| Uh-oh! I bought a biter! - CLICK HERE for the Pet Manual Forum Home Page |
| Jade |
I was at the pet store today and spotted this old fellow by himself in a
cage. He's a real cutie, too -all black dumbo and is quite large. He was a
sweetie and my son and I held him with no problem. The two guys in the pet
store said that he was a gentleman. He sure was lovable. He was returned
to the pet store because he didn't get along with the family's other rats.
He was so sweet and hand trained so we brought the old fellow home. When my
son tried picking him up out of the carrier, he would squeak every time he
was shifted. I had my son set him down into a box while I prepared a cage.
When it was ready, my son reached in and he was bitten. Well, we ended up
cleverly getting him into the cage but each time we reach for him or hold
out fingers to the bars, we get nipped. He has gone from a big, cuddly
sweetie-pie to the rat from hell. I've always gotten my rats as babies, so
I'm stumped as to what to do with this guy. Please!! If anyone has any
suggestions or thoughts on this, please let me know. I don't want this guy
living his life in a cage.
Erika
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|
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| Kate |
The Poor Old thing is probably just very scared. He must be wondering where
he is going to end up next...:( How about leaving his door open and letting
him come to you? He has a lot of adjusting to do and I imagine it is harder
when you're old..( like humans)...
Best of luck
Regards Kate
"Jade" <jadedewittREMOVE@hotmail.com> wrote in message
news:bi1eq8$4c1s3$1@ID-164728.news.uni-berlin.de...
> I was at the pet store today and spotted this old fellow by himself in a
> cage. He's a real cutie, too -all black dumbo and is quite large. He was
a
> sweetie and my son and I held him with no problem. The two guys in the
pet
> store said that he was a gentleman. He sure was lovable. He was returned
> to the pet store because he didn't get along with the family's other rats.
> He was so sweet and hand trained so we brought the old fellow home. When
my
> son tried picking him up out of the carrier, he would squeak every time he
> was shifted. I had my son set him down into a box while I prepared a
cage.
> When it was ready, my son reached in and he was bitten. Well, we ended up
> cleverly getting him into the cage but each time we reach for him or hold
> out fingers to the bars, we get nipped. He has gone from a big, cuddly
> sweetie-pie to the rat from hell. I've always gotten my rats as babies,
so
> I'm stumped as to what to do with this guy. Please!! If anyone has any
> suggestions or thoughts on this, please let me know. I don't want this
guy
> living his life in a cage.
>
> Erika
>
>
|
|
|
| Jade |
Well, we just opened his cage and let him out. He is really weird. If we
touch his back, he gets high up on his 4 legs and hunches his back. He will
swing his head to try and get our hands. Gosh, he is so big and so
frightening. Very different than the friendly little chub we held at the
pet store. He seems to put up a defensive move on us when we touch him. He
is especially this way in his cage. I'm baffled. I left the store with an
angel and walked into my home with the devil. I'm going to call the pet
store and thank them for their "very sweet" rat. It looks like I have a lot
of work ahead of me. This fellow seems as close to wild as I could imagine.
I'm just dying to love him up!! I'll give it a couple of days and see if he
quits his defensive posturing. Wish me luck and again, if anyone has any
advice, I would greatly appreciate it! Also, if anyone has actually dealt
with this and has a success story, please share. I need some hope. :)
Erika
"Kate" <ollieogg@hotmail.com> wrote in message
news:HmZ0b.122453$JA5.2819821@news.xtra.co.nz...
> The Poor Old thing is probably just very scared. He must be wondering
where
> he is going to end up next...:( How about leaving his door open and
letting
> him come to you? He has a lot of adjusting to do and I imagine it is
harder
> when you're old..( like humans)...
>
> Best of luck
> Regards Kate
> "Jade" <jadedewittREMOVE@hotmail.com> wrote in message
> news:bi1eq8$4c1s3$1@ID-164728.news.uni-berlin.de...
> > I was at the pet store today and spotted this old fellow by himself in a
> > cage. He's a real cutie, too -all black dumbo and is quite large. He
was
> a
> > sweetie and my son and I held him with no problem. The two guys in the
> pet
> > store said that he was a gentleman. He sure was lovable. He was
returned
> > to the pet store because he didn't get along with the family's other
rats.
> > He was so sweet and hand trained so we brought the old fellow home.
When
> my
> > son tried picking him up out of the carrier, he would squeak every time
he
> > was shifted. I had my son set him down into a box while I prepared a
> cage.
> > When it was ready, my son reached in and he was bitten. Well, we ended
up
> > cleverly getting him into the cage but each time we reach for him or
hold
> > out fingers to the bars, we get nipped. He has gone from a big, cuddly
> > sweetie-pie to the rat from hell. I've always gotten my rats as babies,
> so
> > I'm stumped as to what to do with this guy. Please!! If anyone has any
> > suggestions or thoughts on this, please let me know. I don't want this
> guy
> > living his life in a cage.
> >
> > Erika
> >
> >
>
>
|
|
|
| Jade |
He also seems to fluff his hair out like a mad porcupine. Odd.
Erika
"Kate" <ollieogg@hotmail.com> wrote in message
news:HmZ0b.122453$JA5.2819821@news.xtra.co.nz...
> The Poor Old thing is probably just very scared. He must be wondering
where
> he is going to end up next...:( How about leaving his door open and
letting
> him come to you? He has a lot of adjusting to do and I imagine it is
harder
> when you're old..( like humans)...
>
> Best of luck
> Regards Kate
> "Jade" <jadedewittREMOVE@hotmail.com> wrote in message
> news:bi1eq8$4c1s3$1@ID-164728.news.uni-berlin.de...
> > I was at the pet store today and spotted this old fellow by himself in a
> > cage. He's a real cutie, too -all black dumbo and is quite large. He
was
> a
> > sweetie and my son and I held him with no problem. The two guys in the
> pet
> > store said that he was a gentleman. He sure was lovable. He was
returned
> > to the pet store because he didn't get along with the family's other
rats.
> > He was so sweet and hand trained so we brought the old fellow home.
When
> my
> > son tried picking him up out of the carrier, he would squeak every time
he
> > was shifted. I had my son set him down into a box while I prepared a
> cage.
> > When it was ready, my son reached in and he was bitten. Well, we ended
up
> > cleverly getting him into the cage but each time we reach for him or
hold
> > out fingers to the bars, we get nipped. He has gone from a big, cuddly
> > sweetie-pie to the rat from hell. I've always gotten my rats as babies,
> so
> > I'm stumped as to what to do with this guy. Please!! If anyone has any
> > suggestions or thoughts on this, please let me know. I don't want this
> guy
> > living his life in a cage.
