When it all boils down, I think it depends on the gerbil mommy.
I like to give the pups a good 24 hours of hand free time with mom.
Usually they're feeding so often, it's rather hard to find an
appropriate chance any ways.
Always make sure your hands have just been washed in some scent-free
soap, and dried thoroughly.
Oh, and in the first 1 1/2 to 2 weeks I try to restrain myself and
only mess with them once a day. Not only do you upset mom by hauling
the pups out and rearranging her nest, the pups really don't need to
be handled more than once a day at that young of an age. Of course,
that is only my opinion.
Luckily I have a mom that has no problem with me handling the pups,
and a dad that has come to get used to it also.
Oh, and make sure you lavish some attention on the proud parents, or
I'm sure they'll get jealous. :) This will also make sure that the
pups and the parents smell of the same thing - you!
On a side note, I sure hope you have a big enough tank for 2 parents,
8 older siblings, and 6 younger. That sounds crowded! :P
-Jackie & The Copper Dragon Clan
Thumper and Bambi had 6 pups today, August 28th. Yippee!!! They are
in with their older siblings, and so far that seems to be going okay
and not bothering Thumper.
I am not peeking much (this time) as I've been reading different
things about bothering the pinkies. So now I am confused (okay, I'm
paranoid). I don't know exactly when is the right time that I can
touch them without causing anything "bad" that could possibly happen
to them with my scent on them. So any input on this would be
appreciated.... or a link to a URL that discusses this ....
anything.... thank you much. (o:
Shelley
TPC Gerbils
Pandora & Blade & 6 kids
Gerbie from the Wilderness (LOL) & Jin (they have no kids)
Thumper & Bambi & their 15 kids (of various ages!!)
Ichi & Ahrod, the good 'ol boys
AND Buddy, Sonoma, & Tuffy (my 3 cats)
