How do I get my breeders used to me?

[Oxylepy]

They're hilarious and awesome (Pghball gave them to me) and I definitely enjoy them. However I dont think they much enjoy me as they werent handled much (as with most breeder/feeder rats) and I want to get them used to me. Earlier I got the male the run himself tired in my hands (one hand to the other for 10 minutes) and he seems a bit less afraid. One female is actually pretty awesome as she doesnt freak much except for some squeaks when I pick her up, she doesnt even bother with the hand gag and just sits, but shakes a bit like she may be scared. The other female got wise to the hand gag really fast and just bailed, luckily she fell all of a foot and a half onto a paper towel mat I had set up under my hands just in case that happened, she's definitely a smart little girl.

When I open the lid they seem to just freeze for a few seconds (probably from the light and motion), but I was wondering if there was anything I could do to get them used to me and calm/playful/interested when I go to handle them.

[suzuki4life]

so you want to tame your pets?

[PghBall]

They're hilarious and awesome (Pghball gave them to me) and I definitely enjoy them. However I dont think they much enjoy me as they werent handled much (as with most breeder/feeder rats) and I want to get them used to me. Earlier I got the male the run himself tired in my hands (one hand to the other for 10 minutes) and he seems a bit less afraid. One female is actually pretty awesome as she doesnt freak much except for some squeaks when I pick her up, she doesnt even bother with the hand gag and just sits, but shakes a bit like she may be scared. The other female got wise to the hand gag really fast and just bailed, luckily she fell all of a foot and a half onto a paper towel mat I had set up under my hands just in case that happened, she's definitely a smart little girl.

When I open the lid they seem to just freeze for a few seconds (probably from the light and motion), but I was wondering if there was anything I could do to get them used to me and calm/playful/interested when I go to handle them.

Your best bet would just be to keep handling them to gain their trust. I only handled them when cleaning their tubs out so they never had alot of interaction outside of my kids holding them when they were just a few weeks old. I bet if you keep working with them, they should warm up to you.

[stratus_020202]

Treats worked really well with mine. They get used to the crinkle of a treat bag and come running. Mine love cheerios and other types of grain cereal. I can get them to chase me around, and eventually they will do it without the treats, just begging to get one

[tomfromtheshade]

They will eventually lose their fear of you on their own if you don't do anything to hurt them.

Your first gen breeders may never make full out great pets, but have no fear your babies will be whatever you want them to be.

[trikesorz]

I'm having the same problem. I've been getting them to eat from my hand and they seem be getting used to me

[snakesRkewl]

I found making my own breeders from my own litters and handling them alot as babies makes the best breeders.
All of my adult female breeders I raised from pinkies and not one of them will bite me even pulling babies while they are attached to momma getting milk.
Trying to tame adult rats is tricky and takes time building trust, and lots of treats
Yogurt, mashed potatos, banana are all treats you can hold and control.
Yogurt and mashed tatoes in a spoon and let them eat it out of the spoon, don't give it to them, you are in control, in a good way.
Soon they learn to trust you, some never do, but most come around if they haven't been abused as babies.