Handling and Restraint

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As stated above, domestic mice and rats generally tolerate

gentle handling, though both may bite if startled or handled

roughly.  Mice are more likely to bite than rats under these

circumstances.  In fact, mice housed alone are more likely to be

aggressive with a handler than those housed in groups.  Cage

territoriality (possessiveness) may be exhibited by some pet

rats.  We have encountered a large number of pet rats, normally

docile in nature, that attack the fingers or hands of a handler

opening and entering its enclosure.  This aggressive behavior is

not noted when attempts to pick up these rats are made outside of

their enclosures.



It is customary to pick up a pet mouse by gently lifting it up by

the tail and placing it into a cupped hand.  If a more secure

hold is necessary (giving medications or food orally), the

handler may grasp or pinch as much skin as possible over the

neck, just behind the head.  The mouse can then be picked up and

turned over on its back by rotating the wrist.  The tail can be

restrained by gently grasping it between the fourth (ring) and

fifth (pinkie) fingers of the same hand.



Rats can be lifted by their tails, but great caution must be

exercised in doing so.  The skin of a rat's tail can easily tear,

so it is best to grasp only the base of the tail.  Furthermore,

suspending the entire weight of a rat by its tail is, no doubt,

painful for the rat.  Therefore, this practice should be only

momentary.  Tail-lifting a rat that is grasping a fabric (wire

mesh, etc.) may injure the tail and may also break or tear the

toenails.



The best way to pick up a pet rat is to place one hand over the

back, just behind the head, gently grasp it around the ribcage,

and lift it upward.  The rat can then be gently cradled against

the handler's body, using minimal restraint.



Potentially aggressive or known vicious rats and mice can be

captured and restrained using gloves and smalls towels to protect

the hands of the handler.  Cage-aggressive rodents should be

allowed to come out of their enclosure before an attempt is made

to pick them up.