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Understanding the Behavior of Gerbils
Gerbils are popular
pets and can provide hours of fun as you watch their
antics. Part of this comes from the fact that they are
inquisitive creatures, almost to the point of being
meddlesome. A new smell or object entering their cage
will bring them out of their houses or tunnels. Often
if there is a strange noise a gerbil is more likely
to come out of hiding for a look than cower in a safe
place.
Gerbils communicate via high-pitched
squeaking sounds, often when they are playing or frightened.
These are usually inaudible to humans, but very young
or old gerbils tend to squeak louder.
Gerbils also communicate by many non-verbal
signals. By looking for the use of body language you
may be able to interpret what your pet is experiencing.
One common action is what looks like
rubbing noses when they meet. This greeting action is
actually a licking of each other's mouths, as gerbils
recognize each other by the taste of their saliva.
Another typical action is called 'drumming'.
The gerbil stands up and quickly thumps the ground with
its hind legs. This can be a warning signal to other
members of the group when danger approaches, or a courting
behavior between males and females. This 'drumming'
is a learned action and you will sometimes find young
gerbils imitating their parents when there is no danger
around.
A gerbil that is excited will jump into
the air with all four feet. Boxing movements of the
front paws sometimes accompany this. These boxing movements
are often playful, but sometimes can lead to something
more serious. When gerbils fight they tend to box each
other with their heads before starting to wrestle.
A gerbil will often sit upright. If
it sniffs around while moving its head up and down the
animal is just being curious. However, if it stands
in a frozen position with its paws folded as if praying,
the gerbil is frightened.
If a gerbil rolls in front of another
gerbil while turning its head and offering its throat,
it is asking for a cleaning session. The other gerbil
usually find this a n irresistible request and a thorough
cleaning session ensues. If you see a gerbil thoroughly
grooming itself it is a sign that they are relaxed and
happy.
Although gerbils are very sociable creatures
they can become irritated and want to be left alone.
In this case a gerbil will push others away with its
head. It will even push your hand away in this fashion.
An understanding of your pet gerbils'
body language can add to your enjoyment of keeping these
friendly creatures and help assure you of their well
being.
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