My boyfriend and I have just brought two rats, they are both about 6 months old. One belonged to a little girl and was looked after well, but had to be given up because the mum was allergic. Since we got this one home, we have noticed that she is almost always squeeking and kind of wheezing, most of the time it is rhythm with her breathing, and other times it sounds almost like a whimpering. Is this a sign of a bigger problem? The other rat isn't very good at being handled, we have only been able to get her out of the cage once in the 3 days we've had her, and then she went straight to hide and almost fell down the side of the bed. Whenever we try to pick her up she will just jump out of her hands, but she is absolutely fine when either of us have are arm in the cage and just gently stroke her. What can we do to help her become used to being touched and held? We brought them from the same pet store where they lived in the same cage, they are perfectlly happy in eachothers company and curl up together when they sleep. Please help! We love our girls so much.

Whimpering seems to be a normal rat sound, my ones sometimes sound like puppies or chicks and often make a whimpery burble sound when they are content. Wheezing isn't good however. Rats are prone to lung problems so if you can find a vet that will look at her I'd take her.

Squeeking is a distress noise- like if you pick them up and they don't want to be, or they are having a fight.

As for being handled, you just need time. Try picking her up and then placing her back in the cage- that way you are returing her to a place of safety. From my two and others my frineds have had it seems rare that rats enjoy being picked up- they prefer to climb on you. But just keep trying and she will learn to tolerate it.

You haven't had them that long, it took my pair of a simialr age about a fortnight to completely warm to us. We had a lot of fear 'accidents' but persistence paid off and now they will rush up to see me and come out for a play.

It is normal for rats to make whimpering sounds. It's something they do. Also, rats usually don't come right up to you and feel welcome. Give them about a week to just settle and get used to things. Also, after about 2 weeks, if she hasn't got attached to you, be patient and do this: Place your hand in the cage and stroke her. After awhile, rub her on the belly. Then slowly pick her up. If she doesn't stay in your hands, repeat the process. Sometimes this takes a few days..