Moving Rats Around

[JohnNJ]

I put together a rat colony (1.2) and put them in my rack. The rats do not bite but they are squirmy. What's the best way to move them for tub cleaning? I tried going under their bellies to lift, from the top under their front arms and eventually, and reluctantly, by the base of the tail. I'm hoping they get used to being moved but right now they don't want to be picked up.

I already have mice and ASF's and tails are fine with them. So what's the secret with big rats?

Thanks.

[Homegrownscales]

They just need to get used to it. I get all of my breeders used to handling. I've had them since they were weanlings so they've been with me their whole lives. I pick them up under the bellys. Or from the top with my other hand supporting the belly.

[jasbus]

Base of the tail...The more they get contact, the better they are at being handled.

[CLSpider]

All of the rats I have raised up are completely fine with being picked up. They actually usually run over to me when I open the bins Cute little guys
But if I ever bring in any others, they're usually pretty crazy....and I normally have to grab them by the tail until they're used to me. Then I can grab them under the belly.
If yours are a little high-sprung, just give them time. They'll eventually chill out.

[cdavidson9]

While on the subject.. I had a question also guys.

I have had 3 trio's myself, and have only had one batch of babies in the first month and a half or so (with another mama that should go any day.) Is this normal or is this a little slow?

I thought that maybe it wouldnt hurt to move the males around to where they each get a shot at new female-double's for a couple weeks to see if they "click" a little better...?

Your thoughts? Should I not move them anymore in the future, or is it no big deal and am I just getting a little ancy? thanks everyone once again!

[jasbus]

They are usually slow for the first month to 2 months. Moving them around will only cause more delays. Leave your male in all the time. Better chance of him being in the right place at the right time....

[snakesRkewl]

The secret is raising up your next generation of breeders to be tame by handling them daily while they are 2-4 weeks old.

My original group although high quality rattery type rats were all skittish and hated to be held because the previous owner didn't have time to handle them.
I raised up all of my current breeders and handled them constantly and now there isn't a rat in my colony that doesn't like to be held and pet and given treats.
For skittish rats I find grabbing the tail close to the body and putting the other hand under their belly for support works well, as long as the rat isn't a biter
If the rat is a biter it's all tail all the time.
But then in my colony if a rat bites me it's food