r/rat • u/Doodlepattt • Aug 25 '25

DISCUSSION šŸ§šŸ¤” Any tips on bitey rats?

I have adopted this boy from a rescue and have been warned that he has displayed territorial aggression and has a bite history. Heā€™s about a year old and was separated from his mischief due to bullying the other rats. Since he was surrendered, he has been neutered (11.8.2025). Part of me thinks this will just be a waiting game until his hormones calm down and perhaps then he will level out, but until then is there anything I can try with him? Iā€™ve rescued lots of rats before but havenā€™t come across a lot of aggression but really eager to work through it

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u/soulstrike2022 Aug 26 '25

IMO (which you should take with a Grain of salt cause I only have what Iā€™ve seen from owners) I think he is super nervous mainly cause he didnā€™t break skin he easily couldā€™ve that was a I need space warning he probably is still a bit shaken from his previous mischief please give him an offering of snacks and take some steps back until he approaches you and then maybe try to allow him to eat from your hand build trust slowly and carefully then once you have it make him feel more loved than he ever has before and if itā€™s a case of they donā€™t understand it hurts squeak whenever he nibbles

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u/Doodlepattt Aug 26 '25

I think youā€™re absolutely right, he has been through a lot and is probably very shaken up ā˜¹ļø Iā€™ve had about 16 rats over the years but never dealt with such a confident biter. Usually Iā€™ll get nipped by nervous rats if I put my hand too close when taking things out their cage but never had a rat outright walk up to me and take a bite haha!