I know I’ll get **** for asking this

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Don't worry I know how you feel. I got a trio of rats last week and they're terrified of me although I've been feeding them treats and sitting beside their cage. It's weird cause the breeder's rats bond with their owners and it's fantastic, I've seen photos of it too. I talked to her today and she told me that she would give me tips on how to tame them and if it doesn't work she'll give me 3 other boys.
 
What's going on..? You edited your question out so people can't help you out with anything...
 
Kye said:
What's going on..? You edited your question out so people can't help you out with anything...
Click to expand...
I don’t want people to judge me. I won’t cope. I’m low enough...

Just can’t cope with these rats - they are TERRIFIED of me. It’s not fair as this breeder lied and said they were well handled...
 
It’s always sunny said:
I don’t want people to judge me. I won’t cope. I’m low enough...

Just can’t cope with these rats - they are TERRIFIED of me. It’s not fair as this breeder lied and said they were well handled...
Click to expand...


Don't give up hope! Trust me, it can sometimes seem hopeless. Nobody is judging you for being anxious about rats being scared of you when they are supposed to be "socialized". That's what we are all here for. To help. I am not 100% positive, but I may have provided a link to helping with this on another thread for you? If not, it's www.joinrats.com and worth a read. Some rats just take time to trust. But BELIEVE ME the pay out is totally worth the wait! Also, some rats are just shy by nature. I have one that I've had for over a year, and he's still a scardy squeaky baby. He's very adventurous, but when I or anyone else touches him, he will almost always jump straight up and squeak. He freezes a lot, and sometimes takes a second or two before he will realize that we won't hurt him, then he will dash up our arms, or go and hop on our laps. He's VERY loveable, and very friendly, but also very timid. It's really cute and sweet. Just part of his personality. His cagemates have always been very outgoing and fearless. Age also is a big factor. So it the amount of time you have had them. And noises, smells, and such. They have to learn to trust that each of them won't hurt them.

I know some stuff on here can seems judgy, but trust me, we all want what's best for your rats, and YOU.
 
Also, with little ones, it will sometimes be like a light bulb went on in their brain, and they realize that you come with yummy treats, and they will harass you no matter where you are. Mine will hear my bracelets jingle (I wear charms bracelets) and will lay at the side of their cage watching me with puppy dog eyes and begging for attention. If I walk past the cage, they follow me to the other side, and stare me down. When I'm cleaning the cages, my boys especially, will be huddled in the closest corner to me watching my every move! They will even fall asleep in the corner facing me, waiting for me to finish so I can pick them up and love them. They didn't always used to be like that. There was a time when they'd scatter if I came near (and most of mine I hand raised from birth). So please don't give up hope. Rat ownership can be challenging at times, and very rewarding. :)
 
I agree with Dena 100% some rats are just shy.! You can always get some rat friendly clothes and wear two shirts to put them between so they feel safe and get used to your scent all in one.!
 
I have rescued rats that were terrified of people
…. some that had been horribly abused, survived being fed to snakes etc …….. even a tiny baby girl that would scream at the top of her lungs and run and hide when I came into the room
They all came around but it took time and patience

How old are they?
How long have you had them?
Do you have dogs or cats or ferrets or some other predator in your home or anything that might smell like a predator?
If they are babies they have just been separated from their family and of course they are terrified

There are some excellent suggestions on joinrats.com
Could you have a look at those and then maybe talk to us some more?
 
I’ve had babies before and they have never ever been like this. Probably owned around 16 rats in my life. I don’t have any other pets . It’s just me alone in my quiet flat...

I’ve decided not to give up on them and will keep trying. I don’t want to give up on an animal. :(

I just see everyone with these rats who love to be around people and give them cuddles and kisses. I made sure I went to a reputable breeder but since then I have been told that she doesn’t handle her rats so much. The breeder who informed me of this says that she has two rats from this lady and they still react to being picked up after over a year of having them.

She told me to place them in a hoodie pouch but every time I do they frantically try to get out and I feel like it’s just making it worse.

I’m a bad person for even considering giving up on them I know
 
Their poor little scared faces breaks my heart. I feel bad for complaining as they aren’t there to serve me... I just feel envious I guess and a bit lied to.

I won’t give up. They deserve to be given more of a chance and I have committed by getting them so should accept them whatever their temperment is
 
Dena said:
Also, with little ones, it will sometimes be like a light bulb went on in their brain, and they realize that you come with yummy treats, and they will harass you no matter where you are. Mine will hear my bracelets jingle (I wear charms bracelets) and will lay at the side of their cage watching me with puppy dog eyes and begging for attention. If I walk past the cage, they follow me to the other side, and stare me down. When I'm cleaning the cages, my boys especially, will be huddled in the closest corner to me watching my every move! They will even fall asleep in the corner facing me, waiting for me to finish so I can pick them up and love them. They didn't always used to be like that. There was a time when they'd scatter if I came near (and most of mine I hand raised from birth). So please don't give up hope. Rat ownership can be challenging at times, and very rewarding. :)
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This is so reassuring thank you . I wish they knew how much I love animals . They might not be so impressed if they knew my doubts I was having :(
 
Just keep going! My rats all but one HATE being in a hoodie or pocket. They FREAK OUT! The one who doesn't mind so much is a shirt diver. But she still doesn't appreciate being put in the hoodie. She may sometimes go in on her own. What I would suggest, is forget what you've been told about the breeder. Relax. They pick up on your feelings and emotions. They will come around. :)
 
One thing I did with my frightened rattie was put my hand in the cage FULL of treats, duck my head so they didn't feel watched and held that position. It was uncomfortable and my arm fell asleep but it was worth it when I felt the slight pressure leaving my hand. I can't promise it will work but it's worth a shot.!
 
