This article was co-authored by Pippa Elliott, MRCVS and by How.com.vn staff writer, Madeleine Flamiano. Dr. Elliott, BVMS, MRCVS is a veterinarian with over 30 years of experience in veterinary surgery and companion animal practice. She graduated from the University of Glasgow in 1987 with a degree in veterinary medicine and surgery. She has worked at the same animal clinic in her hometown for over 20 years.
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Interested in caring for a pet gerbil, but you want to make sure they’re properly tamed first? It’s totally achievable to socialize these cute and curious critters. Once they're well trained, they can provide tons of love and fun to you and your family. Read on to learn how to tame and win over your gerbil so it's calm in every situation!
Things You Should Know
- Gerbils need a clean and tidy cage to settle down in.
- Give these little rodents a few days to adjust to your home.
- Introduce your pet to people and other gerbils to socialize it.
- Create a taming plan that’s adapted to your gerbil’s unique personality.
Steps
Expert Q&A
- QuestionI have had my gerbil for a few days and he's still not confident. What should I do?Pippa Elliott, MRCVSDr. Elliott, BVMS, MRCVS is a veterinarian with over 30 years of experience in veterinary surgery and companion animal practice. She graduated from the University of Glasgow in 1987 with a degree in veterinary medicine and surgery. She has worked at the same animal clinic in her hometown for over 20 years.
VeterinarianA few days is only a short time, and your gerbil is still settling in. Allow him to get used to his new cage and surroundings, talk to him each time you pass by, drop in a treat, and let him get used to you. All gerbils are different, and some that weren't handled as youngsters can take weeks or months to tame. - QuestionMy gerbils are scared of me. What should I do?Pippa Elliott, MRCVSDr. Elliott, BVMS, MRCVS is a veterinarian with over 30 years of experience in veterinary surgery and companion animal practice. She graduated from the University of Glasgow in 1987 with a degree in veterinary medicine and surgery. She has worked at the same animal clinic in her hometown for over 20 years.
VeterinarianRemember that winning their trust takes time, because gerbils are naturally shy creatures. Don't be disheartened. First, place the cage in an area that is quiet (so they don't feel threatened) but also where they can watch the comings and goings in the house. Speak to the gerbils every time you pass, and drop in a tasty treat. Pretty soon, they'll associate your voice with a reward and start to come looking for you.
Video
Tips
Warnings
- Never lift your gerbil by the tail.Thanks
- Don't pick them up when they don't want to be picked up and don't scare them.Thanks
- Never squeeze your gerbil.Thanks
- Avoid making loud, sudden noises while your gerbil is sleeping because you will most likely scare them.Thanks
- Stroke your gerbil gently and speak to it in a soft voice.Thanks
- If you buy two gerbils together in a pet shop, never separate them.Thanks
- Never use aspen, pine, or sawdust for bedding! This could cause serious respiratory problems in your gerbil.[27]Thanks
References
- ↑ https://www.humanesociety.org/animals/gerbils/tips/gerbil_housing.html?credit=web_id139892611
- ↑ https://www.humanesociety.org/animals/gerbils/tips/gerbil_housing.html?credit=web_id139892611
- ↑ https://www.thegerbils.com/maintenance2bedding.htm
- ↑ https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/small-pet-care/gerbil-care
- ↑ https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/small-pet-care/gerbil-care
- ↑ https://www.humanesociety.org/animals/gerbils/tips/gerbils_as_pets.html?credit=web_id139892611
- ↑ https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/small-pet-care/gerbil-care
- ↑ https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/small-pet-care/gerbil-care
- ↑ https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/small-pet-care/gerbil-care
- ↑ https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/small-pet-care/gerbil-care
- ↑ https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/small-pet-care/gerbil-care
- ↑ https://www.humanesociety.org/animals/gerbils/tips/gerbil_housing.html?credit=web_id139892611
- ↑ https://www.egerbil.com/handling_and_taming_gerbils
- ↑ https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/small-pet-care/gerbil-care
- ↑ https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/small-pet-care/gerbil-care
- ↑ https://www.egerbil.com/handling_and_taming_gerbils
- ↑ https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/small-pet-care/gerbil-care
- ↑ https://petkeen.com/do-gerbils-make-good-pets/
- ↑ https://www.egerbil.com/handling_and_taming_gerbils
- ↑ https://www.egerbil.com/handling_and_taming_gerbils
- ↑ https://www.egerbil.com/handling_and_taming_gerbils
- ↑ https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/small-pet-care/gerbil-care
- ↑ https://www.apsofdurham.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/Gerbils.pdf
- ↑ https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/small-pet-care/gerbil-care
- ↑ https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/small-pet-care/gerbil-care
- ↑ https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/small-pet-care/gerbil-care
- ↑ https://pocketpets101.com/gerbil-bedding-substrate/
About This Article
To tame your gerbil, start by putting your hand in its cage and allowing it to sniff you, which will allow it to get used to your smell. You can also put a few seeds in your hand so that your gerbil associates you with positive things. Once it’s comfortable with your hand in the cage, pick up your gerbil by gently scooping it up with both hands. Then, speak to it calmly and give it a treat, such as seeds or fruit, whenever it performs a positive behavior. If your gerbil nips you, say “no” firmly so that it knows biting isn’t an acceptable behavior. For more advice from our Veterinary co-author, including how to get your gerbil used to other people, keep reading.
Reader Success Stories
- "I am getting new gerbils soon, but worried they would refuse handling like my old gerbils that passed away about 2 years ago. This guide has helped me realize that I need to tame them first, and that it doesn't matter what age or personality it is. Overall, it was brilliant!"..." more
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