were reaching out to pick him up from where he was hiding outside the cage, it sounds like he may have been frightened and/or felt threatened. In the future, I’d make sure he sees you before picking him up. (I’m not sure if he saw you or not when the bite occurred.) In general, you need to always move slowly and gently around rats. Remember, they’re prey animals. Their instinct is to hide or fight back to prevent predators swooping in to kill and eat them.
* It’s a good idea to train your rats to come when you call. Once they come to you, reward them with a treat. Start small. When they’re right next to you, call their name. Give them a treat. Gradually increase the distance until they learn to come when you call from anywhere.
* You can gradually coax him to climb on to you by using a treat to lead him up your arm.
* For now, don’t put your fingers through the bars of their cage. One thing that you can try, though, is to offer a treat through the bars. Make sure he can only get to the treat and not your fingers. Only give it to him if he takes it gently. If he lunges, take the treat back. Say “Gentle” (or something similar) in a soft voice. Then try offering the treat again, repeating the word “Gentle.” Make sure to move your hands and fingers slowly and talk softly to him while you’re doing this. Anytime he lunges, take the treat away. After a while he will likely get the message.
* Don’t ever act afraid – they can sense it. You want to continually be a calm presence around your rats.
I hope at least some of these ideas are helpful. Let me know if you have further questions, need any clarification or want to give me additional details or even an update!
Jasmine | About Pet Rats
I got 2 male rats about 3 months ago. One of them still bites me, I wear gardening gloves when reaching in so he doesn’t break the skin. They still hide from me and I can’t put them on my shoulder or in my hoodie because they won’t come close to me. The person I got them from said they were held but I don’t think they were and they had mites on them when I got them. Out of all the rats I’ve ever had, I’ve never had one that will bite me for this long. I spend time with them, talking to them, I always walk past and tell them they’re such handsome boys, they always have fresh food and water, toys, treats. While our house can be loud sometimes it is usually calm (I have 4 kids). The other rat doesn’t bite but he seems scared still. While I can pet him I don’t want to stress him out. I’m at a loss of what to do to help them so they start trusting me. It’s been 3 months and I am so discouraged.
Hi Elizabeth,
I completely understand how frustrating it is to have newer rats who seem like they’re not adapting well and not bonding with you.
I really think you’ll benefit from trying out the ideas in my post Shy Rats Transformed: From shy to social butterfly. As explained in this post, getting your rats out into unfamiliar territory—where YOU are the only thing they recognize—will help them learn that you are their “safe zone”.
Let me know if you have any further questions or need any clarification after reading Shy Rats Transformed: From shy to social butterfly. Also, feel free to update me on your progress.
Thinking positive for you and your boys!
Jasmine | About Pet Rats
Hi! We recently adopted 3 female dumbo rats who we were told were 10 weeks, however we believe they are older. We are struggling with bonding as they do not like to be picked up (squirming and squealing) and are different to catch if we need to (for cage cleaning etc) and are very bitey when hands are in cage etc. any advice on how to fix this and get them to be more comfortable and ideally stop biting would be amazing! Thank you
Hi Holly,
Thanks for your great questions.
First of all, it’s quite normal for young females to not like being picked up. Young females are typically very “busy” wanting to live their own lives without human intervention. Most females do mellow out, though, when they grow a little older.
Even so, don’t let this deter you from developing your relationship with them. Just be patient, spend time with them at least twice daily, and allow them to be as independant as they want. You can interact with them on their level: Play with them by using your hands as if they were rats gently wrestling with them. They’re also likely to enjoy chasing around a string (similar to how a cat plays.) Just regularly spending time with them will help to develop a strong bond.
To catch them when you want to clean their cage, have you tried luring them onto your arm or shoulder by offering them a treat?
As far as biting goes, my post Pet Rat Bites: Why they do it and how to stop them offers some helpful ideas.
Spending time with them at least twice daily will go a long way toward shaping their behavior as well as developing your relationships.
Let me know if you have any other questions or if you need any clarification on my response.
Best Wishes to You & Your Rats,
Jasmine | About Pet Rats
Hi there! I have an escaped Rex rat living in my kitchen – he escaped from next door, who were evicted about two and a half months ago, and we’ve been trying to get him into a live trap so he can be quarantined, looked at, and adopted by someone who actually knows how to take care of rats. We got him into a live trap once (enough to verify that he’s a Rex and a domestic) but he escaped from it! Is there any chance of us live-trapping him again, and if not, how can we gain his trust enough to yoink him into a cage? I love the little brat but he chews on everything and he will not stay in one spot long enough.
