Hi everyone!

I just got 3 rats about a week ago from a reputable breeder. They are all females from the same litter and are currently 9 weeks old. One of them is pretty okay with being handled, and is incredibly food motivated. The other two... not so much. The breeder told me that continuously handling them is key. However, whenever I even take them out of the cage they jump out of my hands and run away and hide.

It is incredibly stressful for me and them, especially since it results in me having to stalk, drive out and trap them. I voiced this concern to the breeder but the only advice she has is to "keep handling them." Obviously, I can't have this keep happening. I've been trying to give them their space for a few days, and I give them high quality treats with a tweezer through the bars but it hasn't been enough for me to build their trust.

Does anyone have any ideas? Should I just leave them be for another week or so until they acclimate? Should I trust the breeder's advice? Thanks!