Is it normal if my gerbil doesnt want to be held?

Question

i have a gerbil and i hold him every day for at least 15 minutes he tries to run from me whenever i try to pick him up i have had him for about 1-2 months.

Answer 1

15 minutes is a long time in one go. Its better to make it 3 x 5 minutes.

Most small rodents don't like being held. They feel trapped.

Give your jerbil less food in the cage and more treats out while with you. He will sit still to eat sunflourseeds! Then you can give him a stroke after a while.

Answer 2

yes, if it is new, because it isn't very used to being held... but you do want to try to hold him so that he gets used to you holding him. good luck!

Answer 3

yes, not all animals like to be held. I have tow lovely guinea pigs one that loves to be picked up and comforted, whereas the other one doesnt, the one that doesnt likes to be stroked whilst on the floor.

Answer 4

Yes, gerbils don't sit still, they like to explore and run around. I still have trouble holding mine and they are over a year old. You just have to tame them a lot and they will get better. Try giving him food from your hand.

Also, you may want to get him a friend, gerbils are social, and me may be less scared of you if he has a friend by his side. Use the split cage method to do so though.

Answer 5

Yes. Gerbils are not the kind of animal that likes being held for long periods of time. I'm surprised that you're able to hold him that long. My gerbils go 5 minutes, at most, without squirming around on a good day before they want to be put down. Gerbils would much rather run around and explore than be held and cuddled.

Answer 6

let him get over it