New rats not friendly

[Pertalote]

I recently bought 2 "snake food" rats at a pet store. It has been 20 years since I have had rats. These are young (small) males, white with pink eyes, very bonded to each other. They don't bite, but they are not interested in being handled at all. I am not sure what to do. I have them in an aquarium tank, and I am getting one of those second story toppers. Please - I would appreciate any tips on taming them?

 

[Pertalote]

Oh wait - did you all think that I bought them for snake food? NO!!! I only mentioned it because it speaks to the type of breeding and upbringing these sweet boys have likely had previous to my buying them. And honestly, I'm wondering if I've made a big mistake in getting them. I know there are lots of rat people who breed for temperament. Just looking for some comments...

 

[SQ]

Personally I would suggest a large cage such as a martins powder coated R695 with flip top lid (you will need to cover the wire floors, see martinscages.com) or a Midwest critter nation cage. No cage is perfect but tanks do not have the necessary air flow and even with a topper they are not good places for rats to live. A large cage will not only give them the air flow and horizontal space rats require but will allow you to hang hammocks, hang tubes, put in litter boxes, space pods, houses , tubes, a 12 inch diameter solid wheel, and chew toys

Congrats on the two rats, they sound very sweet.
They have likely been through some horrible abusive situations and will come around as they gradually feel safer and get to know you.
In my experience, young rats often are to active and busy to want much interaction with people but as they age they slow down and become more people centered.

One thing you can do once they have gotten used to their new home is to put on a loose shirt over a tight shirt, put the two rats on you between the 2 shirts and go read or watch tv for 20 to 30 mins - this will allow them to feel safe and get used to you are the same time. Calling out a word such as treats before feeding them, and handing them food will help them to associate you with good things, and teach them to come running to you when you say the word. Please see the many ideas on joinrats.com on how to socialise rats

I hope this info helps and I hope you will post lots of cute pics on here of your sweet little boys

 

[Emy]

Hi! My rat I just got is also a feeder. After she got used to the house after a couple of days and with bonding time she came around. We sat on the floor with her and gave yogie treats and let her have her space and now she's very social and loving. I'm sure if they have time to adjust and you keep showing them you don't mean any harm with treats and play time they will come around.

I'm a first time rat owner though so idk what I'm talking about LOL just what I did.

 

[jorats]

Back before I started rescuing rats, I always bought feeder rats from pet stores and honestly, it never determined their personalities. Most became friendly and loving. Taking time to get to know them and spending lots of time with them will help tame them.