katy
member
Posts: 7
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Post by katy on Aug 26, 2014 12:31:09 GMT -8
Hello, just wondering could anyone give me some advice on how to deal with one of my gerbils recent biting problem. I have two boys, Silly and Billy, almost a year old and both have always been very friendly and tame. I am used to the odd curious nibble from them, but recently Silly has began biting hard (to breaking skin/bleeding point). I don't understand why this behaviour has started all of a sudden. He seems to go out of his way to "attack" my hand, when I put it into their cage, while Billy will happily jump on and crawl up my arm, silly runs up to bite me. I have tried all the usual washing hands so I don't smell of food/strange things, giving them lots of wood/cardboard to chew, re-taming with treats in hand, new toys so he isn't bored. I thought he might be seeing my hand as a treat so tried using a jar/tube to move him in and out for exercise but even when I have them out on the couch with me he runs up to any skin I have out and bites (yet doesn't nibble my clothes etc..).
I am at a total loss, Billy is the most friendly, happy, tame gerbil and straight away jumps onto my hand, so I am confused as to why Silly has suddenly taken a dislike to me, he was never like that before. Any advice?
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Post by gerbillover9612 on Aug 26, 2014 14:54:21 GMT -8
Hmm it does seem odd that he has started to do that? The only possible thing i can think of is that theirs something irritating him like mites but them if her had mites or something along those lines then surely Billy would have them too? Have you checked that hes eating and drinking the normal amount and that nothing else has changed about him? Im not really sure what it could be unless hes just more curious and trying to test you? Sorry its not much help. xx
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fox
member
Posts: 9
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Post by fox on Oct 22, 2014 0:44:46 GMT -8
I'm having the same problem! My gerbils have just declanned, and are now in pairs. The most tame one has now starting biting- biting to the point of bleeding too. I'm hoping with time and patience (and rewards) she'll stop. If any one has any more advice, I'd be grateful!
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Post by crittercrazy on Oct 22, 2014 6:46:41 GMT -8
When she bites you, blow in her face and say "No." You can also nudge her away with your fingers. Don't remove your hand when she bites- that will encourage her to do it more since she gets what she wants. If you need to you can wear gloves since I know gerbil bites hurt. Also, only give her treats when she doesn't bite. Hope that helps, and good luck!!
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Post by gerbillover9612 on Oct 25, 2014 4:01:20 GMT -8
Noo, dont blow in any small animals face. It can cause them to have a seizure. But other than that crittercrazy thats great advice XD xx
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