Gerbils are cheaper to care for than other types of pets.They can entertain each other for hours.It is easy to bond with your gerbils if you follow the general guidelines.
Step 1: Be patient.
Gerbils build relationships based on trust.They are especially cautious of bigger animals since they are prey animals in the wild.Don't try to touch or pick up gerbils until you get used to them.It can take a few hours to get used to a new environment for gerbils.When your gerbils are ready for more interaction, they will let you know.They are not ready to be touched or held if they hide or run away from you.
Step 2: They can be placed in a central area of your home.
Gerbils need to be around people more than they are not.Don't let gerbils out of their cage until you are able to hold them.
Step 3: You can talk or sing to your gerbils.
If your gerbils won't come near your hand, spend some time each day sitting near their cage and talking to them so they can get used to your voice.You don't have to speak directly to them, but you can talk or sing loud enough to get them comfortable with your voice.
Step 4: You should wash your hands.
Gerbils have a strong sense of smell and use it to their advantage.It's a good idea to wash your hands before you interact with them to make sure they don't smell anything you touched earlier in the day.If you have other pets, this is important.These animals are in the wild.You should use a non-perfumed soap.
Step 5: You can give your gerbils a treat.
There are a number of steps to taking care of your gerbils.The best way to get them to eat out of your hand is to make them smell it.If you want to keep your hand still, lay your palm on the ground with a treat in the middle.If they don't eat from your hand right away, that's fine.Put the food on the floor away from them.They will associate your hand with treats eventually.Almonds, pecans, and walnuts are not typically found in gerbil food.People and gerbils have different levels of social acclimation.Some may come to you quickly, while others are more cautious.Don't take it personally.You may have to start from the beginning to rebuild trust when gerbils backslide.Don't get discouraged and try again.If they aren't tempted by one, offer a second treat.If you put one on the ground and one in your hand, they will go to either one.
Step 6: Put your hand out and let them jump into it.
This is the best way to hold your gerbil, and will be less threatening to them than trying to pick them up.It might take a while before he is comfortable with you getting in his hand.Be kind and patient.When they jump into your palm, raise your arm slowly to your chest so that they don't feel scared.If they won't let you touch them, try holding your hand in a fist near them and letting them get used to your smell first.
Step 7: If you have to pick them up, use both hands.
If you need to pick them up, place one on either side of them and cup your hands.They have to step up into your hands if you move them slowly.This method allows them to decide if they want you to pick them up.
Step 8: Schedule time for playtime.
Gerbils need to be socialized.They won't want to play with you anymore if you stop playing with them.Make sure you spend enough time with them every day, caring for them and providing recreation.Don't let them out of their cage without supervision.Gerbils are good at hiding.
Step 9: Play in a safe environment.
Every day, gerbils need to play outside.When you open the cage, make sure you are in an enclosed area with few hiding spaces so that your gerbil can't run away.All windows and doors should be closed before opening the cage.Don't let your gerbils out of their cage until you can hold them.It is best to wait for them to come out on their own rather than grabbing them.An empty kiddie pool is a great place to let them play.
Step 10: Let them look in the cage.
Allow your gerbil to enter your environment on their own terms after the initial introductory period.You can let them out in an empty bathtub if you can't touch them by the second day.They should put their cage in the tub, sit on the opposite side and open the cage door.Don't pull them out of their cage.Sit near the door and open it.Make sure the tub is clean.
Step 11: Add some toys.
You can make your own toys.You can easily find cardboard tissue boxes, egg cartons and empty toilet paper rolls around your home.They might like wooden blocks with holes for walking through and wheels to run on.Don't buy a wheel with spokes or holes.Their feet could get caught in holes and cause injury.They should not be given scented paper towels or towels with writing on them.Gerbils need to chew, so look for wooden toys that are not painted.To make a fun tunnel for your gerbils, use empty paper towel or toilet paper rolls.You can make a tunnel out of the pipe.
Step 12: Place your gerbil on it's back or head.
Gerbils need to get used to your touch to develop a close bond.Wait until they approach you, then gently stroke their head or back.Don't use too much force.Gerbils are small and can scare if they get used to you.
Step 13: Make your gerbil a present.
To make your gerbil a special toy, wrap a treat in tissues and paper.It's important to use clean, white tissues with no scented ones.Put treats in the middle, fold tissues in half, and roll up like a burrito.Put the end of the tissue pack inside the toilet paper tube.The treat should be in the middle of the roll if you put a tissue in each side.Roll like a burrito on a sheet of white paper.You can present your gerbil with a candy wrapper.
Step 14: They should be taught to flip backwards.
Take a treat out of their reach.Bring the treat towards their back when they move towards it.gerbils will flip over to get to it.If your gerbil is smart, they will turn around and get the treat.Next time, try to hold it closer to their head.
Step 15: They should be trained to jump for treats.
Gerbils can jump 18 inches across and 6 inches high, and can change direction in mid-air.You can encourage jumping with a treat in your fingers.To encourage a long jump, hold a treat several inches away and a couple inches high.
Step 16: They should run through a maze.
Put a treat or two at the end of the maze.The gerbil should be placed at the beginning so that they can find the treat.As your gerbil gets used to it, start with a straight line maze.