Signed,
Unwilling Rat Owner
Hi Elliott,
Yes, I do believe you can live trap this rat a second time. I’d be curious to know how it got out of the trap the first time. I’m wondering if you took the live trap into a small, well-enclosed room—such as a bathroom. This would be ideal so, if the rat got out of the trap, it wouldn’t have anywhere to run to. You would just want to make sure any holes underneath your bathroom cabinets are blocked off. Also, if the crack under the door is large enough to squeeze through, block off this area as well. A rolled up bath towel wedged into the door crack can be very helpful.
If you’re not sure where the rat has been lately, you can place a layer of white or whole wheat flour on the floor across areas where the rat might be walking. That way you’ll see the tracks and be able to figure out where the rat is located. A good place to put the flour is in the easiest to travel intersections such as entrances to a room or a hallway.
Once you get him into a live trap, I’d open the trap so he could only go out into the cage you’d like to keep in him while finding someone to adopt him.
Usually food is a great motivator for getting a rat to go to a desired area. In a humane trap, you can place smeared peanut butter on the platform that triggers the trap to close. Make sure it’s smeared thinly because, if you give a rat a glob or chunk of peanut butter, they can easily choke on it. You want to use something like peanut butter or a nut-milk yogurt that’s accessible to the rat by licking (rather than a using a snack they can easily grab and run off with).
Those are the tips I can offer you without knowing full details about how you trapped the rat the first time as well as how the rat escaped.
Feel free to let me know additional details or to ask me for clarification on anything I’ve written here.
That’s wonderful you want to trap this rat and get it adopted by someone who will take good care of him.
Sending positive wishes for a successful capture followed by an excellent new home!
Jasmine | About Pet Rats
Heyhey,
I got 2 albino labrat baby girlies about 7 weeks ago, and bonding has been going pretty okay I think?? When I got them, they said they were socialized, but I’m sometimes afraid its more like desensitized, in the beginning they would let me touch them, but they would just sit very still in panic…
Now they do seem either calmer, or more confident in running away :P
They don’t necessarily like being picked up, but they do seem to enjoy spending time on my shoulders, bed and other ratsafe places.
They have started taking treats inside of the cage, and sometimes even walk on my body! But outside of the cage they usually seem wayyyy too busy to even think about food (sometimes they do try to eat non-food stuff..) also sometimes they realllllyyyyy want to escape.
So my questions are: is it normal that they aren’t very food motivated?
Are there other ways to praise them for being good girls?
And does the escaping urge mean they want to go back to their cage?
Also I have trouble telling them apart, them being albino twins and all, do you have any tips for that?
Also thanks for your blog! very useful information! :)
Hi There!
Your girls sound adorable! Your descriptions perfectly match the personality of baby girl rats. They have so much to do and can’t stop moving most of the time. I’ve had some baby girl rats that I’ve actually needed to take a break from every once in a while because they got so frenetic.
Here are answers to your questions:
Q – Is it normal that they aren’t very food motivated?:
A – They are probably not very food motivated when outside their cage, because there’s too much fun stuff to do out there!. They don’t want to be even bothered with eating when they can run around and check things out.
Q – Are there other ways to praise them for being good girls?
A – Do you mean besides food? As far as praising goes, rats respond super well to verbal praise. It’s nice to have them used to hearing your voice anyways. So, saying “good girl” in a happy-sounding voice is helpful. They’ll learn that it’s something you say when they’re doing something you like. And they really do love hearing (and knowing) when they’ve done something you like.
Q – Does the escaping urge mean they want to go back to their cage?
A – Wait, what are they escaping from? You? Usually when I think of “escaping”, I think of rats trying to get out of their cage. But you’re saying this happens when they’re already outside their cage.
I’m wondering if you might be referring to your rats being on you shoulders and wanting to get down. That often means they have to go to the bathroom. For more info on this, have you seen my posts on litter box training?
Q – I have trouble telling them apart, them being albino twins and all, do you have any tips for that?
A – The first thing I’d recommend is taking a photograph of them side by side. Then examine the photograph closely. Sometimes it’s easier to spot the differences when you’re looking at a still photograph of your rats. It can be distracting when they’re both moving around. I’d encourage you to examine their photograph super closely to see if you can find something unique between them: Their feet, tail length & width, ear sizes and locations, shape of their eyes, body shape, etc.
You sound like you’re doing a great job with your rats!
Let me know if you have any other questions or if you need any clarification.