> >
> > Erika
> >
> >
>
>
|
|
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| Susan Aplin |
Most rats can be turned around from their previous experiences i.e abuse,
mistreatment, nasty environment which may cause them to lash out and
mistrust you, to sweet loving rats.
We have rescued many rats that have turned from nippers to the kindest
sweetest rats ever. All they need is time and patience. Don't scold them
when they bite you (hard I know- I have been bitten through the lip once)
just keep going and eventually he will know that you are there to take care
of him and love him, and not hurt him in any way. As he tends to hate being
approached from above, always let him see the hand coming towards him. In
time he will know that these things coming towards him usually end up in a
kiss/cuddle or with a treat. Honestly -with time you will be okay.
Incidentally how hard are the bites? Are they warning nips where the teeth
do not meet in the middle or are they enough to cause severe bleeding? If a
rat really intends to hurt you, they will cause a bite that is deep and will
really bleed. Any skin grazes or warning nips are showing you that the rat
is unsure but willing to try to be friends!
"Jade" <jadedewittREMOVE@hotmail.com> wrote in message
news:bi1qpo$48rf8$1@ID-164728.news.uni-berlin.de...
> He also seems to fluff his hair out like a mad porcupine. Odd.
>
> Erika
>
> "Kate" <ollieogg@hotmail.com> wrote in message
> news:HmZ0b.122453$JA5.2819821@news.xtra.co.nz...
> > The Poor Old thing is probably just very scared. He must be wondering
> where
> > he is going to end up next...:( How about leaving his door open and
> letting
> > him come to you? He has a lot of adjusting to do and I imagine it is
> harder
> > when you're old..( like humans)...
> >
> > Best of luck
> > Regards Kate
> > "Jade" <jadedewittREMOVE@hotmail.com> wrote in message
> > news:bi1eq8$4c1s3$1@ID-164728.news.uni-berlin.de...
> > > I was at the pet store today and spotted this old fellow by himself in
a
> > > cage. He's a real cutie, too -all black dumbo and is quite large. He
> was
> > a
> > > sweetie and my son and I held him with no problem. The two guys in
the
> > pet
> > > store said that he was a gentleman. He sure was lovable. He was
> returned
> > > to the pet store because he didn't get along with the family's other
> rats.
> > > He was so sweet and hand trained so we brought the old fellow home.
> When
> > my
> > > son tried picking him up out of the carrier, he would squeak every
time
> he
> > > was shifted. I had my son set him down into a box while I prepared a
> > cage.
> > > When it was ready, my son reached in and he was bitten. Well, we
ended
> up
> > > cleverly getting him into the cage but each time we reach for him or
> hold
> > > out fingers to the bars, we get nipped. He has gone from a big,
cuddly
> > > sweetie-pie to the rat from hell. I've always gotten my rats as
babies,
> > so
> > > I'm stumped as to what to do with this guy. Please!! If anyone has
any
> > > suggestions or thoughts on this, please let me know. I don't want
this
> > guy
> > > living his life in a cage.
> > >
> > > Erika
> > >
> > >
> >
> >
>
>
|
|
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| Jade |
His nips are quite a bit harder than the ones my other rats give when they
mistake a fingertip for food. He did break the skin once, but no bleeding
or injury. Just a nick in my fingertip. I've spent most of the night
sitting with him and giving him an array of treats when he sniffs about the
bars. I've been talking to him and moving slowly around him. I tried
opening his cage and handing him a treat when he poked his nose up through
the door but he really wanted my finger so I just talked to him a little bit
and then closed it back up. I don't have it in me to scold him because I
really try to think of him and what he might be going through. A lot of
this is going to be on my own instincts about him and I can just hope that
he will come around. He was such a sweetie at the pet store, showing NO
signs of aggression toward my son or myself. The pet shop guy didn't want
to see him go. There is probably hope for him. It is just quite new to me.
Tonight he just didn't seem like he was ready since he was doing his
posturing (hunching up and hopping sideways like a ferret does). We had him
on the kitchen table and I was sitting in a chair. He seemed very curious
about me and tried to crawl onto me but I was scared to death and moved
away. Do you think I should allow him to crawl on me or could he be coming
to bite?
I really feel so much for this guy and want him to have all the love in the
world. I have a feeling that he was mishandled by someone, maybe even
children. He seems much more aggressive toward my 14 year-old son than
toward me. Who knows?
I certainly appreciate the advice on how to handle/re-train him. It really
puts me at ease and inspires me to work hard with him. Thanks.
Erika
"Susan Aplin" <saplin@btopenworld.com> wrote in message
news:bi1v92$iod$1@hercules.btinternet.com...
> Most rats can be turned around from their previous experiences i.e abuse,
> mistreatment, nasty environment which may cause them to lash out and
> mistrust you, to sweet loving rats.
> We have rescued many rats that have turned from nippers to the kindest
> sweetest rats ever. All they need is time and patience. Don't scold them
> when they bite you (hard I know- I have been bitten through the lip once)
> just keep going and eventually he will know that you are there to take
care
> of him and love him, and not hurt him in any way. As he tends to hate
being
> approached from above, always let him see the hand coming towards him. In
> time he will know that these things coming towards him usually end up in a
> kiss/cuddle or with a treat. Honestly -with time you will be okay.
> Incidentally how hard are the bites? Are they warning nips where the teeth
> do not meet in the middle or are they enough to cause severe bleeding? If
a
> rat really intends to hurt you, they will cause a bite that is deep and
will
> really bleed. Any skin grazes or warning nips are showing you that the rat
> is unsure but willing to try to be friends!
> "Jade" <jadedewittREMOVE@hotmail.com> wrote in message
> news:bi1qpo$48rf8$1@ID-164728.news.uni-berlin.de...
> > He also seems to fluff his hair out like a mad porcupine. Odd.
> >
> > Erika
> >
> > "Kate" <ollieogg@hotmail.com> wrote in message
> > news:HmZ0b.122453$JA5.2819821@news.xtra.co.nz...
> > > The Poor Old thing is probably just very scared. He must be wondering
> > where
> > > he is going to end up next...:( How about leaving his door open and
> > letting
> > > him come to you? He has a lot of adjusting to do and I imagine it is
> > harder
> > > when you're old..( like humans)...
> > >
> > > Best of luck
> > > Regards Kate
> > > "Jade" <jadedewittREMOVE@hotmail.com> wrote in message
> > > news:bi1eq8$4c1s3$1@ID-164728.news.uni-berlin.de...
> > > > I was at the pet store today and spotted this old fellow by himself
in
> a
> > > > cage. He's a real cutie, too -all black dumbo and is quite large.
