My new rat (Floss) is really nervous. She is a dumbo and single. She is really still in her cage even though i left her for a day and a half. I picked her up and put her on my shoulder and she seemed okay, but the next day i tried to pick her up and she bit me. I know that is unusual for rats, my last one was also a single one and she was fine, i trained her well. What should i do?

She sounds particularly nervous but don't worry about the biting, rats spook easily.
What you could do is find a place where she can run around safely and put her in it. Get a box of cereal or peas or some other ratty treats and just sit in with her. Pretend not to take too much interest in her and read a book or something, bring out some of the food and maybe even eat or pretend to eat it. Eventually the curiosity will get the better of her and she will clamber all over you! Tempt her with treats. The way to a rats heart is through its stomach. When she is comfortable with you start playing with her and she'll realize your not scary at all..And i know it doesn't seem great. But even a few drops of pee can be a good sign because rats only scent a place that feels safe.

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Good luck!

Owned by Ratty
Previous owners, pepsi, cola, hermionie, peaches, sara and clara. <3

Rats always do better in pairs. It typically will even keep them from getting overly nervous in new homes. While rats don't usually bite, if one if scared or nervous it will. Its just instinct.

I highly advise getting a cagemate, even if your past rat did not have one. She may have done fine, but all rats are much happier with friends. Afterall, you can't snuggle, wrestle, groom, and play with her in her cage. I know from watching my two males, and the single female I adopted (and is too aggressive and old to get a cagemate for).. The males are much happier and active.

But heres a couple articles for adjusting her to her new home and to you:
http://www.suite101.com/article.cfm/pet_…
http://www.ratfanclub.org/trust.html