Gerbil Taming

[Becca]

So our gerbil is not very friendly and I want to tame her so i can pick her up and stuff - any tips?

 

[delusional]

Two words - sunflower seeds.

Hold your hand in the tank, and hold it still. Let her come over and investigate you. If you don't seem like a threat she is unlikely to just bite you. If she nips, give a short blow in her face and she will soon learn not to nip or bite.

As she becomes more friendly, you can place your hand palm up and put some sunflower seeds on your palm. In time, she will become comfortable enough to sit on your hand and eat. Once she gets to this stage, you can start raising your hand up while she sits there. Do it slowly, since she may jump off.

This should teach her that being picked up is pleasent, and she will begin to associate being held with getting treats and getting to run all over you and play.

Be aware that if you've had her for a while and not held her much, she may take longer to come around.

 

[Becca]

Okay thanks I will let you know how it goes!

 

[LadyBug]

treats! yogurt drops were a fave with my hamsters(Jamie likes the bunny ones too)

 

[Becca]

Yup - Pip loves the yoghurt drops - Nibbles likes the bun ones but Dip and Fluf hate them LOL

 

[undergunfire]

I would use a bonding pouch. A bonding pouch is a little fabric "purse" that you put your small pet in (rats, mice, gerbils, sugars, ect), to socialize. Most bonding pouches are on straps, so you can hang it around your neck. Bonding pouches get the animal used to you, with out being scared by grabbing hands.

 

[Becca]

Hmm that sounds like a good idea :biggrin2: