Second round of new babies

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SAR - 26 Apr 2006 21:22 GMT

Hi all,

First time posting here. We just lost the second rat of our first set of
rats. :-( After a few weeks I realized just how much I missed having my
rats, so we got two new babies a couple days ago. They are still very
scared, though one seems to be coming around. The other is very skiddish.
Wondering how long it takes them to adapt (I've forgotten how long it took
my other girls) and what you guys do to help them learn they are safe. I've
been talking softly to them, offering treats and petting them lightly. Any
other tricks?

Thanks!

Shari

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Joanne - 27 Apr 2006 03:15 GMT

> Hi all,
>
[quoted text clipped - 10 lines]
>
> Shari

Welcome to the group!!
When socializing babies, I yank them out of the cage several times a
day. I put them down my shirt (sweatshirt over t-shirt) and leave them
in there for a couple of hours. This makes them bond to you and relate
your smell to dark and cozy and fun place to be. Do this for a week,
several times a day, an hour or so at a time, read a book or watch tv
and you'll see, in no time these babies will want to be with you all the
time.

Signature

Joanne
Owned by 17 rats.
Webshot pics of my pets: http://community.webshots.com/user/joanneb70

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SAR - 27 Apr 2006 18:11 GMT

Thanks, Joanne!

I was trying to be hands off while they got used to their new space. But,
this morning I took them out and held them in my shirt as you suggested and
it's a whole new world! They are running around, playing, climbing their
cage walls next to me to say hi! Such a change after just one hour! My
others were friendly but, while one liked to come out and he held, the other
would never leave her cage no matter how long I left the door open! I want
these new babies to be comfortable hanging out with me while I work.

I do have cats, so I have to make sure to close the door when I take the
babies out. My cats do develop friendships with the rats (they did last
time and are working on it again now), but I don't trust them to not cave to
instinct!

Thanks again!

Shari

>> Hi all,
>>
[quoted text clipped - 17 lines]
> day, an hour or so at a time, read a book or watch tv and you'll see, in
> no time these babies will want to be with you all the time.

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Joanne - 27 Apr 2006 20:48 GMT

> Thanks, Joanne!
>
[quoted text clipped - 14 lines]
>
> Shari

It's amazing how with just a little forced socialization how they come
around.
I've got three cats as well as my big brood of rats. But I do keep them
separate.

Signature

Joanne
Owned by 17 rats.
Webshot pics of my pets: http://community.webshots.com/user/joanneb70

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Jackie - 30 Apr 2006 20:59 GMT

Hi Shari,
I have just had my boys they are 8 weeks old and they all are still quite
squittish, I bought them home on Easter Sunday.
My two Black Dumbos boys are very outgoing and the two Russian Dove Dumbos
are a bit shy. I think it is a matter of the silly talk and good old food.
I must admit they do associate me with food so I suppose that is a good
thing, but the Black boy Rupert just loves my hand, scratches and kisses
under the neck.
It is so hard to get them to come to you straight away and so frustating
because you desperately want to cuddle and kiss them but 'patience is a
virtue'.
All I can say is slowly but surely they will love you to pieces and you
wondered why you ever worried about them being skittish.
Let me know how you get on.

Signature

Jackie - Jorja and Texas <:_)~ and the boys

> Hi all,
>
[quoted text clipped - 10 lines]
>
> Shari

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Pet Forum / Mammals / Rats / April 2006

Second round of new babies