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Post by jpeg on Nov 26, 2023 11:27:57 GMT -8
I've got a single male gerbil whos too aggressive to be housed with others, so making sure hes enriched and not bored/depressed is really important to me.
I've only had him for a couple months and were still working on bonding. We have a routine though, i take the top of his tank so he can explore if im home during the day, and every evening is his dedicated time to leave the tank and adventure. ive been reading to him because i noticed sometime i still spook him if i speak too suddenly or loudly.
currently were reading Carry On by Rainbow Rowell. A new thing developed a few days ago, after hes finished running around and exploring he climbs up this staircase of boxes ive made for him to get in/out his tank easier, and he settles down at eye level with me, and either curls up or stretches out like he were going to sleep. he doesnt really sleep, at least ive never seen him fully close his eyes, he just stays and listens. And once i finish reading for the evening he perks up, i say good night, sometimes pet him, and then he makes his way into his cage!
its the sweetest things ever, since so far he isnt very found of being touched (he will put up with it but i dont push it.) so its been so nice to think he does enjoy my company!
(im new to this forum and just wanted to share this story since my familys sick fo hearing about my gerbil lol, would love to know if anyone else has had similar experiences!)
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Post by TJ's Rodent Ranch on Nov 26, 2023 20:05:32 GMT -8
Wow, it sounds like he's doing really well!
I have a young female gerbil I bred. She was the runt of the litter, and while I sold almost all her siblings, I didn't feel right about rehoming her. She's had neurological issues her whole life. She's got a severe head tilt and is completely deaf. She's incredibly sweet, but these neurological issues cause her to be incredibly skittish. She never moves slowly, always in jerky quick motions, and can't be around anyone who moves quickly, or she becomes a ping pong ball, almost literally. I didn't feel right in selling her, because I knew that it was going to be hard for her to find a good home, because she couldn't go to just any kid. All she can do is learn to trust, the skittsy behavior and constant fear won't change, which makes me sad but I just have to make her as happy as possible. I always go talk with her, and work with her as much as I can. She now has a cagemate (she was afraid of any adult-sized gerbil because she thought that they would hurt her) so I paired her with a baby, and she's been very happy with someone to share a nest with. She isn't as afraid with another gerbil around to help her know she's safe. I've been able to make her very happy, and keep her having fun. Her name is Runtess, and she's one of my favorite gerbils I've ever had.
I don't read bedtime stories, though I may now.
It's very sweet how you've been keeping your male happy and working with him. What's his name? (If you don't mind me asking).
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