He
> > was
> > > a
> > > > sweetie and my son and I held him with no problem. The two guys in
> the
> > > pet
> > > > store said that he was a gentleman. He sure was lovable. He was
> > returned
> > > > to the pet store because he didn't get along with the family's other
> > rats.
> > > > He was so sweet and hand trained so we brought the old fellow home.
> > When
> > > my
> > > > son tried picking him up out of the carrier, he would squeak every
> time
> > he
> > > > was shifted. I had my son set him down into a box while I prepared
a
> > > cage.
> > > > When it was ready, my son reached in and he was bitten. Well, we
> ended
> > up
> > > > cleverly getting him into the cage but each time we reach for him or
> > hold
> > > > out fingers to the bars, we get nipped. He has gone from a big,
> cuddly
> > > > sweetie-pie to the rat from hell. I've always gotten my rats as
> babies,
> > > so
> > > > I'm stumped as to what to do with this guy. Please!! If anyone has
> any
> > > > suggestions or thoughts on this, please let me know. I don't want
> this
> > > guy
> > > > living his life in a cage.
> > > >
> > > > Erika
> > > >
> > > >
> > >
> > >
> >
> >
>
>
|
|
|
| Tracey |
"Jade" <jadedewittREMOVE@hotmail.com> wrote in message
news:bi1eq8$4c1s3$1@ID-164728.news.uni-berlin.de...
> I was at the pet store today and spotted this old fellow by himself in a
> cage. He's a real cutie, too -all black dumbo and is quite large. He was
a
> sweetie and my son and I held him with no problem. The two guys in the
pet
> store said that he was a gentleman. He sure was lovable. He was returned
> to the pet store because he didn't get along with the family's other rats.
> He was so sweet and hand trained so we brought the old fellow home. When
my
> son tried picking him up out of the carrier, he would squeak every time he
> was shifted. I had my son set him down into a box while I prepared a
cage.
> When it was ready, my son reached in and he was bitten. Well, we ended up
> cleverly getting him into the cage but each time we reach for him or hold
> out fingers to the bars, we get nipped. He has gone from a big, cuddly
> sweetie-pie to the rat from hell. I've always gotten my rats as babies,
so
> I'm stumped as to what to do with this guy. Please!! If anyone has any
> suggestions or thoughts on this, please let me know. I don't want this
guy
> living his life in a cage.
>
> Erika
>
Hi Erika!
I have been through exactly the same thing as this. This is almost a carbon
copy of when I first brought my male Louie home! I rescued him from the
local animal shelter when he was about a year old. He seemed the sweetest
little thing when I held him at the shelter, even though he was, as would be
only natural for a rat that had been mistreated and dumped by his last
family, a little unsure and frightened. Things were okay for the first few
days and the introduction to his cagemate went brilliantly. He was only
ever loving and gentle to his cagemate but didn't trust humans at all. I
spend lots of time with him, gently coaxing him and giving him treats,
thinking that once he had settled in and got used to the fact that all
humans weren't cruel, he would be okay. But then he started nipping and
then the nipping turned to bites, real bites, until in the end he did the
mother of all bites and I ended up having to have stitches and a tetanus
shot! He displayed all the same signs as your rat too - hated his back
touching and when we did he would arch his back, rear up and shake, fluffing
his hair out - he really did look like a thing possessed! We had to pick
him up with welding gloves as he was being so aggressive all the time. Of
course when you have these problems you can't let them out of their cage as
much, because it's such a nightmare catching them to put them back in, and
as you say, it's not fair on a rat being stuck in his cage all the time.
There was only thing for it, I thought I would go to the vet and discuss
castration. I knew this might not work, but it was worth a shot. Thus
that's what happened, he was castrated and we have never looked back since!
Louie is now the sweetest little rat, he has never once attempted to bite,
hasn't done since he came back from the vet after his op and that was about
ten months ago. He is still really timid and jumps at the slightest sound,
but he wouldn't dream of biting anymore.
My advice to you would be if your rat is only nipping, he's probably doing
this because he's frightened and needs to go through an adjustment period -
settling into his new home and learning to trust you. Spend as much time as
possible with him, gently coaxing him and giving him little treats. If,
however, he is biting you properly (and believe me, you will know a proper
bite!) or the nipping seems to be getting worse as the weeks go by, think
about castration. I know it has worked for a lot of 'biters' and my Louie
is living proof!
Good luck! Keep us updated.
Tracey
|
|
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| elegy |
On Wed, 20 Aug 2003 20:38:01 -0700, "Jade"
<jadedewittREMOVE@hotmail.com> wrote:
>I was at the pet store today and spotted this old fellow by himself in a
>cage. He's a real cutie, too -all black dumbo and is quite large. He was a
>sweetie and my son and I held him with no problem. The two guys in the pet
>store said that he was a gentleman. He sure was lovable. He was returned
>to the pet store because he didn't get along with the family's other rats.
>He was so sweet and hand trained so we brought the old fellow home. When my
>son tried picking him up out of the carrier, he would squeak every time he
>was shifted. I had my son set him down into a box while I prepared a cage.
>When it was ready, my son reached in and he was bitten. Well, we ended up
>cleverly getting him into the cage but each time we reach for him or hold
>out fingers to the bars, we get nipped. He has gone from a big, cuddly
>sweetie-pie to the rat from hell. I've always gotten my rats as babies, so
>I'm stumped as to what to do with this guy. Please!! If anyone has any
>suggestions or thoughts on this, please let me know. I don't want this guy
>living his life in a cage.
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
|
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| Kate |
My old Gizmo hates being handled...yet at the same time he will stand on his
hind legs wanting to come out.... He also hunches up when he knows he is
going to be picked up.... Very frustrating and sad..:( But I love him
regardless of his personality..LOL
"Jade" <jadedewittREMOVE@hotmail.com> wrote in message
news:bi1osu$481qq$1@ID-164728.news.uni-berlin.de...
> Well, we just opened his cage and let him out. He is really weird. If we
> touch his back, he gets high up on his 4 legs and hunches his back. He
will
> swing his head to try and get our hands. Gosh, he is so big and so
> frightening. Very different than the friendly little chub we held at the
> pet store. He seems to put up a defensive move on us when we touch him.
He
> is especially this way in his cage. I'm baffled. I left the store with
an
> angel and walked into my home with the devil. I'm going to call the pet
> store and thank them for their "very sweet" rat. It looks like I have a
lot
> of work ahead of me. This fellow seems as close to wild as I could
imagine.
> I'm just dying to love him up!! I'll give it a couple of days and see if
he
> quits his defensive posturing. Wish me luck and again, if anyone has any
> advice, I would greatly appreciate it! Also, if anyone has actually dealt
> with this and has a success story, please share. I need some hope. :)
>
> Erika
>
> "Kate" <ollieogg@hotmail.com> wrote in message
> news:HmZ0b.122453$JA5.2819821@news.xtra.co.nz...
