Do Gerbils Like to Be Held?Gerbils are incredibly cute pets with round eyes, fuzzy bodies, and long tails. Originating from desert areas, gerbils are social animals that enjoy interacting with their companions. With a lifespan of around 2-4 years, gerbil care is relatively straightforward – just provide clean water, food, and maintain suitable temperature and humidity levels for their healthy and happy living.
As a gerbil owner, you might wonder: Do gerbils like to be held? This question doesn’t have a simple answer as each gerbil has a unique personality and preferences. Some gerbils are more sociable, while others are shy and reserved. Male gerbils tend to be more affectionate, while females are often more independent. Gerbils raised with human interaction during their early stages may be more accustomed to it, while those adopted as adults might be more resistant to human touch.
Preferred Ways Gerbils Like to Be Touched
Most gerbils enjoy chin scratches or head strokes, making them feel comfortable and relaxed. Some gerbils may allow being held in the palm, but this requires establishing enough trust and intimacy. Individual gerbils might not appreciate physical contact, perceiving it as a threat or disrespect, leading to signs of resistance or fear. When holding a gerbil, be gentle to avoid harming their bones or skin, and avoid holding them for too long to prevent discomfort or lack of oxygen.
How to Make Gerbils Like Being Held
If you want your gerbil to enjoy being held, invest time and patience in building a relationship. Here are some strategies to try:
Spend time sitting near the gerbil’s cage regularly to let them get used to your presence. Talk to them or gently tap on the cage with your fingers to make them aware of you. Avoid sudden movements, which might startle the gerbil.
Familiarize gerbils with your hand by hand-feeding them. Offer some of their favorite treats, like sunflower seeds, peanuts, or dried fruits, directly from your palm or fingers. This helps associate your hand with tasty food and reduces fear.
Allow gerbils to climb onto your palm before picking them up. Once the gerbil has developed trust in your hand, encourage them to climb onto your palm by placing it inside the cage. If they willingly climb onto your hand, gently close your fingers and lift them, making them feel secure. Gradually lift your hand from the cage, ensuring the gerbil feels in control. This way, being held becomes their choice.
Consistently reward gerbils while holding them to associate it with positive feelings. Offer treats or gentle words and strokes during each holding session. You can also let them rest against your chest, allowing them to hear your heartbeat, providing comfort.
Be patient and avoid forcing gerbils into being held. The adaptation speed varies, and some gerbils may quickly enjoy being held, while others may take longer. Adjust your approach based on the gerbil’s reactions, never forcing or holding them too frequently or for extended periods. If a gerbil displays signs of discomfort, such as biting or squeaking, immediately release them, giving space and time. Respect their preferences and avoid insisting on activities they dislike.
Methods to Assess If Gerbils Like Being Held
To determine if your gerbil enjoys being held, observe the following indicators:
See if gerbils voluntarily climb onto your palm or knee. If a gerbil approaches you willingly or climbs onto your body, it signifies affection and a desire for closeness. This is a positive sign that the gerbil likes being held.
Pay attention to the gerbil’s vocalizations and activity level when you approach. If a gerbil emits high-pitched squeaks or becomes lively in the cage upon your presence, it indicates excitement and anticipation of interaction. This is a good sign that the gerbil enjoys being held.
Watch if the gerbil remains quiet and calm while being held. If the gerbil doesn’t struggle, bite, or squeak and instead sits quietly in your hand or licks your fingers, it suggests relaxation and enjoyment of being held. This is a positive signal that the gerbil likes being held.
Gerbils kicking their legs, struggling, or loudly squeaking while being held may indicate discomfort. If a gerbil displays these behaviors, it suggests they are not happy being held. Immediately release the gerbil, provide comfort, or let them return to their cage.
Ways to Keep Gerbils Happy
Gerbils are intelligent and curious animals that require constant exploration and play to maintain a joyful disposition. To keep your gerbil happy, consider the following:
Keep at least two gerbils; avoid solitary living. Gerbils are social animals that need companionship to feel secure and fulfilled. If you only have one gerbil, it may experience loneliness, leading to depression, refusal to eat, or self-harm. Provide your gerbil with a suitable companion, preferably of the same sex or spayed/neutered to prevent breeding and conflicts.
Provide ample space for activities. Gerbils need enough room to run and dig, reflecting their natural instincts. Prepare a spacious cage with multiple levels for increased activity and enjoyment. Include some sand or wood shavings for digging and hiding.
Offer toys like a running wheel for exercise. Gerbils enjoy running on wheels to expend excess energy and keep their bodies active. Provide a suitable wheel, preferably without bars, to prevent the gerbil’s tail or feet from getting caught or injured. Additionally, offer various toys such as wooden sticks, cardboard boxes, or plastic tubes for them to chew, nibble, or explore.
Spend time playing with gerbils every day. Gerbils not only need interaction with their companions but also with you to build trust and intimacy. Dedicate some time daily to let your gerbils explore and play in a safe environment, such as a gerbil playpen or your room. Engage in games like chasing, hide-and-seek, or tug-of-war to make them feel happy and excited.
Whether gerbils like being held depends on their personalities, preferences, and your relationship with them. Use various methods to make gerbils enjoy being held, and employ strategies to assess their feelings about it. By making gerbils happy, you can convey your love and care, resulting in a delightful and warm relationship with these adorable pets.
