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nibbling?
Jan 19, 2015 7:27:04 GMT -8
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Post by elliriyanna on Jan 19, 2015 7:27:04 GMT -8
I have 3 male gerbils , I have been working on taming daily , just putting my hands in their tank and staying still, no one is ready to take treats from me.
The dad is the only one who will approach me and he always comes up and nibbles my hands and then runs away.
Is there anything I can do to discourage the nibbling without scaring him? I don't want him to start biting but I do not want him to distrust me either.
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Post by blanknote on Jan 20, 2015 2:18:16 GMT -8
How are you trying to give the treats? If you are placing them on your hand, try giving them by holding the treat between your fingers.
Is the dad nibbling when you've been handling the treats (or possibly washed your hands with soap that smells like something)? Your hands probably smell like food, and he's trying if they are edible.
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nibbling?
Jan 20, 2015 5:20:17 GMT -8
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Post by elliriyanna on Jan 20, 2015 5:20:17 GMT -8
The treats were between my fingers
I have had rodents for years I know better than handling food or using smelly soaps before handling them. Also I make a fist when I put my hand in, so he can sniff me but my fingers cant be bitten on the off chance he would try. So the back of my hand should never smell like food ... Not that I can think of anyway.
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ella
Member
Posts: 67 
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nibbling?
Jan 20, 2015 21:05:40 GMT -8
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Post by ella on Jan 20, 2015 21:05:40 GMT -8
He's probably just exploring you by taste, which my gerbils did (still do occasionally). I doubt it will escalate to real biting.
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