> > The Poor Old thing is probably just very scared. He must be wondering
> where
> > he is going to end up next...:( How about leaving his door open and
> letting
> > him come to you? He has a lot of adjusting to do and I imagine it is
> harder
> > when you're old..( like humans)...
> >
> > Best of luck
> > Regards Kate
> > "Jade" <jadedewittREMOVE@hotmail.com> wrote in message
> > news:bi1eq8$4c1s3$1@ID-164728.news.uni-berlin.de...
> > > I was at the pet store today and spotted this old fellow by himself in
a
> > > cage. He's a real cutie, too -all black dumbo and is quite large. He
> was
> > a
> > > sweetie and my son and I held him with no problem. The two guys in
the
> > pet
> > > store said that he was a gentleman. He sure was lovable. He was
> returned
> > > to the pet store because he didn't get along with the family's other
> rats.
> > > He was so sweet and hand trained so we brought the old fellow home.
> When
> > my
> > > son tried picking him up out of the carrier, he would squeak every
time
> he
> > > was shifted. I had my son set him down into a box while I prepared a
> > cage.
> > > When it was ready, my son reached in and he was bitten. Well, we
ended
> up
> > > cleverly getting him into the cage but each time we reach for him or
> hold
> > > out fingers to the bars, we get nipped. He has gone from a big,
cuddly
> > > sweetie-pie to the rat from hell. I've always gotten my rats as
babies,
> > so
> > > I'm stumped as to what to do with this guy. Please!! If anyone has
any
> > > suggestions or thoughts on this, please let me know. I don't want
this
> > guy
> > > living his life in a cage.
> > >
> > > Erika
> > >
> > >
> >
> >
>
>
|
|
|
| Kate |
IT is sounding more and more like he is scared..:(
"Jade" <jadedewittREMOVE@hotmail.com> wrote in message
news:bi1qpo$48rf8$1@ID-164728.news.uni-berlin.de...
> He also seems to fluff his hair out like a mad porcupine. Odd.
>
> Erika
>
> "Kate" <ollieogg@hotmail.com> wrote in message
> news:HmZ0b.122453$JA5.2819821@news.xtra.co.nz...
> > The Poor Old thing is probably just very scared. He must be wondering
> where
> > he is going to end up next...:( How about leaving his door open and
> letting
> > him come to you? He has a lot of adjusting to do and I imagine it is
> harder
> > when you're old..( like humans)...
> >
> > Best of luck
> > Regards Kate
> > "Jade" <jadedewittREMOVE@hotmail.com> wrote in message
> > news:bi1eq8$4c1s3$1@ID-164728.news.uni-berlin.de...
> > > I was at the pet store today and spotted this old fellow by himself in
a
> > > cage. He's a real cutie, too -all black dumbo and is quite large. He
> was
> > a
> > > sweetie and my son and I held him with no problem. The two guys in
the
> > pet
> > > store said that he was a gentleman. He sure was lovable. He was
> returned
> > > to the pet store because he didn't get along with the family's other
> rats.
> > > He was so sweet and hand trained so we brought the old fellow home.
> When
> > my
> > > son tried picking him up out of the carrier, he would squeak every
time
> he
> > > was shifted. I had my son set him down into a box while I prepared a
> > cage.
> > > When it was ready, my son reached in and he was bitten. Well, we
ended
> up
> > > cleverly getting him into the cage but each time we reach for him or
> hold
> > > out fingers to the bars, we get nipped. He has gone from a big,
cuddly
> > > sweetie-pie to the rat from hell. I've always gotten my rats as
babies,
> > so
> > > I'm stumped as to what to do with this guy. Please!! If anyone has
any
> > > suggestions or thoughts on this, please let me know. I don't want
this
> > guy
> > > living his life in a cage.
> > >
> > > Erika
> > >
> > >
> >
> >
>
>
|
|
|
| Kate |
I would let him do his own thing... I don't think he wants to climb on you
to bite you..:)
Best of luck
Regards Kate.
"Jade" <jadedewittREMOVE@hotmail.com> wrote in message
news:bi23m2$4ck0i$1@ID-164728.news.uni-berlin.de...
> His nips are quite a bit harder than the ones my other rats give when they
> mistake a fingertip for food. He did break the skin once, but no bleeding
> or injury. Just a nick in my fingertip. I've spent most of the night
> sitting with him and giving him an array of treats when he sniffs about
the
> bars. I've been talking to him and moving slowly around him. I tried
> opening his cage and handing him a treat when he poked his nose up through
> the door but he really wanted my finger so I just talked to him a little
bit
> and then closed it back up. I don't have it in me to scold him because I
> really try to think of him and what he might be going through. A lot of
> this is going to be on my own instincts about him and I can just hope that
> he will come around. He was such a sweetie at the pet store, showing NO
> signs of aggression toward my son or myself. The pet shop guy didn't want
> to see him go. There is probably hope for him. It is just quite new to
me.
>
> Tonight he just didn't seem like he was ready since he was doing his
> posturing (hunching up and hopping sideways like a ferret does). We had
him
> on the kitchen table and I was sitting in a chair. He seemed very curious
> about me and tried to crawl onto me but I was scared to death and moved
> away. Do you think I should allow him to crawl on me or could he be
coming
> to bite?
>
> I really feel so much for this guy and want him to have all the love in
the
> world. I have a feeling that he was mishandled by someone, maybe even
> children. He seems much more aggressive toward my 14 year-old son than
> toward me. Who knows?
>
> I certainly appreciate the advice on how to handle/re-train him. It
really
> puts me at ease and inspires me to work hard with him. Thanks.
>
> Erika
>
>
> "Susan Aplin" <saplin@btopenworld.com> wrote in message
> news:bi1v92$iod$1@hercules.btinternet.com...
> > Most rats can be turned around from their previous experiences i.e
abuse,
> > mistreatment, nasty environment which may cause them to lash out and
> > mistrust you, to sweet loving rats.
> > We have rescued many rats that have turned from nippers to the kindest
> > sweetest rats ever. All they need is time and patience. Don't scold them
> > when they bite you (hard I know- I have been bitten through the lip
once)
> > just keep going and eventually he will know that you are there to take
> care
> > of him and love him, and not hurt him in any way. As he tends to hate
> being
> > approached from above, always let him see the hand coming towards him.
In
> > time he will know that these things coming towards him usually end up in
a
> > kiss/cuddle or with a treat. Honestly -with time you will be okay.
