I Have A Question......

[cinnycinnamon]

Hi You Guys!

Okay so like I always try to get my gerbils to come out and play everyday. Be it in one of the playgrounds or to roll around in the plastic ball (which I have to tape shut). Most of the time, they have been receptive and seem to really enjoy their time away from their tank. But I have been noticing that lately, they do not always wanna come out to play. I don't push the issue either with them. Usually, they won't come out to see me if I call them by name. But if they do, they will go back into their tunnel. That's how I know they don't wanna come out. But what I would like to know is how come they are acting this way all of the sudden? Is this normal?

Another question is how come all of the sudden if they are out and I appear in the room, they all scurry away? I have not done anything differently then what I've been doing all along. It's making me feel like a bad gerbil mommy.

Cindy

[lydia]

I suspect that it is to do with your gerbil's reaching maturity,how old are they ?

To help, I would recomend that you take them out at the same time each day.Even if they scamper up or into their tube,I wouldn't assume that their body language is saying 'no-I don't want to come out' but,'ooh,something else in our home-let's get under cover and see what it is'.Granted,it is far easier to have gerbils that come up to our hands to see what we are and what we are doing,but just because they don't,doesn't mean that you have done anything wrong,or that they are doing anything wrong either.
Maybe it is just that as it is winter and colder,they are wishing to sleep when you think they would want to be playing.
I would also reward them with a sunflower seed each time you pick them up,that usually makes them come to you,when they are used to this routine,as they want their treat.

Lyd

[cinnycinnamon]

Well, my two oldest gerbils are over a year old (Peaches and Buddy). Four of their offspring are a year old while three others are not quite a year.

Oh I do take them out at the same time, but like I said, likely they are not out and about unless I call for them. That's whats confusing me. But I must admit, I never thought of your answer about them maybe wanting to sleep cuz of it being cold (winter). Maybe you're right.

Thanx for your help, Lydia!

[lydia]

I'm probably wrong Cindy,and,it is some other reason.
Because of their ages,if it was to do with maturing,I would have expected it to happen when they were younger than this,@ 8 months or so.So I don't think it is age related,will have to wait and see.
Let us know, if they change their routine again.

Lyd

[cinnycinnamon]

Hi Lyd!

Well, no real changes as of tonight. Although Teddy, Squirt and Max came out and was re-arranging their house. But they didn't want to have anything to do with me.

Have not seen Billy and Bobby tonight nor have Buddy and Timmy come out since I've been home from work. Peaches and Sally were out and about, but didn't want to come out of their house. I'm gonna have a final check on everybody before I go to bed shortly. I hate to disturb them, but I wanna make sure they are okay.

If it makes any difference at all, it has been rather chilly here in Georgia (lows in the 30's highs in the 40's). They have plenty of tissues and stuff to keep toasty with and I leave the closet light on to generate some heat. And the inside temps in my house is at 68 degrees. They have been busy chewing away cuz look at how bedding they have in their tanks.



I guess I shall just hafta wait and see.

Thanx for replying and for your help!

[lydia]

They've got lovely set-ups,no wonder they don't want to come out.
As the temp in Georgia has dropped quite low,maybe they will change back once spring arrives and it is warmer,you'll have to tell us.I must admit,at the moment all my mongs are only sleeping and eating.They wake up at food time,then go straight back to sleep .
Also,our boiler packed up 2 nights ago,so our house is very cold at the moment.I'm assuming that mine are going to perk up,once we have heating again.

Lyd

[sweetie]

Hey Cinny,

I am here in SC and we just got a cold spell. They are all cuddling and cozy in thier nests. Their activity has slowed down. Even thought I keep it the same temp in the house, I think that they can tell the difference in the pressure and the degree difference it takes before the heat kicks on.

It is nice to know you are close in proximity to me!!

[cinnycinnamon]

Hi Lydia and Sweetie!

Thanx for the compilment about their tanks. Ahhhh..........so it must be something with the colder weather. *whew* Glad to know it's not just me who has been having cozy gerbils instead of their usual active selves as of late. LOL, they are all out and about now ( this is the time I usually take them out to play) and they making quite a ruckus......heeheheheee......must be their way of getting my attention!!!

Sweetie, I live in a suburb or Atlanta. ;D I am soo ready for this cold weather to go! Brrrrrrrrrrrr!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[sweetie]

I can't wait either. I used to live in Maine. You would think I would be used to the cold. NOT BRRRRRRR. Atlanta is only 3 hours from me. It's a day trip. If you want any more, I have 4 ready now and 5 that will be ready in 6 weeks.

[cinnycinnamon]

Thanx for the offer, Sweetie, but 9 is more than enough for me. It all started with two-LOL! Do you remember asking me about those plastic lids that I had on my 10 gallon tanks last year? If you still want them, you can HAVE them. Just lemme know, okay? I think I have 3 of them. Like this one:



As for my gerbies, they still do not want to come out to play. I thought for sure since it was cold out that was the reason. But it was in the 50's today with the lows in the 30's. And that never stopped them before. So now all this week, still have not been active. I'm quite preplexed.