My 2 pet rats are getting upset when i take them out thier cage.?

when i first got them they were very sociable, but now when i go to pick them up they shy away, or run into thier hut. They haven't been stressed or given any less attention, but all they seem to want to do is run away from me. how come?? what can i do?? btw i dont pick them up by thier tails or anything stupid like that.My 2 pet rats are getting upset when i take them out thier cage.?
How long have you had them?





They might be 'bonding' to themselves,instead of you, which is rare, but does happen.





Is there anyone else that can be ';disrupting'; them without you knowing about it?


I don't know what else to think.





Good Luck with them! :)My 2 pet rats are getting upset when i take them out thier cage.?
There are different reasons why this might happen:





Have you chased them through the cage to get them a couple of times? If so, it might have get them scared.





Possibility two: There is something outside the cage that scared them, so they don't want to go out anymore.





Version three: It also might be the age. At around 6 months mine had a strange time, where they behaved differently. I just kept acting as usual and it dissapeared again.





Anyways, always treat them, when they come to you and give them time. Forcing them might help - or you might get bitten, depending on the character. So I would try the slow version first, as a rat bite hurts badly...


And always keep in mind - they are character animals, none like the other. So don't force them to do things they don't like (f.e. sitting still to be petted, going outside of the house - which b.t.w. is very dangerous anyways....)





Good luck with your rats!
they may be cage shy. try just opening the door to the cage but staying near and letting them come out and explore you on their own. have treats handy and let them eat them out of your hand. when they get used to that, then move on to casual touching. and remember, if you are nervous about touching them, or if you have been handling something with a strong smell(like another animal,some foods,or some poisons) they can sense these things and it will make them react. always handle your rats while calm and with clean hands.
You may need to try 'forced socialization'. Heres a great article on it.


http://www.ratfanclub.org/trust.html


The key is the 20 minutes. Many people dont believe in 'forcing' a rat to endure your company, and letting them come to you. In my experience, most rats will eventually come to you. There are some that just dont have the personality for it though. And this process really does work. Try not to skimp on the 20 minutes. It is not a mean or cruel practice, no matter the name. Try it and see if it works for you. Good luck!
have you been taking them out of their cage at least 1 every hour? my dad said that that makes them trust you and know you would not hurt them. maybe the trust bond isn't powerful enough!
maybe you havent been playing with them enough, just force them to come out and sit with you but give them treats when youre with them so they have positive reinforcement
when did you get them if they are new there maybe still getting use to u dont be worried