shy gerbils

[nobleandpure]

my gerbils are really shy and i need to know what the best toys for shy gerbils are, they need to stay active but they will not run on there wheels, what should i do?

[keldamouse]

there are a lot of gerbils that don't like wheels. it is okay because they can get their exercise by digging and chewing and running around.

The best thing you can do for them is provide them at least 6" of bedding/substrate to dig in and make tunnels. Providing them with aspen/carefresh paper and timothy hay makes for great items to support their tunnels. Also giving them a good supply of cardboard (tissue boxes, tubes, food boxes without plastic coating ect) and wood items to chew like wood blocks or popcile sticks.

Giving your shy gerbils a safe place to chill out and go to when they are scared is important for them and for them to learn to interact with you.

You can also give them a jar with a treat in it and this will allow them to go into it and you can transport them to a dry tub or a playpen with familiar smelling items (half chewed boxes, bendy bridges and maybe even a box with handfuls of their bedding it it) and you can let them get exercise and you can also get in there with them so they can get used to you.

Hope this helps

[keldamouse]

duplicate post

[daisy]

My gerbils were very shy at first. I spent many weeks must putting my hand on the bottom of the aquarium and leaving it there for a few minutes without moving.  Later I would put some treats on my hand and they eventually took the treats.  Now, they come out when I make a kissing sound.  Patience is the key!  (and don't make any loud noises or sudden movements during the early periods)

As to wheels, I agree that some gerbils just don't like wheels.  Mine didn't appear to like wheels at all.  But then I got two Wild Harvest Metal Activity Wheel, which was the least expensive wheel I had ever bought, and they love it.  But, I didn't introduce it until they were less shy.  (and they have plenty of places to hide as Keldamouse suggested.)

Daisy

[vexorg]

How long have you had them? some do take a bit of time to get used to their new home and you. Other can be very pushy form day 1.

Try the normal trick of tempting them out with treats, toilet roll tubes are always well liked as they can run through them and easily chew them. We've had some that have remained shy their whole life when people are about but will play happily in the cage when they think no one is about.

Every gerbil is different in personality

[nobleandpure]

I have had one of my gerbils for 1 1/2 years and the other ones I got two days ago, and I do know it is hard it tell a gerbils personality in that short a time, but it is the older one I am worried about.