One of my Gerbils has developed strange habits

[callumfishman]

Hello all, 

 So recently one of my two females called ''Coco'' has started to act strange. She is usually the more friendly and social one, well a few days ago I picked her up as I do all the time she bit my finger but the way she did it was strange, she didn't bite to the point where it hurt she just put her teeth on my finger and put a little pressure on it like she wasn't trying to hurt me but wanted too. She does it now every time I pick her up and nibbles I was thinking it was because my finger might has smelt like food or something but my hands are always clean before I handle them so Its rather strange, I have come to the conclusion she doesn't like being handled and that she worked out that doing the nibbling etc makes me put her down . Both of my Gerbils are around 5-6 months old and are my first Gerbils I have owned so I am new to Gerbils and still learning.

If anyone can explain it to me that would be great 

Thanks

[chelseam]

If she is nibbling for the reason you believe, the first step in order to get it to stop would be to stop putting her down when she does it. I can understand not wanting to be bitten. The way you are rewarding the behavior by putting her down will make that behavior continue. By waiting until the behavior stops before letting her down, you will be teaching her that biting is not the way to get what she wants.

Have you checked her over and/or watched for signs that she may be uncomfortable or injured?

[callumfishman]

I checked her over and she is fine, she Is the same as always always with a exception of the nibbling. I tried to hold her until she stop nibbling and nothing happened... It actually got worse to the point that It hurt and she was really biting hard

[johanne]

It seems she's trying to tell you something. Somehow she's come to not enjoy being handled. I would start over with her taming.

Don't pick her up at all for a while, instead put your hand in the tank with treats and just let her take them. If she tries to nip move your hand away so she can't sink her teeth in. In time she'll probably start climbing on your hand or arm. Give her lots of time doing this before you start lifting. Don't restrain her or grab her at any time. Day by day slowly lift her higher, allowing her to jump off if she wants. Then you can start moving her to a fun play area, lots of things to do and treats. Treats every session. In time she should discover that she does like your company once again and forget all about biting.

[tinypenguin34]

Restarting her taming seems like the best idea since you have no idea why she is acting like this. Just place your hand in her enclosure and let her get used to your scent again. Then slowly start offering treats she enjoys. After that slowly raise her higher each time you place your hand in her enclosure. When she gets to the point of staying in your hand while holding her, you can handle her more often.