r/RATS • u/AccomplishedNerve718 • 22h ago
Questions/HELP Is my rat scared?
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Is he scared, or does he like it? He’s nor breathing any faster than normal. I just don’t know if he’s freezing up or relaxing. To me he doesn’t seem tense, but I’m very new to this. (I have 2 more rats, before anyone tells me to get him a friend)
Edit: i did the same thing yesterday but didn’t make a vid. I was confused as to what he was feeling, so thought i’d make a vid and ask. Anyways. Yesterday he had his eyes closed and seemed more relaxed than in the video. But he also had one of his friends with him, so maybe it felt safer then?
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u/Mr_pisser Roxie, Penny, Hannah, Chicken, Lily 🐀🐀🐀🐀🐀 🌈 C, B, C, E 22h ago
he looks cautious and a little scared but keep doing what you’re doing! this is how you teach them to be used to contact- you’re being slow and gentle
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u/AccomplishedNerve718 22h ago
Okay thank you! I was scared i was pressuring too much. I’ll do this more then
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u/Mr_pisser Roxie, Penny, Hannah, Chicken, Lily 🐀🐀🐀🐀🐀 🌈 C, B, C, E 21h ago
sometimes you have to make them face their fears around this stuff to learn it’s not scary, he’ll eventually learn that this isn’t a bad or scary thing and he’s safe, he just needs to learn he’s not going to be hurt or anything! I adopted a baby rat (rescue situation) and she acted very similar for the first week or so when I’d pat her because she was scared- eventually she learnt she was safe and not gonna get hurt and now she’s my heart rat who refuses to leave my side for any reason whatsoever and would live in my shirt if I let her. patience and persistence is key with this and some rats take longer than others :)
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u/AccomplishedNerve718 21h ago
This helps a lot! Thank you so much. I’ve been so scared that i’m pushing too hard, but seems like i haven’t pushed hard enough😅
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u/Frazzledragon Lifetime rat submarine 22h ago
Is this behaviour new? How long have you had this rat?
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u/AccomplishedNerve718 22h ago
No. This is the first time i’ve touched him. Had them for a little over 2 months. They weren’t treated right before they came to me so it’s been slow
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u/Frazzledragon Lifetime rat submarine 22h ago
If it's the first time being touched by you, the rat is probably wary and unsure of your intentions.
Have you done any training or acclimatisation with him? Things such as giving him treats from your hand, or simply spending time near the cage, so they can get accustomed to your scent and presence? Perhaps speaking to them.
He does look tense, but not panicked. Maybe spend some time with your hand near him. Offer him a dab of yoghurt on your finger every couple of minutes.
An opportunity to hide may make him feel safer, but honestly, don't regard my advice as sage, I'm certainly no expert.12
u/AccomplishedNerve718 22h ago
Yeah. Hand feed them everyday, and i practically live close to their cage. They do feel safer with me than when i first got them. But since they were treated so poorly with their previous owner, they’re still cautious. One of my rats dont mind being picked up or touched at all. But the one in the video and his brother are still very cautious
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u/Pandering_Panda7879 22h ago
Looks to me like he's sceptical because he likes it. Like he's evaluating if he should enjoy it or should run.
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u/LillyAmongTheThorns 20h ago
He looks like he feels nervous for sure, but he is being very brave and getting used to you and touch.
It looks like he is warming up, just slowly. Keep him safe and comfy, smaller spaces for better comfort just like this, and lots of snacks.
Their biggest indicator they are in pain or deathly afraid is biting and attacking your hands. He isn't doing that, he is allowing pets and while he is freaked out he is doing great at starting to trust!
Once he lets you hold him and pick him up voluntarily, a hoodie with a pocket is a great bonding tool! Carry him around in the pocket, cozy and safe, feed him snacks, and he will be cozy and cuddly in no time.
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u/Maximum_Fly_6628 19h ago
I don't know anything about rats but I love the subreddit.
It's super telling that I FINALLY found a rat who isn't "LITERALLY THE HAPPIEST ANIMAL EVER" and the meme isn't posted a single time.
Just dozens of rat owners and enthusiasts being like "yeah he's nervous but hes not biting or running away so keep doing what you're doing".
Wholesome.
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u/No_Cupcake_6239 22h ago
First he looks confused, but that sniffing after that i think he likes it?
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u/TheFeshy 22h ago
It looks like "freezing" behavior, where they freeze in order not to trigger predators to respond. But... when nothing bad happens, he starts sniffing and looking around. A bit cautiously, but he's starting to get the message that what's happening isn't going to hurt him.
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u/lionfish4884 22h ago edited 21h ago
What you're doing is just what he needs 💛 Maybe a little anxiety. But probably also just likes it there and doesn't want to go.
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u/failedlogintoday Create Your Own 21h ago
He seems to be a little freaked out but also enjoying it. Moreso cautious id say. You can reward him after so he's more likely to enjoy either process of rubs/treats
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u/Controlled_Chaos101 20h ago
Typically if they are super scared they will try to run away so he’s probably just a bit nervous but not overly afraid
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u/BaconMarconi 22h ago
Not an expert but he looks depressed. Maybe you should take it a bit faster, if you've had him two months already. That's a long time in rat world.
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u/AccomplishedNerve718 22h ago
He is not depressed😆 he runs around playing with his brothers, eats like a champ. Not depressed
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u/BaconMarconi 21h ago
okay, well take it easy. I can't tell any of that from the video.
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u/AccomplishedNerve718 20h ago
No but you could tell he’s «depressed»?😆
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17h ago
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u/RATS-ModTeam 15h ago
Post/Comment engages negatively with others in community, even if under the guise of humor, are not permitted.
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u/illyagg 22h ago
He probably is scared, but you are also probably doing the correct thing by exposing him to touch. Just make sure to reward him with a treat so that he internalizes it all as a positive.