> ATTACHMENT part 6 message/rfc822
> Date: Thu, 24 Feb 2000 23:51:59 -0600
> From: Bill & Fran Hall <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
> Subject: letting them out of cage? Help
>
> I need some help. I am new to the Gerbil world( And LOVE IT!!) I 'm
> so
> afraid to take out the gerbils, because I am afraid they will run off
> on me.
> How do I overcome this fear. I want the gerbils to like being out. I
> hear
> some let them run on them and I want to do that but I don't know how
> to
> start.
> Thank for any help you can give. I am addicted to them...
>
> Fran
>
Welcome to the GML and gerbil ownership! They are sweet little
critters, aren't they?
I'm sure you'll get plenty of suggestions, but I haven't written in a
while so I thought I'd put in my $.02. . .
First, are they tame? Will they crawl onto your hand when you put it in
their cage? If not, work on taming them first. Put your hand in the
cage, and leave it there, letting them sniff and explore it. Some
people suggest putting sunflower seeds or some other treats in your
hand. Others do not recommend it, b/c this may cause your gerbils to
associate your hand with food, resulting in their biting you if you
don't offer them food. This takes considerable time and patience, but
it's well worth it for the reward of having a gerbil trot up your arm
when you put your hand in the cage.
Try to avoid picking them up by the tail. If you get the end of it, it
may come off! Besides, it isn't very polite. If you MUST pick one up by
the tail, perhaps in the event of an emergency, make sure to grasp the
tail firmly close to the base. Support the gerbil with your hand as
soon as possible. Oh, and DON'T grab a gerbil from behind. That's how
predators get them, and you are likely to get bitten.
When you're first getting used to holding them, stay close to the
cage/tank and hold the gerbil directly over the cage. This is for the
gerbil's safety. They can be pretty squirmy, and fast, and may jump off
your hand. Being dropped to the floor may injure a gerbil (probably
not, but it does happen.) He probably won't want to sit still and be
petted; gerbils like to be on the move. Let him walk/run from one hand
to the other and walk up your arm to your shoulder. If he climbs down
your back, reach a hand behind your back to catch him.
While you're getting used to handling them, it's a good idea to observe
the rule, "One person, one gerbil"! ESPECIALLY if kids are involved.
Sitting down to hold the gerbil is ALWAYS a good idea. Best not to run
around the house with a sassy gerbil clutched in your fist. Well, never
clutch ANY gerbil in your fist! They do NOT like being restrained and
may bite!
While you're in the process of taming them, the bathtub is a GREAT
place to let them play. Make sure it's dry, no drippy faucet, and let
them run around. They generally can't jump that high, and can't climb
the tub's slippery walls. You still need to keep an eye on them, tho!
You'll want to; they're fun to watch.
Hope this helps. I'm sure you'll get lots of good tips.
=====
Julie & Michael (homo sapiens)
Alex P. Kitten & The Little Rascal (felis catus)
Reebo & Zooty, Pippin and Barley (meriones unguiculatus)
<In English, two humans with 2 cats and four gerbils>
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