obsessed with getting loose

[bettybob]

when i bought tibbon he was in a cage all by himself with nothing but a water bottle and some wood shavings (nothing to chew on or burrow in.) i fear this might have psychologically damaged him...when i put him and Gus in the playpen i made, Gus runs around and plays...and tries to get tibbon to play, too. but tibbon only digs at the corners. (and its a huge playpen! with lots of toys and tunnels and things to chew on.)
i have let them run loose in my room before, but tibbon is almost impossible to catch lately, so not doing that anymore.
what can i do to get tibbon's mind off of trying to get out of the playpen, so he can just have more fun?

[pixytwinkle]

hi bettybob
hey i dont know if this will work but why not try and put a few sunflower seeds on and around the toys as this will associate them with good things.
i have no idea if this will work as i am no expert but you could give it a go i suppose!
good luck

pixytwinkle ;D

[j]

Some gerbils are just like that. One of mine does it and she was never alone, got her and another out of the same litter.

Do you set the playpen up the same way each day? They get bored easily. Room doesn't really have much to do with it either, mine have a whole bedroom to run around in. I've found throwing new things on the floor to climb on and run into and new tubes and things.. keeps her interested and occupied longer.