----- Original Message -----
From: R Warrick <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
To: <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
Sent: Wednesday, December 20, 2000 1:45 PM
Subject: about gerbil parental behaviour
> Just curious about something, watching my pair with the baies.
>
> Are the male gerbils often a bit, careless around the babies?
>
> He's not tired to hurt any of them deliberately. I've watched him to make
> sure. And the mother doesn't seem disturbed, but he's torn up the nest
> twice, just from digging through, and he tends to just brush the babies in
> whichever direction he's throwing the litter. They aren't hurt, I've been
> checking on them every day to be sure. I'm thinking maybe the "rough
stuff"
> is normal and because I've never had a pair have babies I just don't know
> it. But I wanted to ask.
Yes. it's absolutely normal for both the male and female to treat their
babies roughly. Actually the female is usually worse than the male. They
will all survive. They're tough little furries.
>
> He also learned a new trick last night. Finally learned that it's okay to
> climb in my hand (I always try never to chase them) and climbed all the
way
> to my shoulder!
>
The next move is to go round your neck to the other shoulder. Then they go
onto climbing omto your head. But watch out. Claws in your ear can be
painful.
> Oh, and is it okay to take him out and let him run around in the playbox
by
> himself for a bit? I think maybe he's a little bit harried. :)
>
Yes. After a couple of days I let both parents out for their normal play.
Gets rid of the excess energy.
Enjoy the babies
Cheers
Sue
