The behavior you might be thinking of is drumming, where gerbils rapidly tap their hind feet on the floor or other surfaces. This is a common behavior in gerbils and it's not directly related to communication with other gerbils. Here's why they drum:
* Marking territory: Drumming can help gerbils mark their territory. The vibrations created by the drumming can travel through the floor and potentially alert other gerbils to their presence.
* Expressing excitement or anxiety: Drumming can also be a way for gerbils to express their excitement or anxiety, particularly when they're feeling stressed or nervous.
* Response to noise: Sometimes, gerbils will drum in response to loud noises or sudden changes in their environment.
Important Note: It's crucial to provide gerbils with a safe and enriched environment to help reduce stress and prevent excessive drumming. This includes providing them with ample space, hiding places, toys, and a suitable substrate for burrowing.
While gerbils do communicate with each other through a variety of means, including scent, vocalizations, and body language, drumming is not a primary form of communication between them.