Ask The Gerbils

Dear Nellie,


Last week I found a gerbil that was being given away because the little girl no longer wanted to take care of her, and her cat was always attacking the cage. I have given her a week of privacy now so that she could get used to being here, but she just stays in her little house.

Is it ok for me to take her out and cuddle her so that she can see that I love her? It is really hard to see what her favourite foods are because I never see her.

Can you give me some advice please?
Her name is Princess, we thought we should keep it because she is so pretty.

Thank you,

- TJ

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Hello TJ!

It's great that you've given a loving home to Princess! I'm sure she'll be very happy with you!

It will be easier for Princess to see that you love her if you are patient with her. You can also show her how much you like her by offering her little gifts, such as toilet paper tubes to chew or an occasional treat. You might also try pouring some of her food into your hand and then setting your hand on the floor of the tank so that she can come over and eat from your hand.

Does she have an exercise wheel? If not, try to give her a wheel. This will probably get her out of her house and more active. :)

Once she gets a little bit more used to her home, you might try sitting in the bathtub (no water) while you let Princess explore the tub and crawl on your legs. This helps make many gerbils more tame. You can read more about it in our Use Your Bathtub As A Gerbil Playground tip.

Just remember to be patient with Princess. She is still getting to know you and her new home, but if you are patient, she should learn how much you love her. :)

Your friend,

- Nellie