I would only ever pick up by the base of the tail and not very much further, especially for a big girl, but I also never hold them like that for more than 1 second.

I'm a big girl and can handle a psycho or nervous rat. I always put a hand underneath their belly even if they scratch my hand to smithereens. I'm talking about some very crazy rats too. My hands are all scarred up every week from dealing with these girls.


I suggest you buy a small sterilite tub that you can quickly put her into and transport her around.