Hey all-

Yesterday I went and picked out two small rats to join my family. One is a blue hooded (I belive, blue hood with stripe down her back) named Emma, and an albino named Ruby.

When I placed them in their cage, the did a lot of checking things out. They nibbled on some banana chips and pistachos.

Suddenly Ruby started climbing the bars and squeezed herself thru! I have a feeling till she starts putting some weight on her that she's gonna be my little escape artist.

Emma on the other hand is so scared. She checked me out, nibbled on my fingers, then went into hiding. I tried to hold her a few minutes ago and when I go her by the tail and lifted her she tried to run and jump. So I let go of her tail and she jumped onto the floor of her cage and ran and hid.

What are some tips on gaining her trust? If I take their hide out at play time (which for now will consist my hand in their cage with treats), do you think that'll stress her out too much? At the store she was all wide eyed and active and it pains me to see her so scared now.

I'll get some pictures of them later today.