Ruthie_is_Rattified
Member
I can't pet his head! Everytime I try, he blocks me with his face & it makes me nervous. I've isolated him & brother to a smaller cage so we could practice petting but he does it habitually!
Respect his wishes …. if he does not want you to pet his head, do not do it
Please put him and his brother back …. there is absolutely no reason to practice petting or to isolate them
Rats are unique individuals with their own ideas, needs, and feelings
As mentioned above, do not put your hand over him and do not pet his lower back
Try working on your relationship with the two boys …... please see joinrats.com for ideas on socialization
It is ok if they never want to be petted, it is their choice
THANK YOU for all this good advice. I am fine with not petting him at all. I just felt like it was a requirement because i always see pics of people & their rats having such a close relationshipHow old is your rat, how long have you had him? As mentioned by others he may not want you to touch his head right now. Try a gentle scratch on the back of his neck/shoulder blades. It's a place a rat cannot reach on his own and is often itchy. Most rats love it. If he flinches or pulls away just respect his worries and stop until he's calmer then try again. It's all about watching his body language.
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