Gerbils are shy, inquisitive, and affectionate members of the rodent family that live throughout the world.If you take the time to properly tame your gerbils, they may be less likely to be shy or aggressive and instead provide much love and fun to you and your family.
Step 1: Understand the behavior of gerbils.
Before you can tame a gerbil, you need to know their temperament.They can be shy and aggressive if they are scared.Understanding your gerbil can help you tame it.Gerbils are social, inquisitive, and can bond with their human family.They don't like being alone.Gerbils are active and curious.gerbils will play with each other all day if you have more than one.Gerbils are territorial and you need to be careful if you want to introduce a new gerbil to your community.If they are scared, gerbils may exhibit this kind of aggression.gerbils do not produce the same bad odors as rats, mice, or hamsters.
Step 2: Prepare the gerbil's home.
Purchase a cage that will fit your gerbil.Preparing their home will help you tame them more effectively.If you don't want your gerbil to startle with too much activity, place their cage in an area of the house with medium traffic.Gerbils like to be part of the action.Humans make noise and motion, so they need to get used to that.Corn cob, hay, or shredded cardboard can be used to fill the gerbil cage.alfalfa grass can be used as a substitute for any of these bedding options.Rats, seeds, fruits and vegetables are some of the things gerbils eat.They should have a variety of food in the cage.Make sure your gerbil doesn't get dehydrated by putting a water bottle in the cage.Gerbils are a desert dwelling creature, so don't expect to see them drinking a lot.Purchase accessories for the cage that will allow your gerbils to explore.Gerbils are clean animals and you need to keep his cage clean to make him happy and healthy.
Step 3: Get your gerbils.
Purchase a pair of gerbils.It will be more work if you buy one gerbil since there is less entertainment.You are more likely to tame your gerbils if they are younger.Don't get a gerbil under 5 weeks of age to help ensure that they've had enough time with their mother and are healthy.If possible, buy your gerbils from a reliable breeder.Ensuring that your gerbil is healthy and doesn't have any deformities from inbreeding is something this can help with.Make sure your gerbil choices are healthy.The coat should be glossy and clean, with bright eyes, clean nose, and straight teeth.If you notice any problems, ask the breeder or choose another gerbil.
Step 4: Allow the gerbils to live in your home.
It is traumatic for a gerbil to be moved from one home to another.Allow them some time to recuperate and adjust to their new surroundings, because you may want to take them out and play.This could help you tame them more effectively.It may take a few days for your gerbil to settle in their new home.They will be too stressed to tame.
Step 5: Make a plan.
It takes time and patience to tame a gerbil, so develop a plan that you can follow consistently.A plan will allow you to consider your gerbil's personality and other factors that may affect the process.The training is fun for you and your gerbil.Running on your lap can be fun for a gerbil.Don't forget to keep your gerbil's personality in mind when developing your training plan.Some gerbils jump onto your arm while others take a while to get used to you.You need to set long- and short-term goals since training is something you have to do regularly.Setting daily, weekly, and monthly intentions for your gerbil can be used to develop your plan.One week is all you need to get your gerbil to jump into your hands.To expose your gerbil to your scent and personality, make a plan over the course of the week.Give your gerbil a treat to warm him up and keep the exposure short.Consistency is what Gerbil taming requires.
Step 6: Be sure to start your gerbil taming as soon as possible.
Gerbils respond well to proper guidance from the beginning of your relationship.To stay on track, follow the plan you wrote.The gerbils of any age respond.It is important to not be discouraged if your gerbil is older.As soon as he joins your family, you can tame him.It may take a little more time, effort, and patience on your part.Gerbils can be smart and loyal.You can train your gerbil at any age with proper communication and behaviors.
Step 7: Before handling gerbils, wash your hands.
You need to wash your hands before handling gerbils.This can help calm your gerbil and make him want to play.Don't use a soap that is too perfumed because it will turn off your gerbil.
Step 8: Gain the trust of your gerbil.
Gain his trust before you can handle him frequently.You have to put your hands in the cage a lot.If you want your gerbil to sniff you, put your hands in the cage often.He can either jump into your hand or not.Before you put your hand in the cage, make sure your gerbil knows you are around.If you put a few seeds in your hand, your gerbil will trust you more.As gerbils can smell adrenaline, remember to remain calm.
Step 9: Hold your gerbil.
You can begin to hold him more often once you have gained his trust.If you stay calm and handle your gerbil properly, you can hold him for hours or let him explore you.It is important to stay calm and not panic when you hold your animal.It is important to properly handle your gerbil so that you don't hurt him.Scoop up your gerbil with both hands.You can give your gerbil some seeds to help it settle down.As you get more experience, you can pick up your gerbil with one hand.Picking up a gerbil by his tail can hurt him.If you pick up your gerbil, turn away from their tank or cage.This calms small animals because they don't see the place they want to go back to to feel safe.There are gerbils that don't like being held.Let the shy gerbils know that you are there to take care of them.
Step 10: Socialize with your gerbil.
Exposure to other gerbils and people is an important part of training.He will be more comfortable in any situation and less likely to be aggressive.Help will be made to tame him.Gerbils can act aggressively towards other animals and people if they are socialized correctly.Expose your gerbil to positive and calm situations with other people.The gerbil is less likely to feel threatened if new people allow it to sniff them first.Take your gerbil out of the cage and let him explore.In order for your gerbil to be comfortable having other people visit his home, you should invite people to your house.Keep everything calm and positive.If you are introducing two new gerbils, place them in a clean space.They will be less likely to exhibit aggressive behaviors if they are used to one another.
Step 11: Be calm with your gerbil.
The hardest part of controlling a gerbil is patience.Your gerbil will be happy if you are calm and happy.If you are patient, you will be able to tame your gerbil.You are more likely to be patient with your gerbil if you keep your time together fun.Yelling or physical punishment may cause your gerbil to fear you and other people.
Step 12: Positive reinforcement can be used to avoid physical discipline and yelling.
The taming process involves rewarding your gerbil for his positive behaviors.You must avoid yelling at your gerbil when he makes mistakes and understand that he may make occasional mistakes.Positive reinforcement works by rewarding the actions you want your gerbil to repeat.Reward your gerbil with treats.
Step 13: Immediately react to behaviors.
It is possible that your gerbil will nip you or not want to be held.It is important to react to your gerbil quickly.Ensuring that your gerbil doesn't fear you or other people because you disciplined him wrong will be reinforced by doing this.It's counter productive to physically punish your gerbil.This will cause him to be frightened and confused and may even discourage him from becoming tame.If your gerbil nips you, use a firm "no" to let him know it isn't acceptable.Don't hit, yell, or blow in a gerbil's face.They should not be drenched with water.These measures are counter productive and can cause serious health issues.
Step 14: Have fun with your gerbil!
Gerbils can be a lot of fun.You can help tame your gerbil by making sure you enjoy yourself.