Preparing her nesting box before she arrives Using the type of food and bedding she’s used to before slowly introducing new products Allowing her to settle by not handling her. [3] X Trustworthy Source The Humane Society of the United States National organization devoted to the promotion of animal welfare Go to source
Avoid being discouraged if your rat is older. You can socialize her as soon as she joins your family and is comfortable in her new environment. Just be aware that it might take a little more time, effort, and patience on your part. [4] X Trustworthy Source The Humane Society of the United States National organization devoted to the promotion of animal welfare Go to source Remember that rats are intelligent and social. Proper handling and behavior from you can help ease the process.
Give her treats like a piece of cooked pasta or a bit of pizza crust. Open her cage and gently place your hand inside with the treat in your palm. Allow your rat to sniff your hand and take the treat. If there are multiple people in your household, make sure everyone gives your rat occasional treats so she learns to trust them. Continue giving your rat treats until she takes the treat without sniffing you. This is a good sign she’s ready for handling. Avoid feeding her treats through the cage bars, which may teach her to snap at your fingers. [7] X Research source
Allow your rat to come out of her cage on her own accord. Don’t invade her space by putting your hand in the cage. [9] X Research source Place one hand under the bottom of your rat and the other under over her back to provide her adequate support. Use a small towel to pick her up if she nibbles or bites because rats are less likely to bite a towel. [10] X Research source Avoid using gloves. [11] X Research source
Talk to your rat in a soft voice throughout the handling session. Consider positive reinforcement that you repeat consistently. For example, “what a beautiful girl you are Sophie, aren’t you nice. ”[14] X Research source Pet her gently while holding and talking to her. [15] X Research source Keep the area as quiet as possible. Avoid loud noises such as yelling and keep other pets like cats or dogs in another room. [16] X Research source Allow your rat to burrow to help her feel secure during the sessions. [17] X Research source Give her another treat before you put her back in the cage. This helps her trust you and associates handling with treats. [18] X Research source
Keep sessions to about a minute to start. [20] X Research source
Remember that rats need a lot of stimulation because they’re social. If your rat doesn’t have a companion, she’ll need about 4 hours of human interaction a day. Set up a secure play area outside of your rat’s cage. You can place some toys in the area and should make sure you’re present to enjoy her and keep her from chewing on anything. Be aware that out-of-cage play time is vital to the health of your rat. Go back to handling if your rat seems scared by the playtime outside of her cage. Continue to handle her for a bit and then try reintroducing her to playtime. [21] X Research source Give her a treat when playtime is done. [22] X Research source
Get a solid-bottom, powder-coated wire cage in the largest size you can afford. [23] X Trustworthy Source The Humane Society of the United States National organization devoted to the promotion of animal welfare Go to source A ferret cage or aquarium with screen top will also work. Put the cage away from strong heat sources like radiators or the sun or in any breezy or unheated areas. [24] X Trustworthy Source The Humane Society of the United States National organization devoted to the promotion of animal welfare Go to source Place it in an area that isn’t brightly lit, which can damage her eyesight. [25] X Trustworthy Source The Humane Society of the United States National organization devoted to the promotion of animal welfare Go to source Line the cage with bedding from aspen or pelleted recycled paper. Be aware that pine and cedar chips contain oils that can harm your rat. Put a small box or flower pot in the cage for your rat to sleep or rest. Add toys such as PVC piping, swings, ropes, and a chew toy.
Give your rat a small bowl of lab blocks every day. [27] X Trustworthy Source The Humane Society of the United States National organization devoted to the promotion of animal welfare Go to source Give her about one tablespoon of fruit and vegetable treats every day. For example, you can give her some greens and a broccoli floret, or a slice of apple or whole strawberry. [28] X Trustworthy Source The Humane Society of the United States National organization devoted to the promotion of animal welfare Go to source Give her a hard treat like a dog biscuit or branch from a fruit tree once a week to keep her teeth healthy. [29] X Trustworthy Source The Humane Society of the United States National organization devoted to the promotion of animal welfare Go to source Feed your rat at night because rats are nocturnal. [30] X Trustworthy Source The Humane Society of the United States National organization devoted to the promotion of animal welfare Go to source Place an attachable water bottle in the cage so she can drink continuously.
Get a pair of females if you’ve never had rats before. This can minimize the risk of rats breeding. Make sure the rats are neutered or spayed if you want a male and female rat. Be aware that two male rats may fight if introduced later in life. Introduce your rats in a neutral territory that is not their respective cages. [31] X Research source Rats associate by smell. Consider adding a little vanilla essence, which is non-toxic, to eat animal’s back so that they get used to each other. [32] X Research source Place a new nest box and place to hide for each rat. [33] X Research source
Take out any soiled material, dropping, and uneaten food every day. Clean and refill the water bottle every day. Replace dirty bedding and scrub down the cage with soapy water once a week.
