Gerbils are small, furry animals that make great pets for people who enjoy taking care of them. However, they can be quite active and require a lot of attention in order to keep them happy and healthy. In this article, we’ll take you step by step on how to tame a gerbil.

Step 1: Get Your Gerbil Used to Its New Home

The first step in taming a gerbil is to get it used to its new home. You should introduce the gerbil to its cage slowly, allowing it to explore and get comfortable with its surroundings. Make sure to give the gerbil plenty of time to adjust to its new environment before you start handling it.

Step 2: Handle Your Gerbil Carefully

Gerbils are sensitive animals, so it’s important to handle them carefully. Always pick up your gerbil by its scruff, which is the loose skin on its back. Avoid picking up your gerbil by its tail, as this can cause it stress and pain. Make sure to hold your gerbil securely and speak softly to it to keep it calm.

Step 3: Train Your Gerbil with Treats

Training your gerbil with treats is a great way to get it used to being handled by you. You can use small pieces of food or toys as rewards for good behavior. For example, if your gerbil does something you like, such as comes closer to you or stops running around, give it a treat.

Step 4: Provide Your Gerbil with Enrichment Activities

Gerbils are active animals that need plenty of enrichment activities to stay happy and healthy. You can provide your gerbil with toys, such as exercise wheels or tunnels, to keep it entertained. You can also give your gerbil access to a variety of foods and treats to keep it satisfied.

Step 5: Keep Your Gerbil Clean and Healthy

Finally, it’s important to keep your gerbil clean and healthy. Make sure to clean its cage regularly, using a specialized gerbil shampoo and a brush or comb to remove any dirt or debris. You should also feed your gerbil a balanced diet that includes plenty of fresh vegetables and fruits.

FAQs:

Q: How long does it take for a gerbil to adjust to its new home?

A: It can take anywhere from a few days to a few weeks for a gerbil to adjust to its new home, depending on the individual animal and how much change it’s experienced.

Q: Can I handle my gerbil immediately after bringing it home?

A: No, it’s important to give your gerbil time to adjust to its new environment before you start handling it. This will help reduce stress and make the process smoother for both you and your gerbil.

Q: What should I use to clean my gerbil’s cage?

A: You should use a specialized gerbil shampoo and a brush or comb to clean your gerbil’s cage, making sure to remove any dirt or debris that may have accumulated over time.