> Hi Andrea, on the topic of not getting bitten by gerbils. A nice gerbil
> that is gently handled won't bite you.
>
> To be extra cautious,
>
> Wash your hands before picking up your gerbils, you want to get off
> food/meat smell but especially the smell of unfamiliar gerbils (not
> clanned-bonded) which is perceived as a threat.
>
> Also, don't "hold" or restrain a gerbil, you handle it by letting it
> sit on your shoulder, climb in over and on your hands and arms, and even
> into your (tucked in) shirt.
>
> And know the signs of a distressed gerbil: squeaking, pushing/butting
> your hand, or that warning nip and respect it -- put him back for a
> while. I don't know what the tail flick means (my 3 year old has
> elicited that reaction -- I don't think the gerbil's happy though)
>
> Don't grab him from behind, use the two handed, let him see it coming
> scoop up.
>
> A gerbil that has just been shipped or transported tends to be
> tensed-up, leave him alone for a few days.
>
> Also, your idea of getting a young gerbil (5-6 weeks) from a breeder who
> handles the gerbils frequently from soon after the birth is a good one.
>
> Donna
