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Taming
Jul 4, 2020 9:20:56 GMT -8
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Post by creativecat on Jul 4, 2020 9:20:56 GMT -8
So..I've had my gerbils for just under a month and I have been going through the taming process. I've started to pick them up (bathtub bonding) but they never settle and always try to run off my hand and they don't take treats. One of them, when I try to scoop him up, crouches down to the floor and squeaks. He tries to dig out of my hands. Does anyone have some advice? X
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Post by Thelodar on Jul 5, 2020 15:49:38 GMT -8
It's not unusual for gerbils to remain active when being held, requiring you to go hand over hand when holding them. They are not the sort to just chill in your hands, at least not most. But the behavior you are seeing when picking up, and the digging in your hands are definite signs of fear and distress. For now I would avoid lifting out of the tank since it elicits such a fearful response. If you need to take him out I'd capture him in a box or jar (let him walk in on his own, then cover the opening), so he's not associating the fear with your hands. For now I'd let him walk on your flat hands in his tank and hand out treats, no lifting. You can have him out for playtimes by taking him out via a box but, again, when you have him out let him walk on you, don't try lifting yet. When he shows a lot of comfort being on your hands at his own will you can start adding in movement, lifting while he's on your hand, and later work on actually scooping. For now just focus on teaching him hands are good things and safe things.
I don't know what your setup is like, but when I tame new gerbils I tend to have them in a low substrate enclosure so they can't choose to ignore my hands completely forever. I still give lots of enrichment and boxes/hides, but they can at least still see my hand from their hidey spot which they can't do if they're under ground. Being curious critters they will likely come out of hiding after watching from their box for a while to check the hand out. Once they start coming out to greet me when I open the tank, I increase the bedding back to an appropriate level. If the fear continues long term you'd have to reevaluate, the gerbil should not be in low bedding long term.
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Taming
Jul 6, 2020 4:23:06 GMT -8
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Post by creativecat on Jul 6, 2020 4:23:06 GMT -8
Thanks so much for the advice, my setup is quite simple, I have a tank with a topper and a level, they have 2 hides, the obvious essentials and deep substrate (auboise bedding). I will be upgrading their cage to a diy IKEA Billy extension cage, using two extensions together for more space. I have been using their coconut hide to pick them up, and Treacle (the squeaky one) actually vibrated on my hands today! They seem to be adjusting well. Thank you
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Taming
Jul 10, 2020 23:23:43 GMT -8
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Post by creativecat on Jul 10, 2020 23:23:43 GMT -8
One of them always backs up when I pick him up. Why is this?
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Taming
Jul 11, 2020 2:21:18 GMT -8
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Post by gerbilord on Jul 11, 2020 2:21:18 GMT -8
Sometimes my gerbil does this , I'm not quite sure why, I think it's just when she doesn't fancy being picked up. But once she is on my lap and running around on me she is perfectly fine, so I wouldn't worry too much.
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Pim
Member
Posts: 346
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Taming
Aug 4, 2020 13:30:08 GMT -8
Post by Pim on Aug 4, 2020 13:30:08 GMT -8
I find it's easier to tame when your sitting in a chair and have them run on your lap rather than the bathtub but that's just my experience!
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Taming
Aug 5, 2020 10:49:26 GMT -8
Post by Markpd on Aug 5, 2020 10:49:26 GMT -8
On an unrelated note, I see you mentioned you're using Aubiose, how's that doing? (I'm using 'Hempbed' hemp).
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Taming
Aug 13, 2020 23:52:29 GMT -8
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Markpd likes this
Post by creativecat on Aug 13, 2020 23:52:29 GMT -8
I’m quite pleased with how Auboise is acting in their cage, It holds tunnels to a fair amount but I add hay to give some support. It isn’t dusty and is soft enough. I do recommend it. It is Hemp I think.
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Taming
Aug 14, 2020 9:43:09 GMT -8
Post by Markpd on Aug 14, 2020 9:43:09 GMT -8
Yea it is hemp, I think I'll try that next time as I can get that locally and save a load on delivery, and get 5kgs more!
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