HELP!!!

Long post, but I was hoping for some help.

I recently got a baby female rat from a pet store. (Yes aware female rats are known to be more skittish) When I was young I had pet rats (also female) and there is such a difference in their behaviours. I had four. Two pairs of sisters (not at the same time) My other rats may have had skittish moments, but for the most part were chilled out. My new rat (Ridley) is terrified of me and everything!!! I cannot stress this enough!!!!! I have tried all the onlinesuggestions, but nothing is working. She hardly eats, I have tried apples, bananas, strawberries, peaches, cheese, lettuce, rat food from the pet store and more. The pellets are all she eats, but not much. I don’t force her to eat and I leave treats out for her and I have tried giving her treats from my hand...nothing. If she had a tinder profile it would read...

Likes: Dark corners and escaping.

Dislikes: Everything else.

I let her out for hours on end, but usually she just tries to escape or hide somewhere dark.

She freaks out when I go anywhere near her and peeps, she would rather skydive off me into nothingness than have me hold/anywhere near her. So I try just let her be, and though I too love the fridge, the motor behind it isn’t the best place for a rat. But of course is her favourite (escape) hiding spot.

I will say, I have only had her over a week, so yes I know very early days and they say to persevere, which I will, but it seems like she is becoming more terrified and anti social by the day.

I keep trying new things like little boxes or material she can hide in, I bought building blocks so she could climb them like stairs, a little teddy she could cuddle up to, a warm sock she could sleep in, rolls from toiletpaper/paper towels, little balls, a Pom Pom, treats, talking to her, being gentle....she hates it all. HATES.IT.ALL!!! Again I can’t stress this enough.

Also she is very clever and escapes all the time (out of the designated rat play area that is) I’m afraid she will just actually escape in general. I’ve had to rat proof my unit. (She does have a cage she sleeps in at night)

I’m worried this is not the right environment for her. I’m quite sad about it all. If anyone has information to help, please let me know. I am at a loss, thinking maybe I’m not the right person to have her, that I can’t give her what she needs, or she would be happier if she were re-homed.

Please some sort of information or ideas would be so appreciated.

Is she a single rat? That could be a huge part of the problem. Some rats are naturally confident and outgoing. Others are more nervous and need another more confident rat to lead the way. These timid rats when alone become overwhelmed and terrified. You're best bet is to get another baby girl who is friendly and confident THEN you can start to work with your frightened lass.

I agree with lilspaz. Get her a friend and start with trust training.

Yup, she will benefit immensely from a friend. And get them both a big cage. If you can swing it, a CDN, or a single version, which is much easier to clean. But first thing? A friend is what she needs

maybe try a bonding pouch? Instead of holding her and giving her the opportunity to run/jump keep her in a bonding pouch that allows you to put your hand inside it. Gently stroke her and talk gently to her. Let her get use to your touch and smell. a bonding pouch will also give her space to "get away" if she needs to but without hurting herself. The smaller space may also help her feel safer than out in the "open" Good Luck!!!

My daughter has one for her hedgehog. IDK how successful it is but he uses it all the time to hide in while in his cage, lol. Seems to defeat the purpose.

She needs one or two same sex friend immediately
Try to get one or two of her sisters. …..
she is a baby who has been taken away from her mama and all of her brothers and sisters … she is grieving for her mama and family, lonely, depressed, and terrified …. if is good that she is eating anything because lone rats may stop eating and die.
Rats under 12 weeks old are considered babies and can be put together because they see unfamiliar rats as new playmates. If any rats are over 12 weeks old, then slow gradual introductions need to be done.

Please see the Reference Thread for helpful links to trust training, diet, introducing rats etc
https://www.ratshackforum.com/threads/reference-thread-read-only.35894/