> > Incidentally how hard are the bites? Are they warning nips where the
teeth
> > do not meet in the middle or are they enough to cause severe bleeding?
If
> a
> > rat really intends to hurt you, they will cause a bite that is deep and
> will
> > really bleed. Any skin grazes or warning nips are showing you that the
rat
> > is unsure but willing to try to be friends!
> > "Jade" <jadedewittREMOVE@hotmail.com> wrote in message
> > news:bi1qpo$48rf8$1@ID-164728.news.uni-berlin.de...
> > > He also seems to fluff his hair out like a mad porcupine. Odd.
> > >
> > > Erika
> > >
> > > "Kate" <ollieogg@hotmail.com> wrote in message
> > > news:HmZ0b.122453$JA5.2819821@news.xtra.co.nz...
> > > > The Poor Old thing is probably just very scared. He must be
wondering
> > > where
> > > > he is going to end up next...:( How about leaving his door open and
> > > letting
> > > > him come to you? He has a lot of adjusting to do and I imagine it
is
> > > harder
> > > > when you're old..( like humans)...
> > > >
> > > > Best of luck
> > > > Regards Kate
> > > > "Jade" <jadedewittREMOVE@hotmail.com> wrote in message
> > > > news:bi1eq8$4c1s3$1@ID-164728.news.uni-berlin.de...
> > > > > I was at the pet store today and spotted this old fellow by
himself
> in
> > a
> > > > > cage. He's a real cutie, too -all black dumbo and is quite large.
> He
> > > was
> > > > a
> > > > > sweetie and my son and I held him with no problem. The two guys
in
> > the
> > > > pet
> > > > > store said that he was a gentleman. He sure was lovable. He was
> > > returned
> > > > > to the pet store because he didn't get along with the family's
other
> > > rats.
> > > > > He was so sweet and hand trained so we brought the old fellow
home.
> > > When
> > > > my
> > > > > son tried picking him up out of the carrier, he would squeak every
> > time
> > > he
> > > > > was shifted. I had my son set him down into a box while I
prepared
> a
> > > > cage.
> > > > > When it was ready, my son reached in and he was bitten. Well, we
> > ended
> > > up
> > > > > cleverly getting him into the cage but each time we reach for him
or
> > > hold
> > > > > out fingers to the bars, we get nipped. He has gone from a big,
> > cuddly
> > > > > sweetie-pie to the rat from hell. I've always gotten my rats as
> > babies,
> > > > so
> > > > > I'm stumped as to what to do with this guy. Please!! If anyone
has
> > any
> > > > > suggestions or thoughts on this, please let me know. I don't
want
> > this
> > > > guy
> > > > > living his life in a cage.
> > > > >
> > > > > Erika
> > > > >
> > > > >
> > > >
> > > >
> > >
> > >
> >
> >
>
>
|
|
|
| J&S Bouchard |
"Jade" <jadedewittREMOVE@hotmail.com> wrote in message
news:bi1eq8$4c1s3$1@ID-164728.news.uni-berlin.de...
> I was at the pet store today and spotted this old fellow by himself in a
> cage. He's a real cutie, too -all black dumbo and is quite large. He was
a
> sweetie and my son and I held him with no problem. The two guys in the
pet
> store said that he was a gentleman. He sure was lovable. He was returned
> to the pet store because he didn't get along with the family's other rats.
> He was so sweet and hand trained so we brought the old fellow home. When
my
> son tried picking him up out of the carrier, he would squeak every time he
> was shifted. I had my son set him down into a box while I prepared a
cage.
> When it was ready, my son reached in and he was bitten. Well, we ended up
> cleverly getting him into the cage but each time we reach for him or hold
> out fingers to the bars, we get nipped. He has gone from a big, cuddly
> sweetie-pie to the rat from hell. I've always gotten my rats as babies,
so
> I'm stumped as to what to do with this guy. Please!! If anyone has any
> suggestions or thoughts on this, please let me know. I don't want this
guy
> living his life in a cage.
>
> Erika
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!
--
Joanne
Mom to 15 rats
http://community.webshots.com/user/joanneb70
j-s.b@nospamsympatico.ca
remove "no spam"
|
|
|
| Jen |
I had a similar problem to Tracey with one of my rats in the past - I bought
him as a baby to put in with 2 older rats but as he got bigger he got
aggressive - he did exactly the same as you described, painful nips but no
serious bites, and fluffing up. I had had to remove him from the main cage
and couldn't even spend time with him myself. Eventually we sent him for the
big op and he turned into the sweetest little ratty.
But like everyone else says your rat just sounds very scared - the
aggression will probably disappear when he is settled, especially since he
was ok in a familiar environment at the pet store.
Good luck
Jen
"Tracey" <talton@members.v21.co.uk> wrote in message
news:3f44c288@news.greennet.net...
>
> "Jade" <jadedewittREMOVE@hotmail.com> wrote in message
> news:bi1eq8$4c1s3$1@ID-164728.news.uni-berlin.de...
> > I was at the pet store today and spotted this old fellow by himself in a
> > cage. He's a real cutie, too -all black dumbo and is quite large. He
was
> a
> > sweetie and my son and I held him with no problem. The two guys in the
> pet
> > store said that he was a gentleman. He sure was lovable. He was
returned
> > to the pet store because he didn't get along with the family's other
rats.
> > He was so sweet and hand trained so we brought the old fellow home.
When
> my
> > son tried picking him up out of the carrier, he would squeak every time
he
> > was shifted. I had my son set him down into a box while I prepared a
> cage.
> > When it was ready, my son reached in and he was bitten. Well, we ended
up
> > cleverly getting him into the cage but each time we reach for him or
hold
> > out fingers to the bars, we get nipped. He has gone from a big, cuddly
> > sweetie-pie to the rat from hell. I've always gotten my rats as babies,
> so
> > I'm stumped as to what to do with this guy. Please!! If anyone has any
> > suggestions or thoughts on this, please let me know. I don't want this
> guy
> > living his life in a cage.
> >
> > Erika
> >
>
> Hi Erika!
>
> I have been through exactly the same thing as this. This is almost a
carbon
> copy of when I first brought my male Louie home! I rescued him from the
> local animal shelter when he was about a year old. He seemed the sweetest
> little thing when I held him at the shelter, even though he was, as would
be
> only natural for a rat that had been mistreated and dumped by his last
> family, a little unsure and frightened. Things were okay for the first
few
> days and the introduction to his cagemate went brilliantly. He was only
> ever loving and gentle to his cagemate but didn't trust humans at all. I
> spend lots of time with him, gently coaxing him and giving him treats,
> thinking that once he had settled in and got used to the fact that all
> humans weren't cruel, he would be okay. But then he started nipping and
> then the nipping turned to bites, real bites, until in the end he did the
> mother of all bites and I ended up having to have stitches and a tetanus
> shot! He displayed all the same signs as your rat too - hated his back
> touching and when we did he would arch his back, rear up and shake,
fluffing
> his hair out - he really did look like a thing possessed! We had to pick
> him up with welding gloves as he was being so aggressive all the time. Of
> course when you have these problems you can't let them out of their cage
as
> much, because it's such a nightmare catching them to put them back in, and
> as you say, it's not fair on a rat being stuck in his cage all the time.
