How can I train young gerbils to ride on my shoulder?

Question

they are really small. i read that you can do stuff like train them to ride on your shoulder when ur walking. like i said, they are small and young. i just bought them from the petstore yesterday. oh, will they calm down and get used to me picking them up?? i let them sniff my hand and climb on it and then they freak out when i move. i am not sure weather or not they like being picked up, will they???

Answer 1

Dear Training your Gerbil Inquirer,

This is all part of training your gerbil to do really whatever you want it to do. A big part of this would be with treats. You'd need to put a treat on your shoulder, to get the gerbil to go up there. Often, the gerbil will get off immediately.

Don't be shocked if that happens. Everyday while training your gerbil, put more and more treats up there, and things that your gerbil likes.

This way, your gerbil will gain trust to be up there, and that nothing bad will happen while up there. This is part of training.

Good luck and happy training!,

Pet Rodent Expert

Answer 2

Well I did that with some of my gerbil once they were use to being picked up I would put the one my shoulder and sit up right, after a minute I put them back down and went the stop trying to jump off i would move around a bit more and more each time,

Warning Gerbil moving from one shoulder to the other and most likey poo down you neck, on the first time you move around.

Answer 3

You shouldnt be handling them at all right now. You need to wait for a few more days. Once they settle down, then start introducing yourself. And whenever they fully trust you, there will be no need to train them. They will do it naturally, like mine. There was absolutely no training needed. Hope this helps!! :)

Answer 4

well if you have snacks for them you should feed them with your hand so they see that you are gentle and will see that they could trust you. i have a hamster and she  rides on my shoulder all the time but i didnt have her when she was young i just put her on my shoulder and she just stayed their but sometimes she tries to cross on to the other shoulder and so sometimes i have to hold her.but since they are young put one at a time on your shoulder and just watch how they are on your shoulder. or just be ready to hold them if they try to go down on your back.