Pull Up A Bucket
Props:
Setup: Begin by setting up your platform, string, and bucket. The string must hang over one edge of the platform, and should be easy for the rat to bite (sisal string is recommended). |
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Step 1:
Place your rat onto the platform. Allow them some time to adjust, and feed them a few treats to cement this area as a good place to be.
Place your rat onto the platform. Allow them some time to adjust, and feed them a few treats to cement this area as a good place to be.
Step 2:
Place a treat into your bucket, and present the bucket to your rat. They should immediately reach for the treat, which you want to let them eat.
Place a treat into your bucket, and present the bucket to your rat. They should immediately reach for the treat, which you want to let them eat.
Step 3:
Repeat this 5-10 times, until your rat begins to expect that the bucket contains a treat.
Repeat this 5-10 times, until your rat begins to expect that the bucket contains a treat.
Step 4:
At this point, lower the bucket a small bit. Your rat should still be able to reach it without pulling the string, but they should have to reach somewhat. Allow them to again pull out the treat and eat it.
At this point, lower the bucket a small bit. Your rat should still be able to reach it without pulling the string, but they should have to reach somewhat. Allow them to again pull out the treat and eat it.
Step 5:
Now lower the bucket a bit more, so that the rat has to pull on the handle or string to reach the treat. If they need help, try to direct their attention towards the string itself. As soon as they bite the string or bucket handle, raise up the bucket and let them take the treat.
Now lower the bucket a bit more, so that the rat has to pull on the handle or string to reach the treat. If they need help, try to direct their attention towards the string itself. As soon as they bite the string or bucket handle, raise up the bucket and let them take the treat.
Step 6:
Continue to gradually lower the bucket. As your rat gets better at pulling up the string, begin to help them less and less. Once your rat can pull up the entire string without help, they have successfully learned this trick!
Continue to gradually lower the bucket. As your rat gets better at pulling up the string, begin to help them less and less. Once your rat can pull up the entire string without help, they have successfully learned this trick!
Video Tutorial:
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