gerbils at new home hiding in corner

queenofthenile
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gerbils at new home hiding in corner May 30, 2004 7:57:35 GMT -8

Post by queenofthenile on May 30, 2004 7:57:35 GMT -8

Is it normal for gerbils to sort of hide in a corner for the first day everytime their new owner comes into the room? I got a call from the two girls I gave a pair to, and the gerbils apparently aren't doing much. I'm assuming that the new owners are going in there too often and bugging them, but I'm not sure. I suggested putting a facial tissue box in with them for them to hide in and chew. Right now there is just some sort of log with holes in it. I'm thinking the log must be too small for them to hide in and so they are scared because they have no place to go.

Any thoughts? I wanted to reassure these kids but this is my first time selling them independantly rather than to a petshop. I can't just go over there and find out what is in the cage, but if they call again, I'm going to ask their parents. When the kids are 10, 11, they still haven't figured out how to answer questions on the phone well

.

gerbilicious
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gerbils at new home hiding in corner May 30, 2004 10:47:22 GMT -8

Post by gerbilicious on May 30, 2004 10:47:22 GMT -8

Meh, I'm not sure about the hiding in corners but there should probably be some parent intervention. If the kids have never had gerbils before you should introduce them to gerbil help sites like this one or the Gerbil FAQ (http://members.nanc.com/~mhaines/gerbil.html).

queenofthenile
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gerbils at new home hiding in corner May 30, 2004 16:12:40 GMT -8

Post by queenofthenile on May 30, 2004 16:12:40 GMT -8

Thanx a lot! I forgot about the gerbil FAQ, it is a great starter site. Of course, Peter's site is the best as well

. I talked to the girls today and the gerbils are fine now. They've been playing with them a lot and they seem happier. I think they put a better house in there for them and I think it made all the difference.

Ritzie/Admin
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Posts: 2,907

gerbils at new home hiding in corner May 31, 2004 7:28:29 GMT -8

Post by Ritzie/Admin on May 31, 2004 7:28:29 GMT -8

I agree with you that gerbils should have a place for shelter, a place to hide when they need to. It reduces the stress in my opinion.

But were the gerbils already tame when you sold them? Otherwise it is normal that they will hide, especially with young gerbils. They have to be patient. The change can also be stressful for gerbils. They have to get used to their new surroundings, so I would say that is normal.

And suggesting sites like the Gerbil FAQ, my site, or any other gerbil website is of course always a good thing to do. You could also make a handout for the new owners with the basic information. That can be helpful too.