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Post by jyrenze on Feb 17, 2006 8:02:12 GMT -8
I just got a pair of gerbils 1 week ago from a breeder. All the gerbils at her house were quite active and friendly. After I brought my pair home, I notice they sometimes nibble at my fingers when I stick my hand in the tank. Initially they wont do it once I had washed my hands, but lately they keep trying to grab my fingers with their little paws n chewing on them! It sure hurts.... They dont do it when they are out of their cage, is it a territorial thing or what? The breeder said I'm the 1st person that has a complaint of her gerbils biting.  |
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caz
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Post by caz on Feb 17, 2006 8:08:23 GMT -8
They're just tasting you! ;D Perhaps try to divert their attention by putting a treat into the palm of your hand eg. sunflower seed, and they'll probably be more interested in that than you! Also, they'll be more inclinded to sit on your hand whilst eating. The longer and more often you can leave your hand in the better, they'll realise they have nothing to fear and that you are not food either!  Try not to pull away quickly if they do nibble as this scares them also. Be patient Good luck! |
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Post by jyrenze on Feb 17, 2006 8:27:06 GMT -8
Do they act different toward different owners? The breeder said they never did try to bite her. They male is already around 7 months old and the female 5- 6 months.
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caz
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Post by caz on Feb 17, 2006 8:39:23 GMT -8
Now you got me!  Your gerbs are quite a bit older than when most people get them, ours are only 12 weeks old! Have to wait for someone more experienced to reply to you! Caroline |
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Post by jyrenze on Feb 17, 2006 9:15:36 GMT -8
lol yea, thats y the breeder is puzzled too. Previously they were living in a clan . Neither of them were the dominent pair though. Not sure if this is because of the new environment or because they just dont like me  Today is their 6th day with me. |
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Post by sandy on Feb 17, 2006 11:17:14 GMT -8
Well if you give them a finger they might nibble. Try putting your whole hand in the tank and make it into a tunnel. They will explore the tunnel, maybe try to climb on it, and ignore fingers! This is a good way to hand train gerbils. When they go onto your hand, slowly lift it up. Soon they will want to play "elevator" because they can see so much better and it is fun. If you do this alot, several times a day, eventually when you put your hand in the tank, they will jump on board right away, climb up your arm and sit on your shoulder. You won't have to try to hold on to them.
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Post by jyrenze on Feb 20, 2006 22:42:20 GMT -8
They have stopped the biting already. I guess they needed some time to settle into their new environment, hehe.
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Try not to pull away quickly if they do nibble as this scares them also. Be patient 
Today is their 6th day with me.
