There are several things you should know before trying to hold or cuddle a gerbil. Gerbils are prey animals, and they view larger creatures as predators. Holding a gerbil is perfectly safe if done properly, but it is important to remember that they may jump off your hand if they feel threatened. If you have trouble holding a gerbil, you can seek professional help from an experienced gerbil keeper.
Avoid picking up a baby gerbil
Gerbils can be very delicate, so it’s best to avoid picking up a baby if it doesn’t have a fine coat of fur. The scents that humans produce can disturb the mother, and touching the baby can result in the mother neglecting the pup. Handling the pups after the first week will help them become domesticated and used to human scent. Just remember to watch for signs of malnutrition, like bald patches on the fur or a smaller size.
You should try to keep gerbils in pairs instead of in groups, as this can cause declanching and fights. Also, try to separate pups into same-sex pairs by nine weeks of age, as this is when gerbils reach sexual maturity. While it’s possible to adopt one from a shelter, you should still consider fostering a baby gerbil instead of picking it up.
Avoid holding adult gerbils
If you want to avoid getting bit by an adult gerbil, you have to understand how painful a bite can be. Gerbils like to live in groups, often consisting of a pair of offspring. Sometimes they will fight with each other for dominance or hierarchy. This can get very serious, and you may end up getting bitten yourself. Gerbils bite with very deep teeth and are likely to growl, squirm, or bite again.
It is also important to understand why gerbils drum. This noise is meant to act as a warning to other gerbils. The sound is also very loud, and you should avoid letting your gerbil see this sound. This is because gerbils have no concept of cause and effect, and it may trigger some sort of fear response in them. Keeping in mind this behaviour is one way to ensure that your gerbil will remain calm, but it is also important to remember to make your handling gentle and quiet.
Avoid petting unfriendly gerbils
When petting a gerbil, be aware that some gerbils aren’t so friendly. Gerbils are often aggressive, especially when they are not familiar with you or are larger than you. They don’t like to be handled too much, so avoid squeezing or talking loudly while handling them. If you have the wrong impression, gerbils may bite you. It doesn’t always hurt, but the bite can be painful and may result in a rash.
When trying to handle your new pet, be gentle. Gerbils don’t like to be handled directly, so keep your distance. Gently push the gerbil’s nose to disengage the bite. If a gerbil bites you, gently press the gerbil’s nose to dislodge it. Make sure you don’t put too much pressure on it, or it might get hurt.
Avoid holding gerbils during mating ritual
Gerbils come into season at about four months of age, though a younger female may reach sexual maturity sooner. Males will mating repeatedly for about two to three days, and the females will not show signs of pregnancy until about a week before the pups are due. Mating will be noisy and involves a lot of chasing around. If you want to avoid disturbing the mating ritual, it’s best to stay out of the room.
Male and female gerbils are highly compatible as adults. They will defend their territory together and attack any intruders. They may even start reproducing again the same day they give birth to their offspring. But, if you’re unsure, it’s best not to handle the gerbils while they’re mating. If you do have the chance to observe mating, it’s completely worth it.
Avoid holding gerbils during feeding time
The first thing you should do when you see your baby gerbil is to avoid holding it! While most of them are perfectly tame, some may be more nervous than others. Try not to grab them by the tail or feet! Also, avoid holding your gerbils when they are sleeping, weaning or just after giving birth. If possible, make sure that you gerbil proof the room before taking them out of the tank. For more information on holding a gerbil, watch Erin’s video below.
Another important tip to remember when holding a gerbil is to remember that they like to be held! Try not to force them to do something they do not enjoy, such as holding their food. This can negatively impact your bonding with them. Instead, avoid touching them for a few minutes. This way, you can gradually introduce them to touching you, which will make them feel more comfortable. When you introduce a gerbil to your hand, begin by placing it gently in their tank and letting it get used to the touch.
Avoid holding gerbils while they are fighting
Gerbils fight for a variety of reasons, and if you are holding them together, try not to get involved. While it is common for gerbils to fight with each other, this can result in a serious bite. Moreover, when gerbils are fighting, they often make high-pitched sounds. If you notice a sharp squeak from one gerbil, it is most likely that it is in pain and is hurt.
While gerbils may fight during playtime, it is important to remember that they are not the same species and fighting is not a good idea. While playfighting may be harmless and fun, it is also dangerous. Real fighting may result in injury or even death. This is why it is important to keep gerbils separate as soon as possible. Play fighting is normal for gerbils, and is often a sign of a stable clan.
