Pet Forum / Mammals / Rats / August 2003

do you have the smell of other rats on you at all? that could be
triggering a little bit of it. i have one boy who goes bonkers if my
hands smell like other rats- poofed up and hissing, the whole bit.

also, keep in mind that it's a whole new situation for this boy. give
him some time to adjust, and maybe when he's not feeling so threatened
by everything being new, he won't have to be so macho.

good luck with him.

---
"i met a lady once who had an imaginary fish" (delirium)
http://shattering.org

Hi Erika, I can imagine your disappointment and fear of the new guy. It is
always scary when you have a rattie showing major signs of stress and fear.
First of all, I recommend no treats through the bars and don't go into the
cage through the open doors. Let the new guy know that this is his safe home
and no one will enter it to remove him. Let him settle down and if you can,
open the cage door to let him venture out and come and get a treat near you,
not in the cage. Eventually, his strong sense of curiosity will lead him
out, especially with a strong smelling treat. If you could have the cage
door open up on the table so he can then have a surface to walk about and
have his treat and come and meet you, would be great. Eventually, he will
come to check you out. I doubt very much that he will run to you to bite
you, when out of his cage. If he does this... then he is an aggressive rat
and neutering may be the only help you can give him. Do you have a buddy for
him? Another rat that he can  cuddle with and feel more secure? My sister
had a rescued older girl that was terrified of humans. At first we tried to
put her in her own cage so that we could get her used to humans before the
other rats. But she just didn't like people. So I told my sister just stick
with the other girls maybe they can teach her a thing or two... well, Lucy
turned right around, she's like their mother in there and she absolutely
loves people now... she is very sweet and nurturing. She loves her mom: my
sister... and rushes to her when she sees her.
You will need lots of patience and really try to get over the fear of the
new guy.
When giving him new food, try and do it when he is not in the cage. I really
can't stress enough to not go into the cage when he is in there... He will
see you as a threat. Just remember, he is probably as scared as you are.
Good luck!

Well, the gloves were a dud.  I got these leather gloves and tested them by
trying to pierce my earring through them.  I couldn't puncture them no
matter how hard I tried.  I came home to Ratzilla and let him get a smell of
them and see how he'd feel about having his back stroked.  He DID NOT like
this one bit.  He got a hold of the tip of one of the fingers and cut it
methodically like a pair of scissors.  He cut the glove right open!  Dang
that guy has some sharp teeth.  I don't get it.  This rat is the devil or
something.  I guess I'll have to try another plan since I cannot afford
castration.  He's such a cutie, too.  :(

Erika