Nocturnal Lighting?

[stevens]

Has anyone ever tried a small, nocturnal-type light outside the cage to be able to see their gerbs at night? My newcomers seem to only play in their tank in the middle of the night, and I'd really like to be able to watch them sometimes.

Our play sessions outside of the tank are going better now, but otherwise they just hide until the wee hours. Also, since they're kept in my main, two-room living area, the TV is on much of the time -- any chance that the changing/flashing light from that could be spooking them? Will they get used to it eventually and relax enough to come out more?

I'm just baffled, because they're SO DIFFERENT from my two older females, and from any other gerbils I've ever had. My older pair doesn't much care what's happening around them -- they're out to investigate any strange noise and spend all kinds of time playing and doing remodling and interior design in their tank!

I almost hate to ask, but is there a chance that because the newcomers were bred indiscriminately (and probably inbred) to be used as reptile food, they're just not "right in the head"?? That doesn't matter -- I'll love them and keep them anyway, and just make whatever adjustments are necessary for their happiness. I'm just a little frustrated at their constantly timid demeanor and my inability to influence their attitudes a little more quickly, I guess. It's only been a week, though -- I need to remember "PATIENCE IS A VIRTUE!!" (All I really want is to be able to SEE them . . . )

Thanks!

[caz]

Hi Steven,
Perhaps put a table lamp near to their tank? We have a wall light just above the girlies tank and it's on a dimmer switch so I can illuminate them or not as I wish. I think you should start as you mean to go on. eg. leave the TV on walk about as usual, they'll soon get used to your ways

Our two have to put up with all sorts being in our living room James our son (who really owns the gerbils and is 9 yrs old) flings himself about, throwing balls, toys etc. Hubby & I are constantly wandering in and out. The TV is nearly always on and the girls just get on with being gerbils.

Having said that, whilst there is nobody here but me, it is very quiet and the girls tend to sleep all day!
They are usually up when I come down in the morning (7.30ish) and luckily they'll hang around until James goes to school. Then they usually get up around 5pm for a snack and a play, then have another power nap and then they're up around 8pm onwards. That's when they really come out to play with us. I suppose they sort of fit in with our routine ;D

As far as them being timid - just keep putting your hands in the tank and moving them slowly around in the bedding, curiosity will get the better of them after a while and they'll come out to see whats going on. I stood with my hand in our tank for about 20mins at a time waiting! Putting a sunflower seed in your palm also might help. Like you said, just be patient

Good luck and keep at it (slowly) LOL
Caroline

[dawn]

I think Caz is right bout leaving tv etc on, Eugene used to be realy timid but now hes not bothered and I'm sure he watches TV (especially citreon car advert lol). Perhaps they just need longer to adjust than your previous gerbils.

Hope helped,

Good Luck