Finally, thank you for letting me know you’re finding my website to be helpful. Hearing that makes me very happy! :)
Best Wishes to You & Your Rats,
Jasmine | About Pet Rats
Hi! I’m very very interested in getting two rats. I’ve been doing a lot of research over the past couple weeks on cages and toys and behaviors, etc. I have 4 cats. They’re very affectionate and docile. I feel they would be alert and concerned at the large rodents in the house at first but would eventually grow to play with them and actually love them. Given the time. I’m worried that moving 2 rats in would greatly stress them out seeing 4 cats constantly lurking about. My cats would not attack or eat them. I also have a 4 year old and my house is old and has a lot of places for a rat to hide. I’m not sure what to do. I have the perfect place for a good sized cage in a nice area by a small window. The rats will be able to see me and be around me when I’m cooking or in the living room or doing art. And it’s a very quiet home. I just don’t want them to be stressed about the cats and I don’t want to have rats hiding and stuck in my baseboards or furniture. I don’t really have a rat safe room.
Hi Madisyn,
It’s definitely possible to have cats AND rats as pets in your home.
The #1 thing to keep in mind is: Never EVER trust your cats with your rats. They have instincts to kill (or at least “play”) with small rodents. It’s out of their control. You can absolutely not trust them.
That said, you can still manage to have them out together under your supervision. You just need to have your hands on them and/or nearby, immediately ready to intervene whenever necessary. Never, EVER leave your rats and cats alone without your supervision.
I’ve had 2 cats and 2 rats living in the same home for around 25 years. You just need to be careful and follow all the guidelines here in my post, If I have cats can I have rats?
Let me know if you have any additional questions, need any clarification and/or if you’d like to provide an update.
Best Wishes to You & Your Rats,
Jasmine | About Pet Rats
Hi! So I’m going to make this as simple as possible (for me… >U<). I rescued a rat 6 weeks ago from a pet store (I know, not ideal, but whatever). She was super sweet and would sit on my shoulder. I started bonding with her but then, 5 weeks ago, she had a liter of 7: 2 boys, and 5 girls. Now, the boys are at a different home, two of the five girls….. were ummmm…. yeaaaaa….. AnYwAyS, I now have 4 female rats <3. But my question is this: the mom is still nipping at me (broke the skin once) and does NOT want to be held or be away from her cage EVER. I was wondering if it's normal for moms to still be protective even after they have weaned the babies? If not, what do I do? I it because she only had a few days with me before she had babies so she is more protective because she does not know me very well?
Hi Alise,
You and the rat you rescued have gone through a lot!
As far as maternal aggression goes, it’s different for each individual rat. My hunch is that the rat you rescued will warm up to you in time. She’s been going through a lot of adjustments—-a new home, giving birth, hormones, etc. I think that being patient and giving her the space she needs for now will help you gradually bond with one another.
It’s not uncommon for young females to not like to be held at all, even if they haven’t recently given birth. Girl rats can be very independent and act like they’re too busy to pay attention to humans. I do think that, in time, she will warm up to you. It could take several weeks or even a couple of months.
I would utilize some of the suggestions in my above post: Especially just being in the same room with her while she’s in her cage and talking to her softly will be helpful. You might find some of the ideas in Shy Rats Transformed: from shy to social butterfly useful as well.
I also found this excellent article on pet rat maternal behavior that I think will give you more insight into your your rat and why she’s acting the way she does.
It sounds like you’re on the right track. You’re observing and responding to her behavior and working on what will make her feel most comfortable. I think the main thing is that it really will take some time for her to feel like she can trust both you and her surroundings.
Let me know if you have any other questions or if you need any clarification on what I’ve written here.
Sending positive wishes for you and your rats!
Jasmine | About Pet Rats
I’m getting rats on Wednesday, but my parents have not bought anything for them yet, not even food and such. I’m worried if things will be ok. they keep telling me not to worry, but its hard not too. will my rats hate me forever if their first few days aren’t the best?
Hi Autumn,
I suggest giving your parents a list. You absolutely must have at the very least a good quality cage along with the “furnishings” to make it more comfortable and safe, water bottles and food. There are many other considerations to plan ahead for, too. One of the biggest is what veterinarian will you use?
One of my posts, Getting Your First Pet Rats: Parental Persuasion In Three Not-So-Easy Steps, will give you more details on all of the things you need do, buy and/or think about before getting your new rats.
You will feel a LOT better after getting all the supplies as well as your plans in place before welcoming your new furry friends into your home.
Let me know if you have any additional questions anytime.
Jasmine | About Pet Rats
I got a rat a day a go and she seems like a climber. I’m a first time rat owner and am extremely worried that she will hurt herself while climbing. It’s hard for me to rat-proof rooms since I don’t have my own house, so I don’t know what to do! I worry she’ll fall from a high place while climbing and get irgan damage! Anyone have any helpful ideas!?
Hi Amy,
CongRATulations on your new family member!
