Rebecca wrote:
"At first I thought it was because maybe I had startled them, and it was a
self-defence mechanism, i.e.. play dead to prey, but they can do it even
when
I don't move. When they are chewing the bars of the cage, they suddenly
stop and freeze, and they can remain dead still for up to a minute
sometimes...."
Gerbils like other Rodents will freeze when there is danger, because many of
their predators act upon movement. Also, Gerbils will often stop to
ascertain the direction of a threat, then move suddenly.
"I saw a program on one of the educational channels about tickling rats. I
can't remember why they tickled the rats (longevity or something? lowering
rat blood pressure?), but the rats really enjoyed it, & would seek out
hands that would tickle them."
On the subject of tickling, you can certainly tickle Gerbils! When they are
investigating you gently use a finger to tickle their undersides - this
causes them to quiver all over. They like it though, because they all have
a turn after they have gotten used to it. Silly really, but a good way to
have fun with your Gerbils. (Have not got a clue what noises they make,
because I am deaf and cannot pick up such high frequencies)
All the very best..
David Hinsley,
www.gerbils.org
