The new addition

[leggomypleco]

http://www.aquaticcommunity.com/fishpictures/data/500/thumbs/securedownload_19_.jpg (http://www.aquaticcommunity.com/fishpictures/showphoto.php?photo=12861)
Any one have any tips on socializing rats Im a first time owner the male which is on my shoulder seems relay nice we spent hours together when he first arrived . But the young female is scared and wont allow me to handle her.

[Little Embers]

Lovely pic.!

I would just take your time and gradually get her used to your scent first by placing your hand (4-5 times a day) near her for a while and have treats handy. Even if they don't like it, it is best to pick them up as often as possible (even if it is just for a mlin. or two each time) so they get used to it, and always speak gently/calmly to her and don't make sudden movements. She will become very attached and unafraid of you in time.

[leggomypleco]

thanx embers im somewhat baffled to how nice my male is I had the felling he missed me when I was away at work and when i came home he rushed to the front of the cage to greet me is this normal or am i just being a geek? and are male nicer than females or are they about the same?

[Northernguy]

I have nevr owned a rat but I do know that the males are bleived to be more social than the females.It could be that they are a little different there as well.They can't all act the same.lol
He looks pretty cool!

[Gayle]

Rats are very affectionate!!! I have no doubt that he missed you when you were gone!!! As far as the female you willjust have to take your time with her, give her treats, pick her up, pet her every chance you get. She has to see that you will not hurt her and as soon as she sees that she will love the attention from you!!!!

Now if you have both the male and female in the same cage she may not ever "calm down". If he is trying to mate with her she will be harassed to no end and to her you will be just another pest. Like she can never get a break. You do realize that they mate non stop!! 24 hours after she gives birth she can get prego again. That is not only stressful for her, but very bad for her health!!!!

[chel]

I'm a fairly new rat owner myself ... and my boy has always been very affectionate and the girls are a bit more skittish. One thing that I found works really well is to set up a screened in area where you can sit with the girl and just let her run around and explore ... it's a confined area so she can't go far but it lets her come to you on her own terms. I started with a variety of treats (frozen peas, cheerios, apple, lettuce) to get a better sense of what she likes and doesn't like. For the screen -- I just have a bunch of extra screens that go on our windows and I tape 4-5 of them together. My girls also really like their exercise wheel. Good luck and welcome to rat ownership!!thumbs2:

[Rue]

I never had a female rat. The three I owned were all males.

But I imagine you just need to take your time. Offer treats. She'll probably come around in time.

But do keep in mind...not every animal will be friendly. If she turns out not to be friendly, you can still have fun with her...but it will have to be a little different than the relationship you have with your male.