That’s great you’re planning ahead after noticing you have a climber. Even if you’re renting, you can still rat proof a room where you’re living. You’ll find some helpful information on how to do it in Making A Room Safe for Your Pet Rats.
I also want to make sure you are aware it’s a good idea to have at least TWO pet rats.
Let me know if you have any other questions any time.
Best Wishes to You & Your Rat,
Jasmine | About Pet Rats
Hi! My daughter got 2 young rats 1 day ago. 1 rat is very shy and the other is inquisitive. The adventurous rat, Summer, will take food from my daughter’s hand but isn’t interested yet in being touched or coming any further out of the cage. Rogue, the shy rat, won’t take food yet and runs and hides when the cage doors open. How do you get them onto your shoulder or in the bonding pouch if they won’t come onto your arm? Picking them up? While they play with each other, they don’t sleep together. Is that okay?? Thank you!!
Hi Dee,
It is perfectly normal for rats to be shy and not want to be touched after you first bring them home. It can take from several weeks to a month for them to fully adapt to you and your daughter and to their new surroundings.
One of the main ways in which to get them to eventually want to come out of their cage, to be petted and to take food out of your hand includes making sure the cage is in a quiet, peaceful location—-yet also in a location where your daughter spends lots of time. Talking to her rats and being around their cage as often as possible will be extremely helpful for developing bonds with one another.
I’m going to guess that your daughter’s rats are both females. (Please correct me if I’m wrong….) If they are both females, they will take even longer to become familiar with you. Girls are always “busy” and have “their own things to do”. Especially when they’re young, females tend to be much more independent and active than males.
From what you’ve described, here’s what I would do:
For Rogue, open the cage door and talk softly with her. Don’t worry if she doesn’t want to come out, just establish a rapport with her by talking with her in the beginning.
While doing so, Summer may come over and want to take food out of your daughter’s hand.
Your daughter can gradually hold the food closer and closer to the cage door so Summer has to come increasingly closer to the door to get the food.
Eventually, your daughter will be able coax Summer to crawl up her arm by holding out a treat and not giving it to her until she comes a little farther up her arm each time. Take it slow. Practice this several times a day. Allow her to come farther up your arm a little at a time. Once she’s all the way up to your daughter’s shoulder she can walk away from the cage with her rat on her shoulder.
Meanwhile, Rogue will be observing Summer’s progress and will become more and more curious. Just keep talking with her and allow her to take her time. She will definitely come around as long as you spend lots of time on a daily basis with her. It will just take her a little longer.
You can also try some of the ideas in Shy Rats Transformed: From Shy to Social Butterfly.
Regarding sleeping together, it’s highly likely they will eventually start sleeping curled up together. Some rats prefer to sleep on their own, though. It’s a great sign that they’re playing together. Have you been observing them grooming one another, too?
The main thing to keep in mind is it’s important for your daughter to spend as much time as possible with her rats. Ideally, having 2 sessions daily with them will really help. (Once in the morning and once later in the day.) Just by spending time with them, they’ll begin to warm up and get acclimated with your daughter as well as their new surroundings. It takes a lot of patience and daily interaction. Before you know it, though, they’ll all be best buddies.
I hope my responses are helpful. Let me know if you need any clarification as well as feel free to email additional questions and/or updates.
How exciting for your daughter to have these 2 new friends, Summer and Rogue, in her life.
Jasmine | About Pet Rats
I just rescued a rat from being fed to a snake. Named him master splinter cause that’s what the hubby wanted. But this is helpful im going to try this as I finally got a rat. I always wanted one.
Hi Alianna,
I’m glad you were able to rescue a rat that would’ve been fed to a snake. It’s so wonderful you were able to save his life.
I’m also glad you’re finding my website helpful. As you read through it you’ll see that it’s a good idea to have at least two rats. They keep each other company, groom one another, sleep and play together.
Let me know if you have any questions any time.
Best Wishes to You & Your New Family Member,
Jasmine | About Pet Rats
I just rescued a rat from a breeder/hoarder. Poor Teddy is quite traumatized right now and afraid of everything. She was competing for food with at least 30 other rats in the cage so she is always looking for her next meal – she gets Green Mush, vegetables, and eggs in addition to her rat chow. We have started free range time in the bathroom and she is doing okay. Unfortunately, she did bite me when I tried to pat her and my son as well. I am hoping with time she will get it we this and learn from Christmas her cage mate that people are safe. At this time I do not pick her up and try to just observe and let her come to me. Suggestions for changing her behavior are welcome!
