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Post by PipSqueak on Nov 16, 2021 17:49:32 GMT -8
I have recently been noticing that my gerbils stop and listen when I am practicing my flute. Their ears will perk up and they will look around. Is this a good sign? If it is what are some of the benefits of playing music for gerbils. If its bad then I really need to find a new place to practice that's not my bedroom. Have there been any studies on this?
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Post by barryozzy on Nov 16, 2021 18:39:51 GMT -8
There have been many music related studies on gerbils. They are used in lab experiments when scientists want to learn about human hearing. Not only do gerbils process lower frequencies similar to humans, they can also recognize whether the music has a beat or is offbeat. If they seem to be listening or coming towards the source of music, that's probably a sign they are enjoying it. If they run away and hide, they are probably not enjoying it. I remember my gerbils seemed to like when I played the flute. I've gone back to piano now though and it's in another room. I'd cite some scientific articles but I don't think you can see them without a subscription anyway. The gerbil welfare website has a good article about it though www.gerbilwelfare.com/do-gerbils-like-music/
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Post by tanzanyte on Nov 17, 2021 6:56:29 GMT -8
That article is incredible. I know our gerbils don't like running water in the background but I've never considered that other things would be giving out frequencies beyond our hearing whilst we are watching or listening. I'd imagine if your gerbils are stopping to listen and there's no sudden thumping etc, then they may well like it. You'll probably find the more you practice, the more used to it they become even if they are a little apprehensive to begin with. You could become the gerbil whisperer and make them go to sleep! It makes you wonder if there's any instruments that they prefer to hear.
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Post by Markpd on Nov 17, 2021 12:19:29 GMT -8
The gerbil whisperer! I'd like to see that
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Post by PipSqueak on Nov 17, 2021 15:51:42 GMT -8
barryozzy That's a very interesting article. Hopefully my high notes aren't hurting their ears but they don't seem distressed. I have been practicing for an upcoming audition and for anyone who knows music it contains quite a few high notes going up to F above the staff. On a flute it isn't the best sounding (at least for me who has barely been playing for three years) but they seem to like it.
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Post by gerbilord on Nov 18, 2021 13:02:55 GMT -8
I’ve always noticed whenever I play cello or piano the gerbils or guinea pigs will stop to listen. I like to think they enjoy it… Whenever I have had the gerbils out for play time I’ve liked to play music on Spotify etc. They often fall asleep when they listen to calm piano music like Claire du lune. Interestingly, string music doesn’t calm them down in the same way. I definitely think music has a huge impact on animals.
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