I need some advice plleaaseee...

5headh · #1 (**permalink**) 27-11-2011, 11:12 AM

Ive had my gerbils for about 8 months, they used to be quite tame then i got ill and have been ill for about 6 months and unable to really handle them, now im getting better i want to be able to handle them again, but i cant seem to tame them they keep biting :| any tips?

My hamster is fine, just ther gerbils...

GerbilNik · #2 (**permalink**) 29-11-2011, 09:03 PM

Under what circumstances do they bite? When you put your hand in the tank? When you pick them up? etc etc

5headh · #3 (**permalink**) 29-11-2011, 09:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GerbilNik

Under what circumstances do they bite? When you put your hand in the tank? When you pick them up? etc etc

When I put my hand in the tank, when im holding them they dont seem to bite just not at all relaxed

GerbilNik · #4 (**permalink**) 29-11-2011, 11:29 PM

If you have a look on my website here Gerbils Who Bite « Indy's Rascals Gerbil Rehome this should help you out a lot.

Also here is a story of a Gerbil we had who was a bad biter and was completely rehabilitated Damien’s Story « Indy's Rascals Gerbil Rehome

kat04kt · #5 (**permalink**) 30-11-2011, 12:50 AM

Your website is brilliant. I've just got three rescue gerbils, they aren't biters but they are very skittish.

I'm actually finding it quite difficult with the tank. They are in a perfecto. It's awkward because if I'm to leave my hand in there I have to stand up and bend down - only so long a person can stay in that position, also for getting them used to my hands and having them run to the other, so far I have not achieved because of the pesky glass shelves. When I picked them up from the rescue they were in a plastic ferplast hamster cage - obviously not a suitable long term home but in terms of hand holding and taming - it was great. We spent about 20 minutes with her showing me what to do and they were responding really well, but I've been unable to replicate this on my own. Even moving the tank to my bed isn't really working. Lots of people have perfecto tanks so there must be a good way?

At the moment though they will occasionally come and sit on my hand but only for a few seconds. I was able to hand feed one a sunflower yesterday, but I don't feel comfortable removing them to place them in a plastic box. They've had a rough start in life, I want them to feel secure, I think taking them out of their home and placing them in a plastic box so that I can try and hand hold etc will only lead them to be fearful and then bite!

So really keen to read any advice on this thread about taming gerbils!

5headh · #6 (**permalink**) 30-11-2011, 11:37 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kat04kt

Your website is brilliant. I've just got three rescue gerbils, they aren't biters but they are very skittish.

I'm actually finding it quite difficult with the tank. They are in a perfecto. It's awkward because if I'm to leave my hand in there I have to stand up and bend down - only so long a person can stay in that position, also for getting them used to my hands and having them run to the other, so far I have not achieved because of the pesky glass shelves. When I picked them up from the rescue they were in a plastic ferplast hamster cage - obviously not a suitable long term home but in terms of hand holding and taming - it was great. We spent about 20 minutes with her showing me what to do and they were responding really well, but I've been unable to replicate this on my own. Even moving the tank to my bed isn't really working. Lots of people have perfecto tanks so there must be a good way?

At the moment though they will occasionally come and sit on my hand but only for a few seconds. I was able to hand feed one a sunflower yesterday, but I don't feel comfortable removing them to place them in a plastic box. They've had a rough start in life, I want them to feel secure, I think taking them out of their home and placing them in a plastic box so that I can try and hand hold etc will only lead them to be fearful and then bite!

So really keen to read any advice on this thread about taming gerbils!

My gerbils have a 80 litre tank that they burrow in then a (please dont shoot me) rotastak space pod on top that they eat and run about it. They seem pretty happy with this and have loads of space and best of all get to burrow. But that makes it hard trying to get to them!!

kat04kt · #7 (**permalink**) 30-11-2011, 12:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 5headh

My gerbils have a 80 litre tank that they burrow in then a (please dont shoot me) rotastak space pod on top that they eat and run about it. They seem pretty happy with this and have loads of space and best of all get to burrow. But that makes it hard trying to get to them!!

Do you have a picture so I can see their set up? xx

5headh · #8 (**permalink**) 30-11-2011, 01:04 PM

I have a feeling Im going to get moaned at, but they are happy in here, concidering the pet shop told me just to put them in the tank the rotastak is an add on.

Crittery · #9 (**permalink**) 30-11-2011, 01:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 5headh

I have a feeling Im going to get moaned at, but they are happy in here, concidering the pet shop told me just to put them in the tank the rotastak is an add on.

I don't see how it is a problem the way you are doing it, using rotastak and similar as addons only can work quite well. Problem occurs when people think they can just use rotastak - without attaching it to a proper size cage!

I've had problems taming animals in perfectos - especially since the lids are so noisey coming off! I've had to train them to walk into a toilet roll or similar to be picked up rather than swooping in myself.

5headh · #10 (**permalink**) 30-11-2011, 01:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Crittery

I don't see how it is a problem the way you are doing it, using rotastak and similar as addons only can work quite well. Problem occurs when people think they can just use rotastak - without attaching it to a proper size cage!

I've had problems taming animals in perfectos - especially since the lids are so noisey coming off! I've had to train them to walk into a toilet roll or similar to be picked up rather than swooping in myself.

I wait until mine are in there tube!
Yeah I know, I just know somebodys going to moan at me for my set up. There are happy, they have a huge tank to burrow in and then the rotastak add on to run about as they doo. They often get cardboard boxes and other toys aswell!

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