Rats, especially young rats, nibble to investigate their surroundings or bond with newbies. This is normal rat behavior and you shouldn't discourage it unless they nip too hard. If that is the case, make a loud, high-pitched squeak, like another rat would do if it was hurt. This will usually help them back off. Also, be careful not to flinch if they nip. Flinching sometimes encourages them to nip harder. They need to get used to hands so offer them your hands as often as possible. If you get a wire cage, don't feed them through the wire - open one of the doors, lay your palm flat, and offer a treat that way. Passing food through the cage is another way to make them want to go after finger tips.



As for the breeding later on, you're going to want one male to a group of females. You can't have more than one male with in-season females - the males fight and possibly even hurt each other.

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