Accustoming Rats to the Free-Range Area
Often times a mistake that new trainers make is thinking that their rats can learn new things in a totally new area. However, you have to look at it from a rat's perspective. They are very much prey animals and because of this, being in new and in particular wide open spaces is quite terrifying for them. And when you're so small, even a table located right next to the cage is a completely new environment.
So how exactly do we get our rats adjusted to a free-range or training area?
Well, the key is in time and experience. The more time your rat spends in their free-range/training area, the more comfortable they will feel. And the more positive experiences they have there, the less time it will take for them to adjust.
So what I suggest new rats owners do when first transitioning to a play/training area is this: Grab a blanket or hoody, and sit down with your rat. Let them run in and out of your hoody or blanket as much as they want, and reward them with super high value liquid treats (such as meat baby food) whenever they exit your shirt.
Make sure to decorate the area with lots of toys and places for them to hide. This will encourage your rats to explore and help them feel safe. You can also try scattering small treats around the play/training area, to encourage your rats to explore and enjoy themselves.
Other than that, just be sure to bring your rat out and into this new are for at least 30 minutes each day. Try to bring them out at the same time as well, as nothing makes an animal feel more comfortable than having a routine.
Once your rats are comfortably scampering around the training area and will accept and eat small treats out in the open, they have successfully adjusted. And at this point, training can begin!
Well, the key is in time and experience. The more time your rat spends in their free-range/training area, the more comfortable they will feel. And the more positive experiences they have there, the less time it will take for them to adjust.
So what I suggest new rats owners do when first transitioning to a play/training area is this: Grab a blanket or hoody, and sit down with your rat. Let them run in and out of your hoody or blanket as much as they want, and reward them with super high value liquid treats (such as meat baby food) whenever they exit your shirt.
Make sure to decorate the area with lots of toys and places for them to hide. This will encourage your rats to explore and help them feel safe. You can also try scattering small treats around the play/training area, to encourage your rats to explore and enjoy themselves.
Other than that, just be sure to bring your rat out and into this new are for at least 30 minutes each day. Try to bring them out at the same time as well, as nothing makes an animal feel more comfortable than having a routine.
Once your rats are comfortably scampering around the training area and will accept and eat small treats out in the open, they have successfully adjusted. And at this point, training can begin!
Disclosure: Esther (and her site rattrix.weebly.com) is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com