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Handling and Holding
Because gerbils are not naturally aggressive and only bite when provoked they are very easily held. But holding them for a long time can become very tricky! Gerbils are as I refer to them, "little wiggle worms", meaning they do not sit still for longer than a second at a time. Constantly exploring your hands, arms, shoulders, and even your head! For this reason it is important to know the proper ways of holding your little guy! Well first off please DO NOT pick your gerbil up by the tail, especially the tip, because it will break off as the gerbil struggles in discomfort! This will also cause a lot of guilt on your half! If you must pick a gerbil up by the tail do so by the base, but only use this method of picking up in an emergency!
The proper and preferred ways to pick up a gerbil to surround your gerbil in cupped hands and gently lift the entire animal, or to let it walk on your hand using a treat as a bribe and lift it in cupped hands as before. Once you have it out of the cage support the front with a cupped hand and place your other hand on its back and hindquarters to secure it. Be careful as your gerbil begins to wonder because a fall it very harmful to them!
If you need to give your gerbil medicine than you can also hold the gerbil by the scruff of the neck (scruff- a loose flab a skin and fur behind the neck) like its mother did when it was a pup. Don't do this often because gerbils seem to dislike it and become grouchy! Once you have mastered the skill of handling and holding your gerbil try to teach them tricks!!
Email: babykates927@hotmail.com
