Befriending Your Rats:
The Desensitisation Method
Isamu Rats has detailed two methods in the past: the patience and confidence methods. I’ve always been a massive fan of a hybrid of these methods, which I’ve dubbed the ‘desensitisation’ method. This approach gives the rat space to make their own choices, while encouraging them and showing them that interacting with you is something to be enjoyed while fostering confidence. Some rats will move through this process very quickly, but others will take more time. Either way, always end each handling session on a positive note.
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​Before beginning, ensure that your set-up doesn’t have enclosed spaces that you can’t open up. For example, a section of a cardboard box instead of a coconut hide. If you’re feeling unsure, pop their set-up inside a playpen or similar so that they’re easier to catch if they escape. You can also use the small playpen to encourage them to explore safely and interact with you. Have treats at the ready - malt paste and cheesy pasta baby food are my go-tos.
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1. Have the door to the cage open, and provide treats next to where the rat is. Provide the treats on a spoon first until you’re sure that they know to lick the treats and not use their teeth. Be close enough for them to be tempted, but not so close that they feel the need to move. Eventually, they will feel comfortable enough to take the treat and get a taste for it.
2. Gradually move further and further away from the rat towards the door. They may run off at times when they go over their threshold and become scared, but be patient and wait, or move back a step to rebuild their confidence.
3. Once the rat comes to the door for treats, slowly move then wiggle your fingers so that they get used to some form of movement. Gradually build this up until you can wiggle your fingers a lot without spooking them, and stroke underneath them while they eat malt paste off your hand.
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4. As the rat gets used to movement, slowly move your other hand into the cage. This may spook them, but as with the previous step, be patient or move up a stage more gradually to build their confidence. Eventually, you’ll be able to provide treats with one hand, and happily move your other hand in the space around the rat.
5. Start working up to stroking the length of their body and having your fingers around them.
6. Pick them up under the armpits securely, and place them straight back down. Once they’re happy with that, pick them up and move them a short distance before putting them down, then encourage them back towards you. This teaches them that being picked up is not a big deal, and to seek you out.
7. Carry on building up from here until they’re happy being held for longer and happy spending time with you.
8. In the end, you should have a rat that will seek you out and will be happy to be handled.
9. Once you're happy that you can handle your rat adequately (you may need to handle them more forcefully at times to remove them so you can clean them out), introduce them to your existing rats. Confident older rats are also great role models for shy and/or young rats.