How To Pick Up And Handle Your Rat(s)

I've seen quite a few videos on how to pick up rats and other rodents, so I thought I'd make my own. Two of the methods demonstrated in this video (scruffing and holding by the base of the tail) aren't really suitable for everyday pet use, but I included them just for demonstration. And as for Cream, while she really disliked those two methods, she's gotten used to just about every type of handling so it didn't phase her too much. I'm actually super proud of her, as of late she's been getting more confident around so many things, including the iPad which she used to greatly fear.

Anyway, enjoy!

Music:
Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License

[audreythesquid_]

A vet picked my rat up by the scruff and I didn’t know that was a thing and I was low-key horrified

[RAWBIN]

When I pick up- *picked* up my rats in the "grip" method, I usually showed my rats that my hand was there and that I was going to pick them up, and therefor I could do it that way even in the beginning! Just a tip.

[turnipper]

I do this weird one handed scoop, i just gently slide my hand under them and pick them up. They absolutely hate it when their back legs dangle free, and don't love the two hand scoop either, and with that i just figured out the best method for my rats.

[loeuf]

My rats hate being picked up. I think they are tame because they climb out of the cage onto me, and they are also happy to climb on my hand, but the second I move my hand, they scurry off. I do the scoop method, and I might try the claw one though. I was also wondering if the claw method hurt them. Thanks!

[OfishlNQOC]

Your ratties are so adorable. I sadly have to give my 3 girls away since I can't take them where I'm moving. I'm so sad :( but I think watching your little ones will make me feel a little better :)

[grobngames]

1:00 my rat started screaming and clawing me and crying and wanting his friend and is panicking like hes gonna die

[Eternatease]

When you have a new or scared rat you could also try the carrier method. Use a box or tube to let the rat climb into in the cage and then reward them (or put a treat in the box or tube in advance). Some rats find this method safer or easier than coming to you and climb onto your hands. You can then put the tube/box next to you on where you are going to be sitting and then wait until the rat comes to explore the new surroundings. After a while the rat may feel safer, climb onto your lap and even lets you cuddle or touch him/her.

[davej]

I like the "forklift" method - from the front, underneath with palm up, fingers on either side of their hind legs and lift them up in your palm. usually they'll quickly pull their hind legs up and stand on my hand, but some rats will just be perfectly happy on their bellies with their hind feet dangling

[WatchtheWaters]

Really great advice!! Thank you. What treats do you give your rats? I’m finding my boys to be a pick picky with food.

[SpellboundWolf]

Thank you! Good girl, Cream for being a lovely assistant.

[dammitamber]

Part of the tail falls off! Ahhhh this sent horror through my very soul!

[mistymcdaniel]

I’m getting rats when I the cage comes in (Monday) I’m mentally preparing myself... :3

[lizzie]

My rats are fine with pretty much everything, it makes me kind of concerned 😂

[sharpiefinepoint]

What kind of treats were you feeding them in this video? Any other treat recommendations would be great. I just got my first rat today. I know this is an older video but it's very helpful.

[stevemoon]

What exactly did mean when you said Cream was puffy? I know you could tell she was unhappy, but how? Thanks. 🐀

[Minto]

Hello little girls! I've always loved your channel shadow, your such an inspiration.

[ellenlutwak]

So helpful. She is probably lonely too. Her cage mate died and we haven’t gotten a new mate. We’re actually allergic to the critters.

[jaynepowderhill]

I once picked up a feral rat that almost drowned in my garden pond; I used the base of the tail as I was scared stiff she would bite me, but she didn't!

[unholysaintx]

She is so cute. Also wat if they keep trying to jump off your hands?

[kirstydickinson]

Loved this video, what treat did you use?