Hi Sue,
That’s wonderful that you rescued Teddy. It sounds like you’re doing a great job of being sensitive to her background as well as to her current needs. Since she’s food motivated you can use that to your advantage: Coax her out of her cage and onto your arm using a small piece of food to lure her. Allow her to take the food and run back inside her cage to eat the treat if that’s what she wants to do. Gradually hold the food farther away so she has to climb out farther up your arm in order to get the food. Eventually, you can give her the food when she climbs all the way up to your shoulder. Then, start walking calmly around your home with her on your shoulder away from her cage.
This whole process may take several days before she comes all the way up to your shoulder. It’s important to work with her twice daily if possible. (Morning and night) At the very minimum, work with her once daily. Consistency and repetition will help her learn that you’re “safe”.
It’s not surprising that she bit you and your son when you tried to pet her. She’s probably not used to being handled by humans since she came from a hoarding situation. Besides trying the ideas in the above post, you could also check out Pet Rat Bites: Why they do it and how to stop them.
It sounds like you’re feeding her a great diet and it’s wonderful that she has a friend. If Christmas is used to you and your son, being around Christmas will help Teddy learn that humans are “safe” and that you can actually be “fun”.
Let me know if you have any other questions or need any clarification. Feel free to write with an update—it would be great to hear about your progress with Teddy.
Best Wishes to You & Your Rats,
Jasmine | About Pet Rats
My mum used to work at an animal sanctuary many years ago, they had a wild baby rat come in and were going to kill it because it was a rat and therefore vermin, my mum said no you save pigeons (also known as vermin) and brought it home, it’s eyes were still sealed shut. The rat lived with us and honestly became the most amazing pet, I was so in love with her, she lived in a cage in my bedroom and used to come when she was called, she used to hide down my top mostly, she learned to jump little distances and she was just so smart. She used to come up from my top when I was eating and get little bits of food. One day as I was getting ready for college she was on my shoulder as usual whilst I was in the bathroom, but this day she jumped onto the sink and when I panicked to get her back she shot down the back of the sink pedestal under the floorboards, I was heartbroken, stayed off college all day crying and calling for her by the floor boards and a sink in my bedroom, nighttime came round and I laid in bed so upset still calling her, I must have fallen asleep but the next thing I know she’s in bed with me. I turned on my lamp and couldn’t believe it, she had found her way I think from under the floorboards in the bathroom to my bedroom and out from behind my sink. I was so happy and never made the mistake of taking her in the bathroom with me again but how unbelievably smart for her to find her way back to me. Sadly she died a year or 2 later from a tumour but she was the most amazing pet ever, I’d say she was as smart and as affectionate as a dog.
Hi Charley,
Thank you for sharing your experiences with the wild rat you lived with for several years. I loved reading your thoughts and feelings about having a rat as a pet. So many people just don’t understand what amazing pets rats can be.
That’s so wonderful your rat found her way back to you while you were sleeping in your bed! Your mother sounds pretty great too!
I used to work in a wildlife center and was given a litter of wild baby rats to raise. I released them into a protected watershed area once they were old enough to be on their own. It sounds like the rat you raised became closely bonded to you. Such a beautiful relationship you had with her.
Thanks again for sharing your amazing story. Reading it really brightened up my day!
Take Care,
Jasmine
Hi!!
We adopted 2 sister roof rats that are 4mths old. They had been socialized and handled by the owner and we’re quite calm and stayed on her when she took them out. When we brought them home we took them out to socialize and bond with them in the bathroom (per the owner’s recommendation) but they were very skittish, ran all around the bathroom and wouldn’t come near us. As a result we couldn’t catch them to put back in the cage. When we did they yelped and bit us. I read that we should let them sit on our shoulder and I read other ppl’s comments that they play with them on their bed. We seem to have gone in reverse though. How do we get to the point of being able to have them on our shoulders etc without them running away forever since that’s what I fear. Thanks in advance!
Hi Robin,
I emailed you separately with my apology for not being able to respond more quickly. I’ve been swamped with taking care of 2 sick rats while working full-time. Just now catching up.
As I mentioned in my email, most wild rats do not become tame even if they’ve been raised since a very young age by humans. There are always exceptions. However, most wild animals remain wild and are best not to be kept as captive animals.
If you still need help, don’t hesitate to contact me again. I will respond much more quickly next time. Meanwhile, I hope you’ve been able to find workable solutions for the roof rats you adopted.
Take Care,
Jasmine | About Pet Rats
I’ve had my rats for 5 days now, three boys named Tiago, Hoshi, and Duke. They’ve been in the bathtub, I’ve heard it’s a good neutral zone, with my 2 sisters earlier this week. This is my first time with them, and they immediately went under my knee and started to sleep! Is this a bad or good sign?
Hi Ava,
I would say that going immediately to sleep under your knee is a good sign. It means they feel very comfortable with you.
