Why does my rat squeak and/or run off when I pick her up?
-Not much handling
-One of the parents, or two or more ancestors were squeaky
-"Low rat on the totem pole"-syndrome. Lowest ranking animals in a group, due to being chased by the others, will diminish their confidence and create an introverted or fearful nature. Although it takes a month or more, integrating them with other low ranking rats will gradually soothe their anxiety and bring out their real personality. Alpha rats are almost never squeaky, unless their dominance stems from aggression.
-Generalized (free-floating) anxiety from factors like their cage being positioned too low to the ground, presence of other pets / predator species, fear of kids, pain, difficulty breathing, kidney issues, a recent trauma or separation,
- Hormones (The rat is in heat). A female rat in heat may squeal when approached, much as a mare (female horse)
-Afraid of heights (particularly if she likes being petted inside the cage)
-High spirits - especially when young, baby rats often dislike being held as much as kids do. High spirited rats become friendlier when they're feeling hot, or if hungry, hence the saying "A hungry animal i a friendly animal"
-Not much handling
-One of the parents, or two or more ancestors were squeaky
-"Low rat on the totem pole"-syndrome. Lowest ranking animals in a group, due to being chased by the others, will diminish their confidence and create an introverted or fearful nature. Although it takes a month or more, integrating them with other low ranking rats will gradually soothe their anxiety and bring out their real personality. Alpha rats are almost never squeaky, unless their dominance stems from aggression.
-Generalized (free-floating) anxiety from factors like their cage being positioned too low to the ground, presence of other pets / predator species, fear of kids, pain, difficulty breathing, kidney issues, a recent trauma or separation,
- Hormones (The rat is in heat). A female rat in heat may squeal when approached, much as a mare (female horse)
-Afraid of heights (particularly if she likes being petted inside the cage)
-High spirits - especially when young, baby rats often dislike being held as much as kids do. High spirited rats become friendlier when they're feeling hot, or if hungry, hence the saying "A hungry animal i a friendly animal"