New rat with a biting problem?

Question

So we already have 3 little girl rats who are the loveliest things ever and they are just amazing and we owned rats before this, but recently we went into a pet shop, where there was this large male who needed rehoming or he was going to be used as snake food, so we saved him, and we were told he was used to being on his own his whole life, so we were like okay we will buy another cage, and then he also has a greasy coat, and when we got him out at home he bit my mam viciously, as in he was fine, then he walked up to her, grabbed with his paws and bit her, he drew a lot of blood and then today he did the same to me, totally unprovoked, and I'm unsure what to do now, if he carries on biting we can't keep him, but there's a shelter he could go too, that wouldn't use him for snake food, I need some advice x

Natalie · Accepted Answer

If hea used to being alone he is most likely not used to human interaction as well. Keep working with him slowly and be persistant. It will take alot of work. Dont give him to the shelter because its to muh work for you. They most likely wont be able to find a good home for him because most people are not willing to put in the effort
Best of luck

XPrincess_AuroraX · Answer

He may have been ill treated so may not like people, Have you had him looked at by a vet he may have a problem which is causing him pain? Also if he is not used to people, try stroking him with a toothbrush to see if he grabs that and bites it, This is how we did it in the rescue shelter to tame them. If he has lived in a pet shop for a long time he will take a while to get use to a new routine, In a pet shop they only touch them when some1 wants to look at him to buy him or when they clean him out so its a big change to being taken out to be played with. If you do dare pick him up still always rub your hands in his bedding to get his scent on you.

? · Answer

He might have had past issues ,my rat was like this too when I first got him you just need him to settle in first he is probably frightened ,try and give him lots of love he will come around just be patient, although mine wasn't this bad so i'm not sure.

Anonymous · Answer

U have to be carefull when u hadle him how long have u had him? Let him settle in his new cage then after a while get him out and put him on ur bed so he can smell ur secent

New rat with a biting problem?

4 Answers