You mentioned they were with your 2 sisters. Are these rat sisters? Or are they your human sisters? If they are rat sisters and you’re introducing your rats to one another, I am personally not a huge fan of doing so in a bathtub. I prefer to give my rats more room in which to get away from one another if they choose to do so. If you are in the midst of introductions, have you read How to Ace Pet Rat Introductions?
I want to apologize for taking so long in which to answer your question. My 2 rats have been very sick and have required treatments and medications several times a day. I also work full-time. Then, we had an ice storm during which our power (and internet) were out for 8 days! Normally I’m able to respond much more quickly but this has been an especially difficult time. I really appreciate your patience and understanding.
Feel free to provide an update and/or to ask any additional questions in the future. I promise to respond much more quickly next time!
Best Wishes to You & Your Rats,
Jasmine | About Pet Rats
Hey, sorry I couldn’t get back to you this time lol. I forgot to bookmark this page, and have been trying to remember the name lol. Finally found it!
But no, they were not rat sisters lol. I’m a triplet, so we took turns sitting in the tub with the three boys. We all got one, and named them so it would be fair lol. Now we got a larger pen, and I set up some hideouts, dig boxes, and tunnels in there. I let them roam around the pen a couple times a week for maybe an hour, and longer when I clean the cage and put them in it.
Hoshi has become such an adventurous boy, and Duke is the biggest. Tiago is still very shy, and doesn’t like loud noises. They wrestle often, and they all squeeze into one space pod even if they are all in each other’s faces. Sometimes when I have sleeves, they will all crowd into one sleeve and squeak when they step on each other.
Another thing is that Duke, the big one, doesn’t like getting picked up that much. When I pick him up from the armpits, he’ll spread his back feet and I don’t know what that means. He won’t try to hold on to any of the bars or anything, he just won’t stop spreading his feet. Do you know anything about it, or how to correct it?
I’ve also been training them to do tricks. The very first one was spin, and then paw, and Hoshi is the only one as of now that I taught to jump on my hand. When I started to teach them how to spin, I taught Hoshi first since he was the more extroverted. He got it after a free times, and the more I did it, the less hand movements were required to spin. Now I just hold it up to his nose, put my hand to my chest, and he will get the hint after a couple of second. If it’s something he really likes, like chicken, he will kinda forget, and charge at me, climbing up my arm lol.
What surprised me the most, though, is that when I tried it with the other two boys, they got it surprisingly quick. Maybe because they saw me doing it with Hoshi. They are really smart lol. Though, they need some guidance to spin, and won’t do it if I let them sniff and put my hand to my chest. I laughed one time because I noticed that Duke spins the slowest, and that was very funny to me.
Thank you for replying, and I hope that your rats that were sick have recovered. And if they didn’t, I’m sorry and utterly devastated that they passed. They 100% had the best life, with the best rat mom they could ever have.
Hi Ava,
I am so impressed by everything you’re doing with your rats. The tricks they’re learning sound fantastic. I love reading about how they each do the tricks a little differently and how they learn at different speeds. For example, it’s so sweet that you noticed Duke spins the slowest. Also cool is how you think Tiago and Duke learned quicker because they saw you doing the trick with Hoshi. You’re doing such a fantastic job of observing your rats and noticing all the subtleties of their behavior, too.
From what you wrote, I’m wondering if Duke spreads his feet because he wants to “stabilize” himself. I personally don’t like picking up rats by their armpits. I prefer to support them underneath their bodies and cup their entire body in my hands when picking them up. I think they feel a lot more supported and protected when you hold them from underneath their bodies rather than picking up just part of their body and letting the rest of them hang there. I hope I’m making sense with how I’m describing this. I’m also wondering if I understand your question correctly. If not, feel free to write about it further to clarify.
They sound like they’re all getting along wonderfully well. I loved hearing they crowd into a space pod together or in one of your sleeves.
The pen that you set up for them to play in sounds fantastic. I can’t say enough how impressed I am by how well you’re taking care of your rats.
Thank you also for your caring thoughts about my rats.
Best Wishes to You, Your 2 Sisters & Your 3 Rats,
Jasmine | About Pet Rats
Hi there! I recently got two girls called Soup & Sock, I got them around late November. I have a few questions I’d like to ask about bonding and age.
Age:
When I first got them from the Pet Shop, they were extremely skittish and looked like they hadn’t been hand-trained AT ALL. I was so excited that I completely forgot to ask how old they were!! So I did some research the past few weeks and all I’ve been able to get from people is “The darker their teeth, the older they are.” And “The longer their fur, the older they are.” And etc etc…
They are both from the same litter, and yet, Soup has much darker teeth than Sock, she is also the biggest out of the two and comes across as the dominant one.
