RatLandia Rattery

RatLandia

RatLandia is working on a rat handling video and pre-thesis prep for "Space Rats: The Legend of RatLandia" now!

Enjoy our little still photo rat story! RAT NOIR

		Little rats are always happy to meet you at the cage door to see if you have a treat!
Babies are handled from early on right alongside mom!
		By weaning day they do pretty good in hand but still have lots to learn. We work to provide basic training during their early impressionable time.
Lots of things need to be learned before going to new pet homes.
Attention! Very important, especially if your rat gets loose. If he knows this trick he'll focus and it will help you catch him without treats. Treats aren't a problem, just not always right at hand when you need them the most.
		Halt! When a hand is placed on their backs they need to hold still. Your vet will appreciate this very much, as will you if you ever have to medicate or tend an injury!
If somebody is a little nervous a good buddy may come along for the first few handlings.
		No Bite! Best to train that fingers aren't food early on when it doesn't hurt so much! When they nibble say "Ow!" and shake your finger a little so they stop. Technically Mellissa has been bit at least a 1000 times if you count these first time toothy tests. Sure does cut down on the real deal later in life if this training has been done.
Stay! Usually the first thing learned at RatLandia is to stay put. This is a focusing technique that also teaches patience and be calm. It is important to keep them in hand until they stop moving, then let them down on your time. Don't squeeze or restrain them, they need to run hand to hand until they halt. Some overhand guidance helps but don't overdo it or you'll scare them.
When they are a little older new stuff can be worked on. Our list of tricks is limited in this new website section but we will be adding more as we progress.
		Capture Foot This is another vet-respected technique that helps to calm down young rats and also helps to support their backs. Very handy, just don't squeeze!
Freeze! Not exactly sure how to teach this trick yet but it sure is cool when they do this rigid thing. I was able to position RatLandia Resident RATL Georgina however I wanted. It is like a trance state or something. Not fear! None of what we do is done by domination or deprivation. They don't go without food or water, but do work quite well for anything better than the already have!