You are not bad for feeling overwhelmed and disappointed
Sounds like they are fortunate little ratties as you will give them a good life
Once they have time to get used to their new home you can start to handle them a bit
They will learn that they are safe, that you are the person that gives them delicious food
Keep their large cage in a room where you spend a lot of time and talk to them

Once they get used to you and their home, then you can put on a tight shirt with a loose one over it and put all the ratties on you between your 2 shirts ...then sit down and relax, watch tv etc for at least 20 to 30 mins ..... they will feel safe between the two shirts and will get used to you and your smell

check out the suggestions on joinrats.com
 
My ratties are looking pretty happy with their cage (i have made a huge effort providing them with loss of enrichment whih does seem to be appreciated) and are snoozing out in the open on ladders and hammocks rather happily like little fat sausages which is lovely to see. They seem to love ladder sleeping, belly’s and legs dangling, which looks far less comfy than the hammocks but each to their own I guess! They licked a little soy yoghurt off my fingers so I hope that’s a good sign.

I’m following the join rats webpage but they don’t seem to want to sit in a pouch so maybe this is making it worse? Should I wait until they are happy to sit on my hand and take a treat before doing this as it feels a little bit like the forces socialisation technique with them. I don’t want them to see my hand as something that pops them in a scary pouch?
 
Definitely a good sign.! It means they don't feel the need to hide away from you and are starting to see you as a source of love and food rather than this huge being. Keep up the good work with the treats and if you want to you don't have to do the pouch method. You can always socialize with them next to the cage so they're in their home and safe knowing you're there~
 
I adopted 3 little spooky boys from a local shelter. They had been transferred to a PetSmart location but never handled so they bolted from humans. With these guys I did the "down the shirt"method. Long sleeve shirt on the bottom, another looser shirt on top. Tuck both into your pants. Put babies down your shirt and ignore them (I usually lay down and watched TV or read as they cautiously moved around). This gives them the comfort of being covered up, and no hands grabbing at them, but they get used to your Snell and movement at the same time. Over time something clicked and they are sweet young boys who love to come out and play :)
There's all sorts of things you can do. Hand them treats once they are curious enough so they realize you are the bringer of good things, sing to them, etc. Have them out initially covered up as that can help reduce their fear a little. Try not to handle them but kisses if they are close enough is good :)
Once they get more curious in their cage and approach readily you can initiate play seasons by gently reaching over the top of them,grasp their shoulders give a little shake, and use a high pitched happy voice. They may seem confused at first but if they start to bounce you are well on your way to hand wrestling sessions with happy babies.
 
It’s always sunny said:
I don’t want people to judge me. I won’t cope. I’m low enough...

Just can’t cope with these rats - they are TERRIFIED of me. It’s not fair as this breeder lied and said they were well handled...
Click to expand...
It’s always sunny said:
I don’t want people to judge me. I won’t cope. I’m low enough...

Just can’t cope with these rats - they are TERRIFIED of me. It’s not fair as this breeder lied and said they were well handled...
Click to expand...
It’s always sunny said:
Never mind
I’m lost and sad
Click to expand...
From reading your replies I can kind of see what the problem is. It’s not your fault, and you just need to give your rats time. The same thing happened to me. I have had my rats for almost 3 weeks, and they were sooo terrified of me. I like to put their cage inside of the playpen I made out of boxes (go to YouTube and search to make one), and open the cage and sit there with their treats: talk to them, try to start slow with the treats in the cage, then go outside the cage with the treats. It might be difficult at first, as it was for me. I have been doing this everyday, and when they don’t come out I will trick them into their hammocks and pull the hammock out then shut the cage. Try not to force them into anything. Don’t chase them with your hand or anything just let them come to you on their own time. My babies love broccoli and sweet peas baby food. When they won’t come to me I will grab the hammock and put it in my lap under a blanket and give them treats so they are safe and feel secure in the hammock, but you’re close giving them treats letting them know you’re not going to hurt them. My boys will now run to me to get treats, climb on me, and tolerate me petting them when I give them treats. They might still be skittish and scared but they have improved a lot. Don’t give up on them, good luck!
 
I sit with the cage by my bed and lie on the bed studying with the ratty cage door open. Buster ventured out and came up and sniffed my leg then ran away again. Baby steps! :) thanks for all the support here.

I want to try the down the top method but so scared of making them even more scared... if you scare them can it be “undone” so to speak? Sorry for all these questions and neediness
 

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