Quote Originally Posted by Michelle.C View Post
I don't recall reading how long you've had them (sorry, half asleep), but give them a few days to settle in. They need time to adjust, even the most social rats will be shy for a few days.

Usually, when I'm trying to bond with new rats, I'll take a stool or whatever will put me at eye level and just set my hands on the bottom of the cage and let them come to me. Of course this is while handing them irresistible "nomnoms". It seems to do the trick most of the time. Even still, it can take weeks to win their trust. Just don't force them to do anything and you'll get there faster than you think.

When I win their trust enough for them to let me touch them, I play the "get the rats butt game". It seems to make them super happy, they jump around and chase your hand. I just make soft, happy noises and sorta just gently scratch above their tails. Once they start jumping around (like they've had too much coffee), you can move your hand around the cage like you are running from them (yes, your hand has become a rat) and they will chase. Eventually, they might even roll over on their back and let you get the rat bellies. It's hard to describe though, but the most important part is talking to them in a sweet/playful tone.

I usually get to the stage where they are wanting to play by using various toys. Especially the cat feather toys that are on the strings. Wild rats have a taste for birds and the feathers tickle, so it's an instant attention getter. Then just move the feather toy around their cage and make them chase it. Most will sucker into it and catch on that you are playing.
Great suggestions! I'll definitely try those once they've had more time to settle in. I just brought them home yesterday afternoon, so they're still quite shy. But wow.. once the lights were turned off last night they sounded like they were having a party in their cage. Even though they have ramps going from each level to the next inside this cage, I've noticed they enjoy jumping over them. I swear it sounds like they're doing "cannonballs" from each level to the one below. Nearly gave me a heart attack each time I started drifting off to sleep, lol.

I do hope they eventually are as playful as you've described. That is just too cute. I would absolutely love to have rats that did that.