Gerbils are small, active and curious creatures that can make great pets. However, if your gerbil seems to be running away from you, it can be a cause for concern. There are several reasons why your gerbil might be running away from you and understanding these reasons can help you address the issue and improve your relationship with your pet.
Fear is the most common reason why gerbils may run away from you. If your gerbil has just been brought home or is still in the process of getting used to its new environment, it’s natural for them to be scared. It’s important to give your gerbil time and space to get used to its surroundings and you.
In this article, we’ll look into some other reasons why your gerbil might be running away from you, how to address them, and what can you do to get your gerbil to trust you.
Why Does My Gerbil Run Away From Me?
There are several reasons why your gerbil may be running away from you.
Fear
One of the most common reasons why a gerbil might run away from you is fear. Gerbils are prey animals, which means they are naturally cautious and wary of new or unfamiliar things.
If you approach your gerbil too quickly or make sudden movements, it may feel scared and try to run away from you. To avoid scaring your gerbil, it’s important to approach it slowly and calmly, and to let it come to you rather than trying to pick it up or chase it.
Sickness
Your gerbil might also be running away from you because it’s not feeling well. Gerbils can develop a variety of health issues, including infections, injuries, or chronic conditions, that can cause them to feel uncomfortable or in pain.
If your gerbil is running away from you and also showing other signs of illness or distress, it’s important to take it to the vet for a check-up.
Not used to being handled
Gerbils are social animals, but they also have their own personalities and preferences. Some gerbils may be more comfortable being handled than others. If your gerbil is not used to being handled, it may feel uncomfortable or stressed when you try to pick it up or interact with it.
To help your gerbil get used to being handled, start by offering it treats or food while you’re close by, and gradually increase the amount of time you spend with it.
Being playful
Lastly, your gerbil might be running away from you because it wants to play. Gerbils are active and curious creatures, and they love to explore and play. If your gerbil is running away from you, it might be trying to lead you on a chase.
Gerbils are also very active creatures, they need a lot of space to run and play, so make sure your gerbil has a big enough cage and plenty of toys to keep it entertained.
How do you get a gerbil to trust you?
Gerbils are social animals that can make great pets, but building trust with your gerbil takes time and patience. Trust is an essential part of any relationship, and it’s important to establish trust with your gerbil so that you can have a positive, healthy relationship with your pet.
Here are some tips on how to get your gerbil to trust you:
- Be patient: Trust is built over time, and it’s important to be patient as you work to establish trust with your gerbil. Give your gerbil time to get used to you and your presence, and don’t rush or force interactions.
- Approach slowly: Gerbils are prey animals, and they can be easily scared by sudden movements or loud noises. When approaching your gerbil, move slowly and calmly, and avoid making loud noises or sudden movements.
- Offer treats: Food is a great way to build trust with your gerbil. Offer your gerbil small treats, such as pieces of fruit or vegetables, while you’re near it. As your gerbil becomes more comfortable with you, it will start to associate you with positive experiences and begin to trust you more.
- Start with low-stress interactions: Begin by offering your gerbil low-stress interactions, such as offering food or treats, and gradually increase the level of interaction as your gerbil becomes more comfortable with you.
- Provide a secure environment: Gerbils feel more secure in an environment that is familiar and safe. Provide your gerbil with a cage that is big enough for it to move around freely and has plenty of hiding spots and toys. This will give your gerbil a sense of security and make it more likely to trust you.
- Handle with care: When handling your gerbil, be gentle and use a calm and steady touch. Avoid handling your gerbil too much, especially in the beginning, as this can be overwhelming and stressful.
- Show your gerbil affection: Gerbils are social animals and they enjoy affection and attention. Show your gerbil affection and spend time playing and interacting with it. This will help to build a bond of trust between you and your gerbil.
How long does it take for gerbils to get used to you?
It can take anywhere from a few days to a few weeks for gerbils to get used to you. It depends on your gerbil’s personality and how much time you spend interacting with it. The more time you spend interacting with your gerbil, the faster it will get used to you. Be patient and understanding as your g
How do I know if my gerbil is unhappy?
As a gerbil owner, it’s important to be able to recognize the signs of an unhappy gerbil so that you can address any issues and improve the quality of life for your pet.
Here are some signs that your gerbil may be unhappy.
Lack of appetite
If your gerbil stops eating or is eating less than usual, it may be an indication that it is unhappy or stressed.
Hiding or avoiding interaction
Gerbils are naturally curious and social animals, and if your gerbil is hiding or avoiding interaction, it could be a sign that it is feeling stressed or unhappy.
Aggression
Gerbils may become aggressive if they are feeling threatened or stressed. If your gerbil is biting or displaying aggressive behavior, it may be an indication that it is unhappy.
Over grooming or hair loss
Gerbils may over groom or lose hair as a sign of stress or unhappiness.
Lack of energy or movement
Gerbils are naturally active and curious animals, and if your gerbil is lethargic or not moving around much, it may be a sign that it is unhappy.
Changes in sleeping patterns
Gerbils have regular sleeping patterns and if your gerbil is sleeping too much or too little, it may be an indication that it is unhappy or stressed.
Changes in vocalizations
Gerbils are known for making a variety of vocalizations, such as chirping, whistling, and squeaking. If your gerbil is making more or different vocalizations than usual, it may be a sign that it is unhappy or stressed.
Why does my gerbil not like being held?
It can be frustrating when our furry little friends don’t seem to want to be close to us, but there are a few reasons why this might be the case.
Remember that gerbils are prey animals. This means that they’re naturally cautious and wary of new or unfamiliar things, and that includes being picked up by a big, unfamiliar person (aka, you). Even though you may be their loving owner, your gerbil may still be a bit scared of you at first.
Just like us, gerbils have their own personalities and preferences. Some gerbils may be more comfortable being handled than others. If your gerbil isn’t used to being held, it may feel uncomfortable or stressed when you try to pick it up or interact with it.
It’s also possible that your gerbil is not feeling well. Gerbils can develop a variety of health issues, including infections, injuries, or chronic conditions, that can cause them to feel uncomfortable or in pain. If your gerbil is running away from you and also showing other signs of illness or distress, it’s important to take it to the vet for a check-up.
Conclusion
Gerbils are social animals that enjoy affection and attention, however it can take some time for them to get used to their new owners. Understanding the signs of an unhappy gerbil and why they may not want to be held is important for gerbil owners, as it can help them provide the best care possible for their pet.
Providing a safe, comfortable environment and spending time interacting with your gerbil will help them become more comfortable around you and ensure that they have a happy, healthy life.
