Little Naughty Gerb

[allysonjeanx]

Hi, All!
I'm waiting to be approved, but just can't wait to post this - one of my gerbils is soo friendly, he jumps into the lid of his cage seemingly looking for more attention after play time. I'm worrying about him endangering himself! What's a good way, if any, to dissuade him from doing this? I've tried blowing on him but he seems unperturbed by it. Any insight would be much appreciated!

He's in a 20 gal, long, aquarium with a mesh lid, by the way. Thanks!!

[gerbillover9612]

Hey XD hmm im not sure how you could get him to not do that but i tohught i should let you know that you shouldnt blow on any little animals face, it can cause them to have a seizure sometimes. Common mistake though Sorry i cant help xx

[eleda]

My gerbil, Data used to do the same thing. I never found a way to stop him from doing it, but he grew out of it on his own and he's fine now. The blowing on the face thing being dangerous is new to me since it is suggested as a deterrent by most of the members on the site...

[gerbillover9612]

hmm strange. ive always heard that it can cause fits etc in gerbils, small animals?

[crittercrazy]

I've never heard that. I've probably suggested on here to blow on them. . . I guess if you want to be safe you don't need to blow on their faces, but instead maybe just gently nudge them or something.
And Allysonjeanx, I doubt there's much of a way to fix that. Gerbils are pretty hardy and instinctively animals generally don't do things that would hurt them I would think, so hopefully he'll be okay. How much play time do you give him?

[gerbillover9612]

Ah maybe im imagining things :') yeaah xx

[lizb]

If you look down under epilepsy, it links to a scientific article that supports Allyson's position. I've honestly read both. en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gerbil

[gerbillover9612]

Maybe thats were i got it from yes thats what i read about how lab people do it so make the rodents have seizures but its definitely alot of small animal owners do to train their pets, it's not a bad thing i guess because there is alot of things saying some it is okay and some not xx

[allysonjeanx]

Well, it seems they've learned it doesn't get them what they want afterall. The gerbil in question has stopped altogether jumping into the lid after play, although he does seem to look like he is ready to pounce sometimes (which is when my bf or I say "sanguine, no" or "don't you do it" in our mom/dad voice [no yelling, of course, just stern]). His brother, however, has tried a few times to do the same. He is much "grippier" however and dangled from the lid, like monkey bars! I hope he learns it's not going to get him what he wants, either.

liz, we've been giving them at least 30 min each day of "play time", but usually it is more like an hour. Sanguine & Sheo (the other jumper) are very friendly (third bro is skittish) and enjoy climbing up on our shoulders. We've taken to putting them on our bed (with pillow & blanket "walls") or into our powder room (doors and other crevices blocked off, and towels on floor so gerbils don't touch anything gross) to let them run around. We're looking into getting a suitable-height play pen and tank topper for them as soon as funds become available. We do let them climb pretty much as long as they want, until we either have to leave or they do something naughty like try to jump off.

Regarding the blowing - I will no longer be using it as a means to dissuade behavior as it seems ineffectual and its safety is contested. Thanks for your input, everyone! I look forward to being accepted so I can post more and get to know everyone