I start handling the pups at or just before a week old (taking them out enclosed in two hands and holding them directly over a pillow). The more you handle them the more relaxed they get about it. Plus temperament plays a big role (there definately are the more hyper and the more calm litters). The day they open their eyes, they are pretty springy. But I still take them out (enclosed in two hands), and try to avoid loud noises that can startle them. After the eyes are opened for a few days, they are back to their old (eyes-closed) selves. And now I'll hold them not over a pillow and they stick to my hands, arms, and shoulders without leaping off. Donna ABC Gerbils http://www.geocities.com/abcgerbils/home.html > How early can you handle pups and not have them try > their > best to spring off your hand at 2-3 weeks old? I > don't like > handling them any earlier than eyes open, and they > still want > to leap instead of sit there. > > Deb > Rebel's Rodent Ranch __________________________________________________ Do You Yahoo!? Yahoo! Auctions - Buy the things you want at great prices. http://auctions.yahoo.com/
