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Courtesy of Stella Hulott
As any rat lover will tell you, rats make wonderful pets – they are friendly, intelligent, funny and loyal. However, like all species, there will be occasions where you get a rat that bites. This may be because they have not had much handling since birth or just that they are very nervous. If the rat is an albino rat or has pink eyes, their eyesight is worse than their counterparts. In this instance and like any animal with bad eyesight, if they see a shape come out of nowhere at them (in this instance, your hand) they will bite first, thinking that you are a predator.
If, however, your normally loving and friendly pet rat suddenly starts to nip you (as opposed to the odd one-off that can happen when you inadvertently wake up a grumpy rat or when they mistake your fingers for food), then this means that they are probably not well. Get them to a vet straight away to be checked over.
At the rescue centre I run we get a lot of phone calls and emails from people saying the same thing: I’ve just got a rat and she bites. Now I'm frightened to handle her...what should I do?
If you have recently got a new rat and she bites, you are bound to feel disappointed and, if you are a new to having rats, even a little frightened. At the rescue, we have lots of rats that come to us as they are no longer wanted due to them being so-called "aggressive" etc. However, the good news is that in nine cases out of ten, with time and patience, they can be turned around into loving little ratties.
The first thing you need to do is to build up your rat's trust. Sit near to the cage (with the cage door open) and read a book, relax and let her come out of the cage in her own good time. Keep the room quiet, with no loud noises, other animals or distractions.
Your rat will be wary and may well go in and out of her cage several times before feeling brave enough to venture further – this is quite normal. Do not move the cage away or shut the cage door when your rat ventures out – this will make things worse as she will panic without having the security of her cage to run back to.
Once your rat is out and about, let her be in control. Speak gently to her but do not try and touch her (remember that loud noises and even a ‘tut’ can be ear piercing to a rat, so try go softly, softly.)
As an aside, if your rat hisses at you, then whatever you do, so not hiss back – this is a sign of aggression. Also, do not blow on your rat - again, this is seen by the rat as you being an aggressor and you want her to trust and eventually love you.
You may need to do this for a few days or even weeks until your rat feels confident enough to come out and start to investigate, probably including climbing over you.
Let her climb over and after a few sessions like this, gently brush your hand against her, but do not pick her up. If you don’t get bitten, then reward her with a treat (such a piece of sweetcorn). If you don’t manage to touch her before she runs off or if she nips you, then do not give her any food.
If she gets a bit nippy, say a firm "No" (do not tap her on the nose or anything, the tone of voice will be enough) and put her back into the cage.
She will learn that 'good' behaviour is rewarded, 'bad' behaviour means being put back in the cage.
(If you are worried about handling her, get a big, clean coffee jar...she will climb into it and you can lift her back to her cage. Use this method ONLY if she tries to bite you when you pick her up. IT should never be used as a substitute to one-to-one contact).
Also, do not show your rat any fear (even if you are scared of being bitten, which is quite understandable!) Rats, like most other animals, can pick up on the vibes and will react accordingly - if you are 'feeling fear', the rat will think there is something to fear and be on her guard, which usually means, bite first, ask questions later!
Once she has got used to being brushed against, try going one step further and gently pick her up, cupping your hands (you can always wear gardening gloves if you are still fearful) and scooping her towards your body. Cuddle her then put her down and reward her with a treat.
Start to pick her up regularly so that she gets used to you, but not all the time. For example, when he is out, brush your hand against three of four times, then pick her up – this way she gets used to the contact gradually.
You may see progress in as little as 2 weeks and up to 3 months (though we once had a rat who it took 6 months to be able to pick and cuddle – and it was worth the wait as he turned in to such a cuddly, lovely boy).
Please be patient, treat your rat like you would a scared child...she'll come round eventually and you can both enjoy a wonderful friendship.
© Reproduced with permission from www.cavyrescue.co.uk
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