Many people are surprised to learn that gerbils are not only easy to handle but also quite docile. They make great first pets for children! If you’re thinking of adding a furry friend to your family, here’s everything you need to know about how to pick up a gerbil for the first time.
What is the best way to pick up a gerbil?
When picking up a gerbil, it’s important to remember that they can be easily startled.
The best way to handle a gerbil is with gentle hands and slow movements. Be sure to provide them with a safe and comfortable space before attempting to move them – even allowing them to explore your hand first through an open space is helpful. Lastly, the most helpful thing when handling a gerbil is to speak softly and calmly while maintaining steady and gentle pressure on their bodies so they don’t feel like they need to escape.
With patience and care, owners can easily pick up their gerbils without any potential for injury or stress.
How do you get a gerbil to let you hold it?
Gerbils can be adorable, affectionate pets that some people enjoy holding, but it may take some time and patience to get your gerbil comfortable enough with you to let you hold it.
To start, make sure your gerbil is familiar with your presence and actions by visiting them regularly. Speak calmly and gently while in the same area as them and slowly act out gestures such as petting or rubbing their fur. Your gerbil should eventually feel safe enough with you to comfortably come over for a little scratch here and there!
With continued positive reinforcement, like giving treats, your gerbil will soon grow more trusting of you, and letting you pick it up won’t seem so far-fetched after all.
Do gerbils like being picked up?
Gerbils, just like many other types of pets, love to be handled with gentleness and care. Though some may be more hesitant to be picked up than others, typically it is considered a sign of affection when they are. As long as gerbils are approached and handled in the right manner, they can even enjoy being held while they explore their environment.
The key to making sure your gerbil feels comfortable is by being patient and slowly introducing them to being held upright. Practicing this kind of handling regularly will help ensure that they don’t feel scared or stressed whenever they’re picked up.
How often should you hold your gerbil?
It can be both fun and beneficial to interact with your gerbil, but it is important to remember not to overhandle them. They need time for other activities, like playing or exploring their cage, so aim for about 5-10 minutes of handling per day.
If your gerbil is particularly active and energetic, you can increase this time frame a bit, as they will enjoy the extra playtime. However, remember that too much handling can stress out your pet due to their small size; so allow them plenty of time outside of being held by you.
Is it OK to pick a gerbil up by its tail?
Picking up a gerbil by its tail can be very hazardous to its health, as it can lead to serious internal injuries and spinal trauma. While it may seem like an easy way to move your pet around, caring for a gerbil requires more patience and understanding. In addition to potentially injuring your gerbil, picking it up by the tail can also be very stressful and could cause longer-term behavioral issues such as heightened aggression and fearfulness around humans.
For those trying to handle their small rodent ethically, always make sure you are picking them up gently with both hands and supporting their full body weight while they get acclimated to the experience of being held.
Closing Thoughts: How To Pick Up a Gerbil for the First Time?
Even though they are small, Gerbils can be easily injured. It’s best to support their entire body when first picking one up. When you finally do get a hold of them, don’t squeeze too hard, and make sure your nails aren’t sharp.
Cradling the gerbil in your hand should allow it to feel relaxed and safe before letting it go again. Picking up a gerbil for the first time doesn’t have to be stressful if you follow these simple tips!
