If they’re asleep, forget it, they don’t want to be disturbed. BUT, if they’re awake – it’s playtime!
Gerbils are a bit shy so they’ll need to get to know you first. Always handle them gently and don’t make any sudden movements. They’ll soon learn to trust you and then you’ll see just how friendly and nosy Gerbils really are! Gerbils are very sociable animals and get lonely and unhappy if they are kept on their own.
Exercise
It is extremely important that your Gerbil has the opportunity to exercise every day. Your Gerbil will love running around and playing; provide play things such as toilet roll tubes, flower pots, cardboard egg boxes and pieces of safe wood, such as hazel or apple wood, that they can climb on – and gnaw! Piles of twigs (natural wood – willow, beech, hazel or apple) make platforms for them to explore or rest under. Gerbils will chew the wood and this will help keep their teeth in trim! By hiding food and the occasional treat in cardboard toilet roll tubes, in empty yoghurt pots, or in different areas of the animal’s enclosure, your Gerbil will be forced to hunt for its food – this will keep it occupied for many happy hours and help prevent boredom.
Handling Your Gerbil
To ensure that your Gerbil becomes tame and affectionate it is important that you handle it frequently and correctly. Picking up a Gerbil incorrectly could lead it being permanently frightened and may lead to it becoming aggressive. Remember that most small animals are prey in the wild. So, if approached from above they’ll see a large shadow and become scared. They might run and hide or try to attack you.
The best way to pick up your Gerbil is to talk to it as you approach – on the same level. Crouch and let it come to you, presenting the back of your hand for it to sniff. If your Gerbil is confident and appears interested, slowly unclench your fist and offer your palm. It may well crawl on to your hand or you can gently scoop it up. Cup your Gerbil in the palms of your two hands to ensure that it is safe and won’t be dropped. Lift slowly – picking up too quickly would be the equivalent of going up the Empire State Building in 3 seconds! To ensure it is safe at all times you should hold it over your lap or close to your chest. Always talk to your Gerbil to calm and reassure it. A small treat once it is out will make it happy as well.