> There was only thing for it, I thought I would go to the vet and discuss
> castration. I knew this might not work, but it was worth a shot. Thus
> that's what happened, he was castrated and we have never looked back
since!
> Louie is now the sweetest little rat, he has never once attempted to bite,
> hasn't done since he came back from the vet after his op and that was
about
> ten months ago. He is still really timid and jumps at the slightest
sound,
> but he wouldn't dream of biting anymore.
>
> My advice to you would be if your rat is only nipping, he's probably doing
> this because he's frightened and needs to go through an adjustment
period -
> settling into his new home and learning to trust you. Spend as much time
as
> possible with him, gently coaxing him and giving him little treats. If,
> however, he is biting you properly (and believe me, you will know a proper
> bite!) or the nipping seems to be getting worse as the weeks go by, think
> about castration. I know it has worked for a lot of 'biters' and my Louie
> is living proof!
>
> Good luck! Keep us updated.
>
> Tracey
>
>
|
|
|
| Jade |
How much does neutering typically cost for a rat? Does anyone know?
Erika
"Jen" <jennie.elliott@btinternet.com> wrote in message
news:bi6f4c$ach$1@news8.svr.pol.co.uk...
> I had a similar problem to Tracey with one of my rats in the past - I
bought
> him as a baby to put in with 2 older rats but as he got bigger he got
> aggressive - he did exactly the same as you described, painful nips but no
> serious bites, and fluffing up. I had had to remove him from the main cage
> and couldn't even spend time with him myself. Eventually we sent him for
the
> big op and he turned into the sweetest little ratty.
>
> But like everyone else says your rat just sounds very scared - the
> aggression will probably disappear when he is settled, especially since he
> was ok in a familiar environment at the pet store.
>
> Good luck
>
> Jen
> "Tracey" <talton@members.v21.co.uk> wrote in message
> news:3f44c288@news.greennet.net...
> >
> > "Jade" <jadedewittREMOVE@hotmail.com> wrote in message
> > news:bi1eq8$4c1s3$1@ID-164728.news.uni-berlin.de...
> > > I was at the pet store today and spotted this old fellow by himself in
a
> > > cage. He's a real cutie, too -all black dumbo and is quite large. He
> was
> > a
> > > sweetie and my son and I held him with no problem. The two guys in
the
> > pet
> > > store said that he was a gentleman. He sure was lovable. He was
> returned
> > > to the pet store because he didn't get along with the family's other
> rats.
> > > He was so sweet and hand trained so we brought the old fellow home.
> When
> > my
> > > son tried picking him up out of the carrier, he would squeak every
time
> he
> > > was shifted. I had my son set him down into a box while I prepared a
> > cage.
> > > When it was ready, my son reached in and he was bitten. Well, we
ended
> up
> > > cleverly getting him into the cage but each time we reach for him or
> hold
> > > out fingers to the bars, we get nipped. He has gone from a big,
cuddly
> > > sweetie-pie to the rat from hell. I've always gotten my rats as
babies,
> > so
> > > I'm stumped as to what to do with this guy. Please!! If anyone has
any
> > > suggestions or thoughts on this, please let me know. I don't want
this
> > guy
> > > living his life in a cage.
> > >
> > > Erika
> > >
> >
> > Hi Erika!
> >
> > I have been through exactly the same thing as this. This is almost a
> carbon
> > copy of when I first brought my male Louie home! I rescued him from the
> > local animal shelter when he was about a year old. He seemed the
sweetest
> > little thing when I held him at the shelter, even though he was, as
would
> be
> > only natural for a rat that had been mistreated and dumped by his last
> > family, a little unsure and frightened. Things were okay for the first
> few
> > days and the introduction to his cagemate went brilliantly. He was only
> > ever loving and gentle to his cagemate but didn't trust humans at all.
I
> > spend lots of time with him, gently coaxing him and giving him treats,
> > thinking that once he had settled in and got used to the fact that all
> > humans weren't cruel, he would be okay. But then he started nipping and
> > then the nipping turned to bites, real bites, until in the end he did
the
> > mother of all bites and I ended up having to have stitches and a tetanus
> > shot! He displayed all the same signs as your rat too - hated his back
> > touching and when we did he would arch his back, rear up and shake,
> fluffing
> > his hair out - he really did look like a thing possessed! We had to
pick
> > him up with welding gloves as he was being so aggressive all the time.
Of
> > course when you have these problems you can't let them out of their cage
> as
> > much, because it's such a nightmare catching them to put them back in,
and
> > as you say, it's not fair on a rat being stuck in his cage all the time.
> > There was only thing for it, I thought I would go to the vet and discuss
> > castration. I knew this might not work, but it was worth a shot. Thus
> > that's what happened, he was castrated and we have never looked back
> since!
> > Louie is now the sweetest little rat, he has never once attempted to
bite,
> > hasn't done since he came back from the vet after his op and that was
> about
> > ten months ago. He is still really timid and jumps at the slightest
> sound,
> > but he wouldn't dream of biting anymore.
> >
> > My advice to you would be if your rat is only nipping, he's probably
doing
> > this because he's frightened and needs to go through an adjustment
> period -
> > settling into his new home and learning to trust you. Spend as much
time
> as
> > possible with him, gently coaxing him and giving him little treats. If,
> > however, he is biting you properly (and believe me, you will know a
proper
> > bite!) or the nipping seems to be getting worse as the weeks go by,
think
> > about castration. I know it has worked for a lot of 'biters' and my
Louie
> > is living proof!
> >
> > Good luck! Keep us updated.
> >
> > Tracey
> >
> >
>
>
|
|
|
| Kate |
$55.00 here in New Zealand..
"Jade" <jadedewittREMOVE@hotmail.com> wrote in message
news:bi733d$5shvt$1@ID-164728.news.uni-berlin.de...
> How much does neutering typically cost for a rat? Does anyone know?
>
> Erika
>
> "Jen" <jennie.elliott@btinternet.com> wrote in message
> news:bi6f4c$ach$1@news8.svr.pol.co.uk...
