Proper Rat Handling Is Important
Congratulations
on your new rat! Bet you can't wait to get to know
all about your pet--and once he settles in, this
naturally curious and friendly fellow will want
to know all about you, too. You can start to earn
his trust and affection by getting him used to being
handled.
For Rats as Pets – AniMed Suggests…Treats!
A
good way to start the getting-to-know-each-other
process is to offer your pet treats. (You'll soon
find out how much rats love to eat!) We recommend
small bits of healthy nibbles, like chopped-up fresh
fruits and veggies, a few sunflower seeds or some
crust from a slice of whole-wheat bread. Try not
to get into the habit of giving your pet his treats
through the bars of his cage, or he may come to
learn that whatever comes to him this way--including
fingers--must be a yummy snack.
When
your pet is comfortable accepting treats from your
hand, you can pick him up, using one hand to support
his bottom and the other over his back. From there,
you can cradle him against your chest. That wasn't
so hard, right?! After multiple sessions, your rat
will begin to get used to being handled--and he
may even enjoy snuggling and demand to be petted.
If he climbs up your shoulder for a ride, you're
really lucky--and loved!
How Can I Train My Pet Rat?
Once
both you and your rat are comfortable with handling,
you can train him to get onto your hand voluntarily.
Your pet may climb onto your hand on his own--but
if he doesn't, you can easily show him how. Using
food as a lure, lead him onto your hand. He may
start out by just putting his feet on your hand
(he'll need some leverage to grab that treat, after
all!), but with patience and persistence on your
part, he'll gradually work up to sitting completely
on your hand. This way, he'll be able to let you
know when he wants to come out to play. Remember
that all rats need at least an hour of supervised
exercise out of the cage everyday, but these play
sessions should commence only when you've hand-tamed
your rat.
In
return for your rat's cooperation during handling,
you must ensure that he is never picked up by someone
who hasn't mastered the proper technique. A rat
should not be picked up by the tail, for example,
as this can cause the skin at the tip to break off.
|
