My pet rat keeps biting me!!!

Sorry to say it but I don't like rats, they aren't as nice as some other rodents, like Degus, if you haven't heard of them look them up, (they're also called Octodon Dedus)

wow i am confused by all the responses. our rat was a baby when we got him. he doesn't get held a lot because the cat looks hungry. recently he gets super rowdy when he has scarfed down his recent food; then bites me drawing blood when i try to pet him or whatnot. that little jerk. i've never been afraid of a rodent in my life, and this rat might just do me in. sick of painful bandaids!

Hi, Sadie; welcome to the forum!
My suggestion is to get a better rat.

Another possibility is that u try to tame him
by giving him his favorite food, whatever that is. (Cheese ?)
That is how I have tamed kittens.
When thay r old enuf to begin eating meat,
I hold a kitten in my hand and offer him some roast chicken.
He sniffs it, tastes it, likes it, and then I have a new friend for life.
It is an instant conversion (if he is old enuf to eat meat).

Maybe that might work with a rat.
U might also try a different species of animal,
if he is too troublesome.





David

U shud not bite him back; that's uncool.





David

I've been dealin with rats for the last 10 years. I've recently had a similar experience with a rat. She was very unsocialized with humans. I've tried everythin in the book from puttin my hand in the cage to givin her treats from my hand, but nothin worked. It came down to the last resort called "the force bond". It's where u reach in the cage when shes sleepin and hold it to ur body everyday for about 20 minutes (wear an old shirt). Start out once a day for a week, then do it twice a day for a week, etc. No matter what she did, don't let her go whether she squealed, scratched, hissed, pushed away from u, or any other aggressive behavior she displays. She's doin alot better today. I hope this information was helpful to u.

Hello Sadie. That is very nice small animals. It will get to know that your best friend. So, You like to the rat's .

Good and Nice suggestion.

yah i have the same problem with my rat. i got him from a friend 3 weeks ago and he keeps on trying to bite me, i havnt try to pick him up or anything. i had his cage on the table while i was reading and left the door open so he could come up and explore. i was jsut reading couple minnutes ago he just randomly came up and bite my hand...... -_______- they are suppose to be cuddle and nice.. i think my rat hates me. TT___________TT

i have the same problem i have 2 coco and pancake coco is the youngest this morning i was playing with the and they started scrapping they stopped then i pet pankake he was fine then i pet coco and threw a spaz he grabbed my hand and the longer in his mouth the more it hurt i dont know what got into him hes never bitten anyone before its normally pankake who does that oh rite the biting problem uh the only advice i can give u is...

1) give him/her more attention
2)try feeding it more often so it gets to know you
3)get a cloth with his/her scent on it and rub ur hands on it when u try to touch her i no that works with cats as well as rats
4)try letting him/her sniff u b4 touching it
5)rats are half blind like moles so dont forget that
6)because they r half blind they might think u r food u might scare them or they might be grumpy try talking 2 the rat without tuching it this will get it used 2 ur voice so b4 u touch it say something like call its name or say something simple like mummy/daddys here or when u touch it sh it and whisper its okay if it gets scared and it bites u hold its ears 2 ur chest and it will listen 2 ur heart beat and will feel safe i do know alot about animals but am having a huge problem with coco maybe its pankake he dont like

yea you should try find something it like to eat and give it to them and as close as u can and talk to it there not dumb animals you got to win it trust it probably scared i got two and they finely came and as they grow and it should break it

Really? If you don't want to help this person please do not reply to them. This person needs help and please help her/him or be quiet!

You do realize that the post you are responding to was written almost 10 years ago, right?

That rat is long dead of natural causes if not another cause by now.

i've had quite a few pet rats Sadie. what might help is wearing gloves or even something thicker like an oven mitt while picking him up. let him sit on one hand while patting him gently on his back with the other. they also like it when you stroke the top of their heads. sometimes it helps them calm down and even fall asleep. once he knows he is safe he should start to calm down. hope this helps

....and Sadie's last post was also ten years ago, so I'm thinkin' that further advice is more than likely moot.

My best suggestion is just constantly washing your hands before you play with them. I've had my pet rats for two days and I'm no expert but my male rat Zeon kept biting my hand as soon as I go near him, it wasn't hard but he hesitated at first. If you've touched and type of food it will attract them to eat it, rats have a super diverse diet and always try before they eat, whatever you're eating they must like! You may be touching their food which seems like the problem, just wash your hands and slowly attempt to pat your rat. If this fails rub a sock under your armpit (yes, I know gross) and place it in the cage and the rat will begin to get used to your scent, it's all about instincts with rats. Hope this helped! If you need more infomation email me [email protected]

Rats are nasty? Rats smell bad? Ferrets are even worse in the sense of smell and a lot more nasty. You need facts sweetheart

Hello to all. I have rattie sisters who were both very sweet when they were babies, but my one girl has gotten into the nasty and painful habit of biting when I am not paying attention. Don't know what happened to change her little personality. I have done nothing but love on them both. Very sad and frustrated. Any and all suggestions would be greatly appreciated! Thank you in advance and GOD bless!

shes tasting you

Your rat's biting behavior may be due to fear, lack of socialization, or past negative experiences. It's essential to build trust gradually. Try offering treats from outside the cage and speak gently to acclimate your rat to your presence. Avoid sudden movements and give your rat time to adjust. Consult a vet or a rodent behavior specialist for specific advice if the issue persists. Patience and consistent, gentle interaction are key.

This post is nearly 20 years old. I suspect the issue has long since been resolved one way or another.