> > I had a similar problem to Tracey with one of my rats in the past - I
> bought
> > him as a baby to put in with 2 older rats but as he got bigger he got
> > aggressive - he did exactly the same as you described, painful nips but
no
> > serious bites, and fluffing up. I had had to remove him from the main
cage
> > and couldn't even spend time with him myself. Eventually we sent him for
> the
> > big op and he turned into the sweetest little ratty.
> >
> > But like everyone else says your rat just sounds very scared - the
> > aggression will probably disappear when he is settled, especially since
he
> > was ok in a familiar environment at the pet store.
> >
> > Good luck
> >
> > Jen
> > "Tracey" <talton@members.v21.co.uk> wrote in message
> > news:3f44c288@news.greennet.net...
> > >
> > > "Jade" <jadedewittREMOVE@hotmail.com> wrote in message
> > > news:bi1eq8$4c1s3$1@ID-164728.news.uni-berlin.de...
> > > > I was at the pet store today and spotted this old fellow by himself
in
> a
> > > > cage. He's a real cutie, too -all black dumbo and is quite large.
He
> > was
> > > a
> > > > sweetie and my son and I held him with no problem. The two guys in
> the
> > > pet
> > > > store said that he was a gentleman. He sure was lovable. He was
> > returned
> > > > to the pet store because he didn't get along with the family's other
> > rats.
> > > > He was so sweet and hand trained so we brought the old fellow home.
> > When
> > > my
> > > > son tried picking him up out of the carrier, he would squeak every
> time
> > he
> > > > was shifted. I had my son set him down into a box while I prepared
a
> > > cage.
> > > > When it was ready, my son reached in and he was bitten. Well, we
> ended
> > up
> > > > cleverly getting him into the cage but each time we reach for him or
> > hold
> > > > out fingers to the bars, we get nipped. He has gone from a big,
> cuddly
> > > > sweetie-pie to the rat from hell. I've always gotten my rats as
> babies,
> > > so
> > > > I'm stumped as to what to do with this guy. Please!! If anyone has
> any
> > > > suggestions or thoughts on this, please let me know. I don't want
> this
> > > guy
> > > > living his life in a cage.
> > > >
> > > > Erika
> > > >
> > >
> > > Hi Erika!
> > >
> > > I have been through exactly the same thing as this. This is almost a
> > carbon
> > > copy of when I first brought my male Louie home! I rescued him from
the
> > > local animal shelter when he was about a year old. He seemed the
> sweetest
> > > little thing when I held him at the shelter, even though he was, as
> would
> > be
> > > only natural for a rat that had been mistreated and dumped by his last
> > > family, a little unsure and frightened. Things were okay for the
first
> > few
> > > days and the introduction to his cagemate went brilliantly. He was
only
> > > ever loving and gentle to his cagemate but didn't trust humans at all.
> I
> > > spend lots of time with him, gently coaxing him and giving him treats,
> > > thinking that once he had settled in and got used to the fact that all
> > > humans weren't cruel, he would be okay. But then he started nipping
and
> > > then the nipping turned to bites, real bites, until in the end he did
> the
> > > mother of all bites and I ended up having to have stitches and a
tetanus
> > > shot! He displayed all the same signs as your rat too - hated his
back
> > > touching and when we did he would arch his back, rear up and shake,
> > fluffing
> > > his hair out - he really did look like a thing possessed! We had to
> pick
> > > him up with welding gloves as he was being so aggressive all the time.
> Of
> > > course when you have these problems you can't let them out of their
cage
> > as
> > > much, because it's such a nightmare catching them to put them back in,
> and
> > > as you say, it's not fair on a rat being stuck in his cage all the
time.
> > > There was only thing for it, I thought I would go to the vet and
discuss
> > > castration. I knew this might not work, but it was worth a shot.
Thus
> > > that's what happened, he was castrated and we have never looked back
> > since!
> > > Louie is now the sweetest little rat, he has never once attempted to
> bite,
> > > hasn't done since he came back from the vet after his op and that was
> > about
> > > ten months ago. He is still really timid and jumps at the slightest
> > sound,
> > > but he wouldn't dream of biting anymore.
> > >
> > > My advice to you would be if your rat is only nipping, he's probably
> doing
> > > this because he's frightened and needs to go through an adjustment
> > period -
> > > settling into his new home and learning to trust you. Spend as much
> time
> > as
> > > possible with him, gently coaxing him and giving him little treats.
If,
> > > however, he is biting you properly (and believe me, you will know a
> proper
> > > bite!) or the nipping seems to be getting worse as the weeks go by,
> think
> > > about castration. I know it has worked for a lot of 'biters' and my
> Louie
> > > is living proof!
> > >
> > > Good luck! Keep us updated.
> > >
> > > Tracey
> > >
> > >
> >
> >
>
>
|
|
|
| J&S Bouchard |
"Jade" <jadedewittREMOVE@hotmail.com> wrote in message
news:bi733d$5shvt$1@ID-164728.news.uni-berlin.de...
> How much does neutering typically cost for a rat? Does anyone know?
>
> Erika
>
It really differs from place to place and even from vet to vet... in Canada,
my neck of the woods: $130.
--
Joanne
Mom to 15 rats
http://community.webshots.com/user/joanneb70
j-s.b@nospamsympatico.ca
remove "no spam"
|
|
|
| Derek Simon |
Jade wrote:
> How much does neutering typically cost for a rat? Does anyone know?
The family jewels. A substantial cost for a rat, or anyone else for that matter.
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| Kate |
LMAO... I guess now isn't a good time to mention Hubby got his op for $0.00
....A Medical centre in town was doing them for free for a while...
Wish the Vets could do likewise though..LOL
"Derek Simon" <dereksimonAlldoubt@sympatico.ca> wrote in message
news:3F483040.D8BD000D@sympatico.ca...
> Jade wrote:
>
> > How much does neutering typically cost for a rat? Does anyone know?
>
> The family jewels. A substantial cost for a rat, or anyone else for that
matter.
>
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| Tracey |
"Kate" <ollieogg@hotmail.com> wrote in message
news:fDZ1b.125460$JA5.2912297@news.xtra.co.nz...
> LMAO... I guess now isn't a good time to mention Hubby got his op for
$0.00
> ...A Medical centre in town was doing them for free for a while...
>
> Wish the Vets could do likewise though..LOL
> "Derek Simon" <dereksimonAlldoubt@sympatico.ca> wrote in message
> news:3F483040.D8BD000D@sympatico.ca...
> > Jade wrote:
> >
> > > How much does neutering typically cost for a rat? Does anyone know?
> >
> > The family jewels. A substantial cost for a rat, or anyone else for that
> matter.
> >
>
He he!!!
Tracey
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| Tracey |
"Jade" <jadedewittREMOVE@hotmail.com> wrote in message
news:bi733d$5shvt$1@ID-164728.news.uni-berlin.de...
