If you are thinking of getting a pair of gerbils for company – then rest assured – you are getting yourself some very interactive, friendly and inquisitive pets.
And gerbils certainly do bond with their owners if you have the time to share with them.
Gerbils live best in pairs – so you can have twice the fun!
Will my gerbils answer to their name?
Gerbils are very responsive and reactive to humans – they are very clever little creatures. You will find that, depending on your enclosure; the bond your gerbils have with each other; and your regular interations, they can be trained very easily.
They will learn to answer to their names, will react readily to you approaching and opening their enclosure and absolutely LOVE to take food from your hand – in exchange fo a trick or two as well.
Many people can quite easily form a bond with their gerbils – just like dogs – if there is food involved (usually pumpkin seeds or raisins in our experience (although no raisins with dogs – dogs must not have any grape product)).
Even if your gerbils have the deepest substrate ever known to man and noone else in your family has seen them for days – if they know your voice – all it takes is a simple request to them to appear. Out they will pop – ready for that treat.
Will my gerbil sit on me and sleep in my hand?
Absolutely – although you might have to wait a while for the whole sleep thing!
Gerbils (usually a single gerbil or the more dominant gerbil of a pair) totally love to clamber all over their human. Investigating pockets, shoulders, ear and sleeves is what they love.
The more they come out to explore with you – the sooner they will relax and be more settled.
Gerbils just love new places and are always waiting to see what happens next – or what is around the corner. And if they are always coming out for play time and free-running – they will already know how the whole thing goes and so will be content in a shorter time – and this is where their bond with their owner is born.
Same with real good human friends – the more time you spend together – the more you are content in each other’s company. You only see a friend once every other week – you have loads of catching up to do and new things to talk about or go see – but those friends you hang out with almost every day – those friends can chill on the couch without having to say a word.
That is where you want to get to with your gerbils for a real good bond.
Can You Train A Gerbil?
Absolutely – once again – just like dogs – gerbils can learn tricks and all sorts.
All you need is the right motivation and some of their favourite food (something small and quick to eat is the best).
People on youtube have videos of their gerbils learning all sorts of tricks and cute poses – mainly using the ‘Clicker Method’. This simple reward-based method doesn’t even actually need a clicker – it is all about YOU understanding the process first, and applying it patiently and at the right pace for your gerbil.
You can use the Clicker Method to train your family and friends too without them knowing – so great for practicing on!
However, one note to consider – gerbil pairs and larger clans are based on one being more active and nosey than the other ones. The ones who aren’t the boss just aren’t always allowed to be themselves.
Now, please don’t go trying to change this if the gerbils don’t like it. There is a very good reason why one gerbil has to be the boss – and if you try to override that – you could really upset your gerbils.
So, totally start with them both in your sessions, but focus on the one who wants the most attention. If the other gerbil hides away or doesn’t want to come out – don’t make them. They are just doing as they are told. If you end up taking out the non-boss for one-to-one cuddle sessions – they might get really told off when they go back to the clan – and we wouldn’t wish that on anyone!
Also, some gerbils – especially rescues – might take a bit longer to trust humans again depending on their previous life or lives. So please work on general taming tips for these guys first – and possibly use a smaller enclosure. That way you can get them used to just being interacted with first – them work on that bonding time at a more relaxed pace.
Whatever suits them.
You can’t force these things – or any friendship – so go at your gerbils pace and you are on to a winner long term.