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How to Tame Gerbils
How to Tame Gerbils
The first thing about gerbils that you should know if you are interested in owning one is that they can be easily trained for the house. They don’t bite, as hamsters do. In fact, if you are repelled by the idea of owning anything furry that has dirty feet then you will think differently about a gerbil after you have one as your pet.
Whenever you buy a gerbil for your home you should buy them in pairs so that it is easier for you to help them adapt to the human surroundings. Also don’t buy them unless they are at least 5 weeks old. But the deal is to buy them as young as you can get.
Gerbils learn to get used to an environment full of humans if you keep them in areas where there is average activity going on through the day. Too much commotion and excitement can be intimidating for them. However, they also need to get used to the noise that humans are used to making in their daily life. Keeping them in cages is the only option you have in such a case.
Leave them alone to get used to the activity in the house initially. Don’t immediately start teaching them how to behave. You can make a fist out of your hand and place it inside the cage for them to sniff and lick it. In case they try to bite you, you should not startle them by pulling it away immediately. Take out your hand gradually, without making any sudden action.
You should feed them seeds of sunflower along with pine nuts. At first they might be a little intimidated to eat out of your hands. Therefore, feed them often with your hand and wait for them to take it from you. Change the water bowl and clean the cage whenever you have time so that the gerbils get used to you.
Don’t jump up on them when they are sleeping. Wake them up by a soft noise before touching them. You should also be open to their harmless bites on your hand. They recognize living creatures by the way the latter taste to them. Once they get used to your presence you will find them climbing into your hand. You should support them from the back by placing your other hand behind them. However, at first they might be scared by this action and run off. Therefore, keep repeating this action on them till they are comfortable enough.
Gerbils should always be trained in pairs or packs. Otherwise they take more time to get used to human environments and behavior. They should be allowed to move around in your surrounding while you are doing daily chores like cooking or cleaning up the room.
You will realize that gerbils tend to be very restless as they grow up. That is why it is a good thing to have them in pairs. Most likely the timid one learns from the wicked one.
You should feed them sunflower seeds from time to time as an affectionate gesture. The more you interact with them in quiet voices, they more they will learn the laws of communication of human beings.
Gerbil pets, Gerbil information, Gerbil tips, Gerbil advice
Next Article: Choosing a cage for your Gerbil
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