Any ideas??
Bonding:
I’m a first-time rat owner so I wasn’t entirely prepared as to how to bond with them. The person that guided me in the Shop told me to start trying to handle them 1-3 days after they get home with me. So I waited for 2 days, then tried to pick one up, Sock was EXTREMELY skittish and scared but Soup was quite laid back. So I continued getting them out on my bed for 10 mins to 1 hour and they’ve made a lot of progress…. but it seems like it’s not enough?? Like, they allow me to pick them up but are still quite timid, they don’t nip/bite me anymore (apart from my feet 😅), they sit in my hood and pockets from time to time. But is it alright?? It’s 06/01/2021 now and I just feel like they aren’t progressing fast enough? Please let me know if I’m wrong or right! Thankyou <3
Hi Morgan,
Thanks for asking your great questions and congRATulations on your new family members!
Regarding your question on age: When I’m trying to determine a rat’s age, I usually look at how their body has developed. Younger rats have larger heads compared to the size of their body. Their activity level is usually dramatically higher when they’re younger, too. I know it’s hard for you to compare, though, since these are your first rats.
The very best way to get an idea of their age would be to take them to a veterinarian who’s knowledgeable about and experienced with pet rats. I truly think it’s helpful to take all new rats in to see a vet within 1-2 weeks of bringing them home. For more about this, check out my post on When to See a Veterinarian. A good rat vet will be able to give you an idea of how old your rats are as well as give you great tips on caring for them. Also, you may think they’re perfectly fine, but a great vet will be able to detect problems much earlier than you would. It’s just a great way to start out your relationship with both your new rats and with your vet when you bring them in soon after having adopted them.
You’re also welcome to email me photos of Soup and Sock and I would be able to tell you roughly how old they are.
Regarding bonding, it sounds like you’re doing an excellent job. It definitely does take some time before your rats will really relax and be comfortable with you. Keep in mind that girl rats are much less interested in bonding with you than boy rats would be. Girls, in general, have “places to go and things to do”—-they always like to be keeping busy which doesn’t allow them time in which to want to be with you. This is definitely a generalization—there are always exceptions. Usually, though, girls won’t be as interested in bonding with you until they are at least a year old. Of course that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t be spending time with them now—which it sounds like you’re doing an excellent job of.
So, in terms of how long it’s taking your rats to bond with you, I think you’re doing very well. It’s fantastic that they allow you to pick them up. That’s wonderful you’ve been taking them out on your bed. Hopefully you’re also having them ride on your shoulders while you do things throughout your home. The most important thing, too, is it sounds like you’re spending a lot of time together. You’re really doing a great job of working with them and giving them different ways in which to get to know you.
Don’t hesitate to let me know if you have any additional questions or if you need any clarification.
Keep up the great work!
Best Wishes to You, Soup & Sock,
Jasmine | About Pet Rats
Hello, I have 3, 6 months old male rats. I had them for four months now. I never could get them out of the cage they are very scared if I move quickly. I try to handle them everyday but I hardly seem to make any progress. Is it too late for change now? I tried picking them up gently, it didn’t work.
I don’t know what to do anymore.
Hi Liam,
I want to apologize for taking so long in which to answer your question. My 2 rats have been very sick and have required treatments and medications several times a day. I also work full-time. Then, we had an ice storm during which our power (and internet) were out for 8 days! Normally I’m able to respond much more quickly but this has been an especially difficult time. I really appreciate your patience and understanding.
Have you made any progress since you posted your question here? One article that I think could really help you is Transform Your Rat: From Shy to Social Butterfly. In this article you’ll find information on how to coax your rats out of their cage. (….as well as how to take them out of their cage, if needed, without causing trauma)
I definitely think you can still make progress with your boys. That’s fantastic you’ve been handling them every day. If you’d like to provide additional information as well as an update on how they’re doing now, I’ll be happy to help. I should be able to respond a lot more quickly. Things it would be helpful to know more about include: Have you tried gently picking them up and then putting them right back down several times a day? (Or even start with just getting them used to your touching them gently?) Where is their cage located? Is it in an area of your home where you spend a lot of time? Do they respond well to a particular treat that you could use to coax them onto your arm (or towards the cage door)? Do you have other animals near their cage such as cats and/or dogs? Have you ever tried picking one up slowly, placing him onto your shoulder and walking around your home away from their cage?
Let me know if you’d like to share more information including an update. Again, my apologies for taking so long in which to respond.
