Cage cards should not be removed from the cage to avoid misidentification of the animals. Temporary identification of individual rats can be accomplished by pen marks on the tail, hair clipping or dyeing the fur. Pen marks will only last 1-2 days whereas hair clipping may last up to 14 days. Tail and toe clipping are not recommended. Ear punch identification can be utilized but may be obliterated by fighting between individuals.
Rats typically become accustomed to repeated handling.
In a naive animal the temperament of the animal can be determined by placing the hand into the cage to allow exploration by the animal prior to touching. Initial gentle stroking of the animal followed by gradual grasping the animal will prevent startling the animal and initiating an aggressive response. Avoid approaching the animal from the front. Rats are normally lifted by grasping the whole body with the palm over the back, with forefinger behind the head and the thumb and second finger under opposite axilla. The use of both hands is often necessary for rats weighing over 350 gms.