How should one handle pet rats?
Young rats can easily be picked up by grasping them around the body just behind the front legs. They may
also be picked up by grasping the tail at the base close to the body and lifting.
When handling older rats, be careful and talk so that they will relax. How the handler approaches the
animal depends a great deal on how tame the animal is. If the animal is not tame, one must go slowly, get its
attention, grasp it by the base of the tail, and lift. If further restraint is needed, the handler should take the
other hand and grasp the animal around the body just behind the front legs and restrict the movement of its
head with the thumb and forefinger.
A rat should never be grasped by the tip of the tail. In an effort to free itself, it will twist and squirm. Its tail
or the skin on the tail can break loose and be pulled off, leaving the tailbone exposed. The rat is very dexterous
and can turn and climb up its tail. Leather gloves should be used if unsure of the situation.
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