# data[].attributes.body
Before restraining, place the rat in the non-slick and smooth surface such as wire cage or the top lid. This will help to calm them down when they have better footing.

# data[].attributes.body
By using the non-dominant hand, grasp the rat at the base of tail with thumb and index finger and lift. Do not pick them up by the tip of the tail.

Support the body weight at all time and do not dangle the rat by the tail.

Place the rat on the arm of lab coat to let them relax and calm down

# data[].attributes.headline
Waittt! You must get to know about me first 

# data[].attributes.subject
Waittt! You must get to know about me first 

# data[].attributes.body
Hi, my name is
Rattus  norvegicus
I’m not a typical rats, I am a laboratory animals used for research purposes such as in medicine, nutritional and other field of research.

Im coated with white fur and having two pairs of red eyes. That’s because I am an Albino rat.

# data[].attributes.headline
Despite of that, Im still sharing the same features and behaviours to the typical rats

# data[].attributes.subject
Despite of that, Im still sharing the same features and behaviours to the typical rats

# data[].attributes.body
Rats are social creatures and need the company of other rats. They use their sense of smell to recognise others, finding out about where they've been and what they've been doing.

# data[].attributes.body
Rats are typically a nocturnal, which mostly active during night time. The ability to perceive colour would not be a useful advantage.

# data[].attributes.headline
Rats whiskers are more sensitive than human fingertips 

# data[].attributes.subject
Rats whiskers are more sensitive than human fingertips 

# data[].attributes.body
They brush their whiskers against objects on the floor, helping them to imagine the environment

# data[].attributes.body
These are my friends. A very far friends. We are in the same Order for scientific classification which known as Rodentia.

Rats are medium-sized rodents with a long-tailed.

# data[].attributes.headline
The purposes of handling and restraint of animals

# data[].attributes.subject
The purposes of handling and restraint of animals

# data[].attributes.body
Removal from cage and transport the animals from place of danger to place of safety

For routine body check up. Observe for abnormal features of the rats before and after the experiments.

Administration of aid to animals if needed

Performing procedures to animals while avoiding stress to them

# data[].attributes.body
Rats are docile, curious, fast learner and develop bond with human than mice do

Usually when a proper and gentle handling method is applied to them, they will easily cooperate with us. This is because rats are less aggressive, except for Fisher 344.

However, when the improper handling and restraining techniques are applied, they tend to be stressful and fractious, thus can inflict painful bites.

The best method must be chosen, further training and adjustment of handling techniques must be done until they have learned that handling is not a threat.

Before anything else, we should ensure that the rats are awake before proceed to the handling and restraint. Rats will bite you if they are startled

# data[].attributes.headline
What will happen if you do not handle and restrain them properly?

# data[].attributes.subject
What will happen if you do not handle and restrain them properly?

# data[].attributes.body
1. You will get bitten by them because they feel threatened

2. They become stress and will not cooperate with you

3. When they distress, you will need to hold on your procedures and monitor them until they recover

# data[].attributes.body
This restraining method is only applied on the young rats which less than 3 months old.

Adult rats must not be lifted by their tail. Picking up an adult rat in tail is stressful and anxious to them.
If not, it can result in a degloving injury.
Degloving is a defense mechanism in rats which will be shown when they feel threatened.

# data[].attributes.attachment_caption
Degloving: stripping off the skin of tail

# data[].attributes.body
This handling technique is used for a bit aggressive rats or rats that you are not familiar with.

However, we should not suspend them by the tail for a long period of time because they will feelpain and the tail will damage

This handling method is suitable for:

1. Transporting the rats into new cage

2. Simple procedures with short time duration

# data[].attributes.body
1. By using the non-dominant hand, grab the base of the tail with the thumb and index finger to avoid the rat from running away.

2. With the dominant hand, place the head of the rat between your index and middle finger.

3. Place the remaining finger (thumb, ring and pinky finger) to support the chest behind the forelegs.

4. The non-dominant hand should stay grabbing the base of the tail to support the body weight of the rat

# data[].attributes.attachment_caption
The placement of fingers around the rat’s body 

# data[].attributes.body
The placement of fingers around the thorax is for the body support. Do not squeeze the thorax as it will suffocate the rat

# data[].attributes.body
This method restrict the head movement while allowing accessing to the facial area.

Thus it is used for:
Longer duration of procedures

# data[].attributes.body
Unlike hamsters and mice, rats are not preferable and resent being scruffed. They do not have as much loose skin in and around the shoulder as compared to the mice and hamsters.

They will feel pain and stressed. When this happen, they tend to bite

# data[].attributes.body
However, some procedures need to have accessible to one hand during the procedure, thus scruffing method need to be used.

Despite that, mostly they will use small and docile rats

# data[].attributes.body
1. With the non-dominant hand, the base of the tail is grabbed with the thumb and index finger to prevent the rat run away

2. Using the other hand, the palm is placed on the rat’s back

3. The thumb along with other fingers gather the loose skin around the neck.

4. Make sure that you do not grasp too tight as it will compromise the breathing of the rat

5. The thumb and index finger used to stabilise the head while the remaining fingers is used to stabilise the trunk

# data[].attributes.headline
Restraint using the Plexiglas restraint tube

# data[].attributes.subject
Restraint using the Plexiglas restraint tube

# data[].attributes.body
1. Use the Two Hand Restraint Technique to transport the rat out of its cage.

2. Release while still minimally hold on the body of the rats to let it enter the tube. Still maintaining grasp on the tail.

3. Place the securing block inside the appropriate slot

4. Observe for the breathing of the rat. Rats can be suffocated if the tube is too small or too tight

# data[].attributes.attachment_caption
Rat tail Intravenous Injection, Prof. Sawsan Aboul-Fotouh

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Rat tail Intravenous Injection, Prof. Sawsan Aboul-Fotouh

# data[].attributes.body
Ades, E. (2010, August 27). Restraint Techniques for Animals. Jhu.edu. https://web.jhu.edu/animalcare/procedures/restraint.html

Chapel Hill, U. (2022). UNC-Division of Comparative Medicine (DCM) Basic RAT Handling and Technique Guide2. https://research.unc.edu/

Bell. (2017). Handling and Restraint of Rats. https://www.orrchoward.com/Handling_and_Restraint_of_Rats.pdf

Degloving Injury – Rat Guide. (2003, June 30). Ratguide.com.

10 facts about rats - Animals | National Geographic Kids. (2020, January 24). National Geographic Kids. https://www.natgeokids.com/uk/discover/animals/general-animals/facts-about-rats/