I got two pet rats about a month ago tomorrow and one of them was pregnant when we got her (whoops) and because she didn't warm up to me before she had the babies she bites me whenever I go near HER she doesn't care if I go near the babies (there about 4 weeks old and soooo cute) but she bites if I get too close to her. I could be taking their food to re-fill it or putting in a toy and if I accidentally get too close she will bite me. I was hoping that when the babies get old with eyes open, hair and roaming around the cage she would stop but she hasn't. There is talk in my family about giving her away but I would like to know if there is anything I can do the make her stop.

Also what age can the multiply and what age can they be separated because I have seen sooo many things online that I don't know what is true pets question and answers,www.5d2d.com

thanks

You can start taking the rats away from their mom as soon as they start eating on their own!

my life

Biting is common with some does. I read your other questions so know you just got this rat, and she came to you already pregnant. I also know this is the FIRST time you asked this question. Since you have not had the doe very long, she is still not too familiar with you and is merely protecting her pups. She will likely continue to nip until they are weaned. The following two links go into detail:

http://www.quite.co.uk/rats/#Biting and nipping
(scroll to Biting and Nipping)

http://ratguide.com/breeding/postpartum/…

The age the babies start weaning is at about 2 weeks when their eyes open. They will be fully weaned between 4 to 5 weeks. Females CAN get impregnated by their brothers. Males become sexually mature after 5 weeks old, so you might want to separate the genders at this time. For more details, please see the following two links: pets question and answers,www.5d2d.com

http://www.quite.co.uk/rats/#Growth and Lifespan
(scroll to Growth and Lifespan)

http://ratguide.com/breeding/breeding/br…

For now just be patient and give the mother a little more time. She is not biting you to be hostile, but is watching out for her pups. Once the babies are older and re-homed, you can get to know the doe better and tame her the way you would have had this unexpected pregnancy not interfered.

All the best to all of you. I hope the babies thrive and you can find loving homes for them.

Pleases ignore the person who suggested killing the female. He/she is an idiot, and a cruel one at that.

As you've said, the problem is that you didn't bond before she gave birth. Now you are pretty much back to square one, but don't worry, she can stll get used to you at this point. pets question and answers,www.5d2d.com

Try offering her treats, though not through the cage bars. You need to put your hand in the cage to do this. She needs to learn to associate your hand with good things. However, don't crowd her. Just hold your hand out, not so close that she feels threatened, with a treat on the tips of your fingers. A treat she needs to lick, like cream cheese, may be a good start here. Gradually move your hand further away until she has to climb out of the cage to get it. Eventually, don't give her the treat until she will let you gently touch her with the other hand. Don't stroke her at this stage, just gently touch and then remove your hand. Gradually increase the contact time. Keep doing this sort of thing. It's going to take a long time - bitey rats have usually been badly socialised previously. Patience and love are key. Don't give up hope on getting a loving rat out of this. :) Make sure you always give her a break to hide and regain confidence between each of these encounters. You don't want to stress her out. pets question and answers,www.5d2d.com

As a tip - when you come to remove the babies (you'll need to seperate the males from the females at five weeks or the boys will impregnate their sisters pronto), leave the girls with the mother. When you come to sell or give away some of the girls, keep one or two as companions for their mother. Another rat, especially a well-handled, well socialised one, will help her not to fear you and encourage her to interact with you. That's why she is biting - she's scared of you.

Hope I helped. Feel free to email me with any further problems or questions. :)

Owned by four rats.