How to Stop Your Pet Rat From Biting
Domestic Norwegian rats are smart, playful and curious, and make great pets. They are less likely to bite than mice, hamsters or gerbils, according to Jelena Woehr in her Pet Lvr Blog. Most young rats just need patience and understanding to become tame. Strategies to stop biting depend on the sex, age and cause of the rat's aggressive behavior.
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Instructions
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Build trust and reduce fear
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Take the nest box or igloo out of the cage. Don't provide a place for the rat to hide (or defend) until it has lost all fear of humans. The box can be added after approximately one month of taming. Never push food or fingers through cage bars. Rats have poor vision and can make mistakes.
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Let the rat come to you. Open the door and wait by the cage. When your pet comes out, sit quietly and allow him to sniff and explore. Offer a fist, rather than fingers, to smell. Treats will encourage him to come closer. If biting occurs, put the rat back in the cage. This is like "time out" for rats.
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Try scratching the rat the way other rats would show affection: behind the ears or on the shoulders. He may run at first, but will soon realize touch is enjoyable. If you purchased an inexpensive "feeder rat," you may be the first person to touch him. Feeder rats are mass bred and more difficult to socialize than "fancy rats," which are handled by breeders almost from birth.
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Get another rat. Single rats may be more aggressive. Choose same-sex cage mates; it may be easier to introduce females. The solution to bickering and biting between male rats is dabbing a vanilla essence on their tails. According to RatsRatsRats.com, vanilla masks odors that drive aggressive behavior.
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Consult a veterinarian familiar with pet rats. Six months is the age of adolescence in rats, and aggressive males may benefit from being neutered. The procedure is not without risks, according to Woehr. Other reasons to seek professional advice are that a biting rat might be unwell, in pain or have a hormonal defect. Brain tumors occur in rats, and the kindest course of action may be euthanasia.
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Tips & Warnings
Try using a plant mister--a spray of water can discourage a rat caught in the act of biting.
Nontoxic products aimed at stopping children from thumb sucking and fingernail biting can be very unpleasant for rats. Obviously, if you paint your fingers with this stuff, you won't want to put them in your mouth either.
Be aware of the rat's body language to avoid bites. A rat who is startled out of a sound sleep is more likely to bite. Backing up with the mouth slightly open is defensive behavior that could lead to biting. Use a towel or heavy gloves to handle your pet only if necessary.
