Human-Rat Research
Rats find initial interactions with humans frightening, which leads to negative affect, poor welfare, and difficult handling. Rat tickling is a technique that mimics rat rough-and-tumble play to reduce fear and improve welfare. During tickling, rats produce 50-kilohertz ultrasonic vocalizations indicative of positive affect. Some rats consistently vocalize more (high-callers) and react differently to novelty than rats that vocalize less (low-callers). Additionally, anecdotal information suggests that humans may benefit from tickling rats; yet this assertion has not been empirically validated. My research seeks to investigate the effects of rat tickling on rats and people. Overall, our results suggest that tickling rats, particularly high-callers, can improve some human-rat interactions and rat welfare.
Interested in learning how to tickle a rat? Check out my "How to Tickle a Rat" page or contact me to arrange a hands-on workshop!
Interested in learning how to tickle a rat? Check out my "How to Tickle a Rat" page or contact me to arrange a hands-on workshop!
In my research I seek to answer the following questions:
What previous research has been done on rat tickling and what did these researchers find?
There have been over 56 experiments previously done with rat tickling. These researchers have found many positive results of tickling rats and identified factors to keep in mind when tickling rats. Read my Systematic Review of Rat Tickling for more information.
Can tickling be beneficial for pet store rats, employees, customers, and new rat owners?
Yes, rat tickling may be beneficial for pet store rats and have moderate possible benefits for humans as well.
See my publications in Applied Animal Behavior Science (rat results) and Anthrozoos (human results)
What is the best way to tickle rats?
We recommend using a method to alternate dorsal contacts and pins in order to mimi aspects of rat rough-and-tumble play.
Watch our method in the Journal of Visualized Experiments
What is the most effective, yet efficient tickling protocol?
In short, 15 seconds for 3 days is more efficient and effective. See my publication in Applied Animal Behavior Science.
What are the barriers to using rat tickling in research laboratories?
Limited time available, beliefs about the benefits of rat tickling, training
Can targeted training help change beliefs & increase rat tickling implementation?
Research is in progress!
What previous research has been done on rat tickling and what did these researchers find?
There have been over 56 experiments previously done with rat tickling. These researchers have found many positive results of tickling rats and identified factors to keep in mind when tickling rats. Read my Systematic Review of Rat Tickling for more information.
Can tickling be beneficial for pet store rats, employees, customers, and new rat owners?
Yes, rat tickling may be beneficial for pet store rats and have moderate possible benefits for humans as well.
See my publications in Applied Animal Behavior Science (rat results) and Anthrozoos (human results)
What is the best way to tickle rats?
We recommend using a method to alternate dorsal contacts and pins in order to mimi aspects of rat rough-and-tumble play.
Watch our method in the Journal of Visualized Experiments
What is the most effective, yet efficient tickling protocol?
In short, 15 seconds for 3 days is more efficient and effective. See my publication in Applied Animal Behavior Science.
What are the barriers to using rat tickling in research laboratories?
Limited time available, beliefs about the benefits of rat tickling, training
Can targeted training help change beliefs & increase rat tickling implementation?
Research is in progress!