In my experience, I would classify three types of
nipping/biting from least to most serious:
1) The tasting, chewing, gnawing on you -- you see
this very common in pups, but I have one dad gerbil
that does this too. This is usually exploratory,
doesn't hurt, and is a series of mouthing, chewing.
In this case, don't move your hand away. I say, ouch!
or cut it out! in the oldsters, and ignore it in the
youngsters
2) A warning nip. This is a controlled, single nip
that doesn't break the skin and says, "stop whatever
you are doing, I am uncomfortable with it". If you
are doing something unreasonable making their pups
squeak, or making them do a can-can dance, respect the
message and layoff.
3) A all out bite. A chunk of skin is removed and
blood is flowing. I can't think of many excuses for
this one, unless you do something very un-smart such
as break up a gerbil ball fight with your bare hands.
This is a fear or aggression reaction to the extreme,
and would warrent a gerbil going back to it's place of
origin, in my opinion.
Donna
ABC Gerbils
www.abcgerbils.com
--- Blue <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote:
> I got pair of male, year old gerbils two-three days
> ago.
>
> One of them gnaws.. he drew blood on middle joint of
> my index and middle finger. I had my hand in an
> extended fist in the aquarium. I tried blowing in
> his
> face and then I finally moved my hand. Drawing blood
> was my fault, really -- I should have moved my hand
> before that. I don't know if he thinks I'm a giant
> toliet paper roll or what..
>
> Any more ideas on how to get him to stop? And any
> tips/tricks for teaching gerbils to jump willingly
> into your hand without a bribe? I know about the
> patience part. :) Got that down smack.
>
> Thanks!
>
> Cheers,
> Christina
>
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