Gerbils are creatures that freak out easily. To avoid startling them, announce your presence whenever you want to go near their cage. You can do this by making enough noise from a distance, after which you can approach. Look for any sign of distress before handling one. A gerbil in panic mode may bite if it perceives you as a threat.
Once you're sure your gerbil is ready, remember not to be too rough on it. Holding it in a tight grip is a no-no, and the tail is off-limits as well because you can tear it off with minimal effort. The best way to get a gerbil accustomed to handling is to start young. The longer the time it gets to spend with you, the better chance you have of building trust.
Don't make the gerbil dizzy while sitting on your hands because it will associate the negative experience with you. It might even bite you the next time you try to handle it. But if your gerbil's friendly attitude changes without provocation, it’s a good idea to bring the issue to the attention of your vet Louisville KY.
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