My gerbils hate me?

Question

I think my gerbils hate me, every time I go near the cage they start running on their wheel and hiding in their wood chip fort... It probably has to do with me letting them run around under the couch and then catching them after awhile though, so they get really hyper and start doing the latter, will they get used to me? or fear me like a god forever

Answer 1

dont worry i thought the same with my gerbils sooner or later they will come around now my little babies hop on my hand and go for rides on my shoulder all through the house good luck :)

Answer 2

it's tottaly normal. If there young, they will be scared of everything thing that comes near them. If you just got them, they'll be scared for a while. They just have to get used to you, and know that you won't hurt them. Here's a trick:

They LOVE sunflower seeds. They love to crack them open and eat it. So, If you have sunflower seeds in your food you give them, take them out. If you don't, buy some. Put about 6 or 7 in your hand. Slowly put your hand with the sunflower seeds into the cage. They will be scared at first, but if you don't move, they will come out soon. But patients is KEY. It might take a while from them to get used to you. It could be a day, or a week. Put be patient and them they will stand on your hand and eat the seeds.

Hope i helped!

Answer 3

I agree with all the answers! Just one note about the sunflower seeds, make sure they are raw and unsalted, I get mine from a health food store. Salt is not good for gerbils.

Answer 4

Mine do that too, don't worry, anything bigger than them that makes a sudden move they will run. Socialize them by handling them a lot and giving them treats from your hand. They still may get scared at times though. Good luck!

Answer 5

As with every animal, interaction is how you get them to be social with you.  Your gerbils may be afraid of you, but I doubt they "hate" you.  If you hold them every day and let them interact with the world outside of their cage (like letting them run in the couch, that's great), they'll most likely eventually desire being out and spending time with you.

Answer 6

well I'm not sure how long you've had them so I'm going to pretend that you just got them(LOL)

OK all rodents are scared of their owner when you bring them home trust me i know i had a hamster and  just got a guinea pig 4 months ago!!! over time they'll get use to you it may take a little while but they will don't get worried and they don't hate you and if they do they'll end up loving you!!! you seem like a nice person!!!

God Bless