Is this normal with new rats?

[rabernet]

OK, I'm sure it probably is, but I just want to make sure. The little ladies don't seem to be eating. Are they still just settling in? They had no interest in all in bread dipped in olive oil (a treat that Jo swore to me would make me their instant best friend! LOL), and I haven't seen them eating out of their food bowl (although they know it's there).

Just made up a big batch of Becky's rat recipe (but forgot to put in the pasta, darn it!) and refreshed their food. No interest at all. I have read they're nocturnal.

Am I just being a worry-wort? They're drinking water regularly though.

[Ginevive]

Did you just get them today? I noticed that mine are more active at night; once the lights go out, wait a half hour or so and go look; bet they're eating!

[tigerlily]

Mine love the bread with olive oil and the occasional chocolate kiss. My mama rat LOVES those! I wouldn't worry too about it. I remember mine being pretty shy at first. Hopefully you'll notice some food gone by morning.

If I remember correctly, rats are very cautious about new foods. If they were only exposed to lab blocks, they may test small bits of the food first before they dig in.

[rabernet]

I got them late yesterday afternoon. I've had both out playing with them (ie, socializing) and Karl named the black/white one Sophia.


Sophia loves to sit in the crook of my arm and bury her head there and let me give her rattie back massages. Scarlett likes to explore and Diamond (my dog) doesn't know what to think of either one of them, but I found out that she likes banana chips - who knew? LOL

The girls come out of their little hide to sniff my hand and stretch up on my arm, but are still a little skittish when I try to pick them up, but I think they're starting to realize I don't mean them any harm.

I can't get over how cute they are! I've fed rats to some of the snakes, but never allowed myself to really get to know them before, after 24 hours with these two I'm totally in love! LOL

[tigerlily]

Ohhhh, just wait til you have babies.

[Sapphire7]

My rats LOVE ranola bars and those likes. They are healthy for them too. And I think granola bars make instant best friends lol. Never tried the bread and olive oil, seems sort of oily? But also basically anything we eat can be given to rats besides some human foods that could hurt them. What type of regular food do you have them on?

[rabernet]

I have them on this diet:

http://www.ball-pythons.net/forums/s...ad.php?t=28391

I've been told that they really like the oil, and it's really good for their coats too!