> How much does neutering typically cost for a rat? Does anyone know?
>
> Erika
It cost me £34.44 inc. VAT. It was the best money I ever spent!
Tracey
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| Jen |
I'm sure it only cost about £30 when I had my little Charlie done. It was a
few years ago though so knowing my luck it'll be twice as much when I take
Bailey in :(
Jen
"Jade" <jadedewittREMOVE@hotmail.com> wrote in message
news:bi733d$5shvt$1@ID-164728.news.uni-berlin.de...
> How much does neutering typically cost for a rat? Does anyone know?
>
> Erika
>
> "Jen" <jennie.elliott@btinternet.com> wrote in message
> news:bi6f4c$ach$1@news8.svr.pol.co.uk...
> > I had a similar problem to Tracey with one of my rats in the past - I
> bought
> > him as a baby to put in with 2 older rats but as he got bigger he got
> > aggressive - he did exactly the same as you described, painful nips but
no
> > serious bites, and fluffing up. I had had to remove him from the main
cage
> > and couldn't even spend time with him myself. Eventually we sent him for
> the
> > big op and he turned into the sweetest little ratty.
> >
> > But like everyone else says your rat just sounds very scared - the
> > aggression will probably disappear when he is settled, especially since
he
> > was ok in a familiar environment at the pet store.
> >
> > Good luck
> >
> > Jen
> > "Tracey" <talton@members.v21.co.uk> wrote in message
> > news:3f44c288@news.greennet.net...
> > >
> > > "Jade" <jadedewittREMOVE@hotmail.com> wrote in message
> > > news:bi1eq8$4c1s3$1@ID-164728.news.uni-berlin.de...
> > > > I was at the pet store today and spotted this old fellow by himself
in
> a
> > > > cage. He's a real cutie, too -all black dumbo and is quite large.
He
> > was
> > > a
> > > > sweetie and my son and I held him with no problem. The two guys in
> the
> > > pet
> > > > store said that he was a gentleman. He sure was lovable. He was
> > returned
> > > > to the pet store because he didn't get along with the family's other
> > rats.
> > > > He was so sweet and hand trained so we brought the old fellow home.
> > When
> > > my
> > > > son tried picking him up out of the carrier, he would squeak every
> time
> > he
> > > > was shifted. I had my son set him down into a box while I prepared
a
> > > cage.
> > > > When it was ready, my son reached in and he was bitten. Well, we
> ended
> > up
> > > > cleverly getting him into the cage but each time we reach for him or
> > hold
> > > > out fingers to the bars, we get nipped. He has gone from a big,
> cuddly
> > > > sweetie-pie to the rat from hell. I've always gotten my rats as
> babies,
> > > so
> > > > I'm stumped as to what to do with this guy. Please!! If anyone has
> any
> > > > suggestions or thoughts on this, please let me know. I don't want
> this
> > > guy
> > > > living his life in a cage.
> > > >
> > > > Erika
> > > >
> > >
> > > Hi Erika!
> > >
> > > I have been through exactly the same thing as this. This is almost a
> > carbon
> > > copy of when I first brought my male Louie home! I rescued him from
the
> > > local animal shelter when he was about a year old. He seemed the
> sweetest
> > > little thing when I held him at the shelter, even though he was, as
> would
> > be
> > > only natural for a rat that had been mistreated and dumped by his last
> > > family, a little unsure and frightened. Things were okay for the
first
> > few
> > > days and the introduction to his cagemate went brilliantly. He was
only
> > > ever loving and gentle to his cagemate but didn't trust humans at all.
> I
> > > spend lots of time with him, gently coaxing him and giving him treats,
> > > thinking that once he had settled in and got used to the fact that all
> > > humans weren't cruel, he would be okay. But then he started nipping
and
> > > then the nipping turned to bites, real bites, until in the end he did
> the
> > > mother of all bites and I ended up having to have stitches and a
tetanus
> > > shot! He displayed all the same signs as your rat too - hated his
back
> > > touching and when we did he would arch his back, rear up and shake,
> > fluffing
> > > his hair out - he really did look like a thing possessed! We had to
> pick
> > > him up with welding gloves as he was being so aggressive all the time.
> Of
> > > course when you have these problems you can't let them out of their
cage
> > as
> > > much, because it's such a nightmare catching them to put them back in,
> and
> > > as you say, it's not fair on a rat being stuck in his cage all the
time.
> > > There was only thing for it, I thought I would go to the vet and
discuss
> > > castration. I knew this might not work, but it was worth a shot.
Thus
> > > that's what happened, he was castrated and we have never looked back
> > since!
> > > Louie is now the sweetest little rat, he has never once attempted to
> bite,
> > > hasn't done since he came back from the vet after his op and that was
> > about
> > > ten months ago. He is still really timid and jumps at the slightest
> > sound,
> > > but he wouldn't dream of biting anymore.
> > >
> > > My advice to you would be if your rat is only nipping, he's probably
> doing
> > > this because he's frightened and needs to go through an adjustment
> > period -
> > > settling into his new home and learning to trust you. Spend as much
> time
> > as
> > > possible with him, gently coaxing him and giving him little treats.
If,
> > > however, he is biting you properly (and believe me, you will know a
> proper
> > > bite!) or the nipping seems to be getting worse as the weeks go by,
> think
> > > about castration. I know it has worked for a lot of 'biters' and my
> Louie
> > > is living proof!
> > >
> > > Good luck! Keep us updated.
> > >
> > > Tracey
> > >
> > >
> >
> >
>
>
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| Jade |
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
"Jade" wrote in message news:bi1eq8$4c1s3$1@ID-164728.news.uni-berlin.de...
> I was at the pet store today and spotted this old fellow by himself in a
> cage. He's a real cutie, too -all black dumbo and is quite large. He was
a
> sweetie and my son and I held him with no problem. The two guys in the
pet
> store said that he was a gentleman. He sure was lovable. He was returned
> to the pet store because he didn't get along with the family's other rats.
> He was so sweet and hand trained so we brought the old fellow home. When
my
> son tried picking him up out of the carrier, he would squeak every time he
> was shifted. I had my son set him down into a box while I prepared a
cage.
> When it was ready, my son reached in and he was bitten. Well, we ended up
> cleverly getting him into the cage but each time we reach for him or hold
> out fingers to the bars, we get nipped. He has gone from a big, cuddly
> sweetie-pie to the rat from hell. I've always gotten my rats as babies,
so
> I'm stumped as to what to do with this guy. Please!! If anyone has any
> suggestions or thoughts on this, please let me know. I don't want this
guy
> living his life in a cage.
>
> Erika
>
>
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