Best Wishes to You & Your Rats,
Jasmine | About Pet Rats
I just recently got two new rats. They are super wiggly and tiny. My room isn’t very accustomed to smaller rats as my older rat is pretty big. I also can’t really pick them up because they run away and I don’t want to chase them because I’ve heard they’ll think of me as a predator. These rats are pretty young, and I haven’t introduced them to my older rat yet, I’m supposed to wait until about January 2, 2021. Can you please help me?
Hi Lily,
First of all, congRATulations on your new family members!
I’m not quite clear on what aspects of having your new baby rats with which you need help. Is it how to bond with your new babies? I’m going to guess that’s your question. If you have a different question, let me know and I’m happy to help.
You can still pick up your babies without them thinking of you as a predator. Ways in which you can do this include:
1. Offer your babies treats. At first just offer them with your fingers. Then make it so they have to go up your arm part way in order to get the treat. (For example, hold your left arm out and coax them halfway up it by holding the treat in your right hand to lead them up.) Each time have them come up higher and higher. Eventually you can coax them all the way up to your shoulder. Once that happens, take them outside their cage and walk around inside your home with them on your shoulder.
2. You can also pick them up while they’re inside a box that’s inside their cage. You can then take the box into a room that’s rat-proofed or onto the top of a bed or table. More information on how to do this can be found in Transforming Your Rat: from Shy to Social Butterfly.
Just in case you’re looking for introduction tips and you haven’t already seen it, here’s the link to my post How to Ace Pet Rat Introductions.
Hope some of these ideas are helpful for you. If I misunderstood and you’re asking different questions, don’t hesitate to let me know.
Best Wishes to You & Your Rats,
Jasmine | About Pet Rats
I got my 2 female rats about 5 days ago and they are scared of me. Occasionally, they will go and take a treat from me, but not usually. I have tried to pick them up to put them on my shoulder, but they squirm and try to grab onto stuff to avoid being picked up. I always just stop because I dont want to hurt them. Should I be trying to keep picking them up anyway? Please help, I need advice. Thanks
Hi Jane,
First of all, congratulations on your new family members!
What I would recommend is yes, definitely pick them up and take them out of their cage. It’s normal for them to be shy in the beginning. You’ll find that they’ll improve a little every day. In fact, by the time you’re reading this they may already be a little less shy.
A post I wrote that has some good tips you can try out is Transforming Your Rats: From Shy to Social Butterfly. The thing in this post that will help you the most is to take your girls out to an area in which they’re not yet familiar, and take them away from their cage. Once they’re outside of their cage and away from it, YOU become their “safety zone”. They’ll definitely learn to trust you more if you regularly take them out of their cage. (This technique is also mentioned in the above post on How to Bond with Your Pet Rats.)
Let me know if you have any other questions and/or if you need any clarification on the above.
Thanks for asking me your question – feel free to keep me posted on how your girls are doing.
Best Wishes to You & Your Rats,
Jasmine | About Pet Rats
I recently got two boy rats named Nimbus and Lyle around Christmas time. As soon as I got them, they weren’t super skittish and they’ve never been nippy. They are both super sweet and seem to love to be around me, but whenever I take them out of the cage they don’t want to come back to me or their cage. Do you have any recommendations for stronger bonding?
Hi Heather,
How are Nimbus and Lyle doing now? I’m sorry it’s taken me awhile to respond to your question. I’ve been taking care of 2 sick rats while working full-time. Then, my power and internet were out for 8 days during a winter ice storm. I’m just now catching up on responding to everyone. Normally I can write back much more quickly.
The first thought that comes up for something you can do to get your boys to come back to you is FOOD! Is there a yummy (and healthy) treat they really respond to? If so, you could reserve that treat for when you want them to come back to you and/or get back into their cage. An example of a yummy/healthy treat that could work well for this would be a single cooked bean such as a garbanzo bean or a piece of a banana. You could make it so they don’t receive the treat until they’re either on your shoulder or inside their cage, whichever thing you’re trying to get them to do.
Another idea: Are you able to have them ride on your shoulder while you walk around your home? You could just take them out for a ride and then bring them straight back to their cage without their ever getting off your shoulder. This would help acclimate them to being on you as well as returning to their cage.
I hope you find these ideas helpful. If you need any clarification or have any further questions, don’t hesitate to let me know. I should be able to respond much more promptly next time!
Best Wishes to You & Your Rats,
Jasmine | About Pet Rats
I think Peep #1 would like to have a pet rat riding on her shoulder like that. We cats are too big to do that, you see. Purrs, Seville.
I think cats are perfectly capable of riding on their Peeps’ shoulders. Maybe you’d benefit from some lessons? Or, watch on You Tube to get some pointers?
Thanks for your comment and hope you someday learn the awesome art of riding on human shoulders. :)
Jasmine | About Pet Rats