If you’re like most gerbil owners, you want your pet to have the best of everything. And that includes holding them safely and comfortably.
In order to hold your gerbil safely, make sure you have a firm grip on them. It’s important to keep your fingers together and cupped firmly around the gerbil’s body. Avoid using two fingers as it can be too hard on the gerbil’s delicate fur and skin.
In this article, we’ll give you the tips you need to prepare your little pet for being hold, how to do it correctly and how to tell if your gerbil feels comfortable.
Preparing to Hold Your Gerbil
Holding your little pet is the first step in bonding with him, so you have to make sure that both you and your furry friend are comfortable and relaxed in order to have a positive experience. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to prepare for holding your gerbil, so that you can ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for both of you.
Get to know your gerbil’s behavior
Gerbils are naturally timid and curious creatures, so it’s important to be aware of their body language and behavior before picking them up. Observe your gerbil’s movements and sounds to get an idea of their comfort level and any potential signs of stress or fear.
Create a comfortable and safe environment
Before you pick up your gerbil, make sure the area where you’ll be holding them is safe and comfortable. This means removing any potential hazards, such as sharp objects or areas where they can easily escape.
Approach your gerbil slowly and calmly.
When you’re ready to pick up your gerbil, approach them slowly and calmly. Speak to them in a soft and soothing tone, and use slow movements so that they don’t feel threatened.
How to Pick Up a Gerbil
Now that you are ready to pick up your gerbil, here’s how to do so in the safest and most comfortable way possible:
Use the correct technique when picking up your gerbil
When picking up your gerbil, it’s important to use the correct technique to ensure their comfort and safety. Use one hand to support their chest and the other hand to support their hindquarters. Avoid picking them up by their tail, as this can cause injury.
You can also use a scoop-like motion to pick them up, which allows you to keep your gerbil close and make sure that they don’t escape.
Once you have your gerbil in your hands, make sure that you’re holding them securely but gently. Keep a firm grip, but be careful not to squeeze them too tightly. You need to always support their chest and hindquarters with your hands, as this will help them to feel secure and comfortable.
If you see that your little pet starts being stressed or uncomfortable, put them down immediately and give them some time to relax before attempting to pick them up again.
Hold your gerbil close to your body
When holding your gerbil, make sure that their face is facing inwards and away from you, as this will help them to feel more secure. Additionally, you should also make sure that their tail is not pinched or bent, as this can cause them discomfort.
Keep your small pet close to your body and make sure that their feet aren’t dangling or unsupported. This will help them to feel secure while they’re in your care.
Let your gerbil explore
Once your gerbil feels comfortable and secure, you can let them explore their new surroundings. Keep a close eye on them and be ready to intervene if they start to feel scared or uncomfortable.
When it’s time to put your gerbil back in their cage, make sure that you do so with the same gentle care as when you picked them up. This will help your gerbil feel safe and secure in their cage, which is essential for their health and well-being.
Providing a Safe and Comfortable Hold
When it comes to holding your gerbil, we must keep outlining that you have to make sure they’re comfortable and secure at all times. You can start by using a secure and appropriately sized carrier or pouch. These can come in a variety of materials and styles, such as a small hammock or a fleece-lined pouch.
When you’re holding your gerbil, adjust your hold as needed depending on their behavior and comfort level. For example, if your gerbil is feeling nervous, you may want to hold them closer to your body for added security. On the other hand, if your gerbil is feeling playful, you can let them explore a bit more while still keeping a secure grip.
Keep in mind that gerbils are small animals, and it can be easy to accidentally hurt them if you’re not careful. So when you’re holding your gerbil, make sure your grip is gentle but secure, and avoid holding them too tightly.
Bonding with your gerbil is a process, and it’s important to take your time and be patient. By providing a safe and comfortable hold, you can help establish trust and a positive relationship with your gerbil.
How to hold a gerbil without it biting you
Your gerbil should never be handled roughly, and learning how to pick up and hold your gerbil without it biting can require a long process. While gerbils are generally gentle and friendly animals, they may bite if they feel threatened or scared.
You are bonding with your little pet, and you should always approach your gerbil slowly and gently. Speak in a soft, soothing voice and avoid making any sudden movements or loud noises. Gently extend your hand to allow your gerbil to sniff it and become accustomed to your presence.
When you’re ready, scoop up your gerbil with both hands, supporting their chest and hindquarters. Make sure your grip is firm but gentle. Hold the gerbil close to your body and avoid dangling it or waving it around. You may also want to offer your gerbil a treat like a piece of apple or carrot, as this can help them to feel more comfortable and secure.
Do gerbils like to be held?
Gerbils, like most animals, enjoy being held if they are handled with care and respect. But it also depends on the individual gerbil’s personality. Some gerbils may be more comfortable being held than others, so it is important to take the time to get to know your gerbil before attempting to hold them.
How to tell if your gerbil is comfortable being handled
In order to tell if your gerbil is comfortable being handled, observe their behavior when you pick them up. Here are some signs that your gerbil may be comfortable in your hands:
- Relaxed posture: A relaxed gerbil will have their body held close to the ground, with their tail and whiskers relaxed. They may also have their ears slightly back.
- Lack of struggle: A comfortable gerbil will not struggle or try to escape when picked up or held.
- Calm breathing: A relaxed gerbil will have a calm and steady breathing rate.
- Curiosity: If a gerbil is comfortable, they may be curious and explore their surroundings while being held.
- Lack of vocalization: A comfortable gerbil will not make any vocalizations such as squealing or chattering.
On the other hand, if your gerbil is uncomfortable, they may show signs such as:
- Tense posture: An uncomfortable gerbil will have their body held higher off the ground and their tail and whiskers may be tense.
- Struggle to escape: An uncomfortable gerbil may struggle or try to escape when picked up or held.
- Rapid breathing: An uncomfortable gerbil may have a rapid breathing rate.
- Defensive behavior: An uncomfortable gerbil may show defensive behavior such as puffing up their fur or biting.
- Vocalization: An uncomfortable gerbil may make vocalizations such as squeaking or chattering.
Conclusion
In conclusion, it is important to handle gerbils with care and respect. Before attempting to hold your gerbil, take the time to get to know them and their individual personality.
Make sure that when you do hold them that you provide a safe and comfortable hold by supporting their chest and hindquarters, holding them close to your body, and avoiding dangling or waving them around.
With patience and gentleness, you can ensure that both you and your gerbil will have a positive experience when it comes time for cuddles!
