Hi Stephen, Gerbils exhibit the most varied patterns of behavior, I've found,
during introductions when one is a bit defensive and the other is trying to
convince the first that he's not a threat. It is a facinating dance of
trust-building behaviors, ending in grooming/nesting together.
There is also a couple of interesting greeting behaviors when two clanned
gerbils come togehter after one had been out of the cage; pups often run after
a parent and face nuzzle. Then their is grooming, piling on top of each
other, and generally exhibiting active and curious behavior.
An unhappy gerbil or one that is adjusting to a new environment sticks to the
nest box and is still, quiet, and won't come out. Sometimes a nervous gerbil
moves in jerky motions. An adult gebil that struggles and squeaks it at
heightened level of distress; put him down quick! (pups squeak all the time
over the least thing).
A happy/relaxed gerbil pops out their head when anything new is added to the
tank, checks it out, and gnaws it up.
They stand still on the hind legs and freeze when they see something of
interest.
Anyways, this is just what I've observed after one year and twenty-something
gerbils.
Donna
Wakka Shakka wrote:
> Hi all,
>
> Are there any particular behaviour patterns that Gerbils exhibit to show
> what kind of mood they are in? Like dogs wag their tails when they are
> happy, cats wag their tail when nervous...
>
> Would be interesting to know what things I do makes them happy n' stuff...
>
> Many thanks,
>
> Stephen
