Well, again, it's a personal preferences but here are the pros and cons.



Pros:



- Benefits the rat, who thrives on interaction with others (depending upon whether or not happy rats are a priority),

- Rats that trust humans are less likely to bite in defense (I've found that rats are extremely easygoing and rarely bite if properly cared for),

- Nursing mothers may be more inclined to let you handle her babies (I never had an aggressive mother, even ones who were totally new to my colony),



Cons:



- If you're like me, you'll get attached to your feeders (BAD!),

- Takes extra time out of your day to play and interact with animals who are used solely for food.



If you decide to start handling her, don't push it. Rats are prey animals and will behave as such if a presumed predator is coming after them. You can just change her food and water, put your hand in her cage and let her investigate (rats are very curious), and throw in treats. Even if she doesn't eat them until you leave, she'll realize your presence = good things.

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