Moon's Graden

by **J W** » Mon, 06 Oct 2003 09:17:00

Greets,

After an off-and-on discussion with a rat-friend of mine, I'm thinking
that my older rat (about 2 months old) might have been abused or at least
treated badly. She still cowers and bolts if there's a way open.

I'm nervous about how to handle it. I've got a small cage set up as an
isolation box that I could put her in, then put my hand (without touching
her) in so she can see it and come to me as she likes. Sometimes it works,
sometimes it doesn't. If anyone approaches the cage, she bolts.

I'm torn between giving up (putting her up for a rescue to someone with
more experience) and wanting to help her settle down.

How do I deal with this? I want her to have a happy life; she can't be
happy if she's scared all the time.

--
J W

*sig has expired. Go to alt.hacker and ask for a crack for it.*

by **J&S Bouchar** » Mon, 06 Oct 2003 12:03:02

Quote:

> Greets,

> After an off-and-on discussion with a rat-friend of mine, I'm thinking
> that my older rat (about 2 months old) might have been abused or at least
> treated badly. She still cowers and bolts if there's a way open.

> I'm nervous about how to handle it. I've got a small cage set up as an
> isolation box that I could put her in, then put my hand (without touching
> her) in so she can see it and come to me as she likes. Sometimes it works,
> sometimes it doesn't. If anyone approaches the cage, she bolts.

> I'm torn between giving up (putting her up for a rescue to someone with
> more experience) and wanting to help her settle down.

> How do I deal with this? I want her to have a happy life; she can't be
> happy if she's scared all the time.

> --
> J W

> *sig has expired. Go to alt.hacker and ask for a crack for it.*

Oh no, don't get rid of her... the poor dear just needs reassurance. Just
let her be and she will come to know you and not be afraid.. Get a big
sweater and put her in for a few hours and let her pee and poop in there...
she will associate you to being a nice warm cozy place. A rescue would be
the worst place for her... all those new scary smells and sounds.
BTW, 2 months is still quite young... give her at least till 6 to 7 months.
And being scared and bolting is typical for a young girl rat.
Good luck!!
--
Joanne
Mom to 14 rats
http://community.webshots.com/user/joanneb70

remove "no spam"

by **Kate** » Mon, 06 Oct 2003 15:39:57

2 Months old? Your Rat is still a baby.... Perhaps time may be the best
thing? One of my lads is about 5 months old and is still a scaredy
cat..LOL. I think it may be his nature though..some are more outgoing than
others. You could try putting her down your top every chance you get so she
learns to relax more... Im sure others will have ideas too..:) Best of
luck.

Regards Kate

Quote:

> Greets,

> After an off-and-on discussion with a rat-friend of mine, I'm thinking
> that my older rat (about 2 months old) might have been abused or at least
> treated badly. She still cowers and bolts if there's a way open.

> I'm nervous about how to handle it. I've got a small cage set up as an
> isolation box that I could put her in, then put my hand (without touching
> her) in so she can see it and come to me as she likes. Sometimes it works,
> sometimes it doesn't. If anyone approaches the cage, she bolts.

> I'm torn between giving up (putting her up for a rescue to someone with
> more experience) and wanting to help her settle down.

> How do I deal with this? I want her to have a happy life; she can't be
> happy if she's scared all the time.

> --
> J W

> *sig has expired. Go to alt.hacker and ask for a crack for it.*

by **Pete_** » Mon, 06 Oct 2003 21:12:41

Quote:

>Greets,

> After an off-and-on discussion with a rat-friend of mine, I'm thinking
>that my older rat (about 2 months old) might have been abused or at least
>treated badly. She still cowers and bolts if there's a way open.

> I'm nervous about how to handle it. I've got a small cage set up as an
>isolation box that I could put her in, then put my hand (without touching
>her) in so she can see it and come to me as she likes. Sometimes it works,
>sometimes it doesn't. If anyone approaches the cage, she bolts.

> I'm torn between giving up (putting her up for a rescue to someone with
>more experience) and wanting to help her settle down.

> How do I deal with this? I want her to have a happy life; she can't be
>happy if she's scared all the time.

I've found mine are far less scared in near darkness. They never bolt
or dart off if I move slowly and don't make any strange sudden sounds
- such as change jingling in my pocket.

From the little time I've had with mine I'd say turn the lights off,
empty your pockets and see if she behaives any different.

If my more scared boys see the most social (Skye) going up my arm and
coming back with a treat it'l soon surpass much of their fear and
they'l go into hyper mode and not care about the conciquences.

MUST HAVE A RICE CRISPIE!!!!!! lol

Pete

Moon's Graden

Bolting rat--how to bring her around?

Bolting rat--how to bring her around?

Bolting rat--how to bring her around?

Bolting rat--how to bring her around?

Bolting rat--how to bring her around?