* Social Bonding: Gerbils are highly social animals and grooming is an essential part of their social interaction. They groom each other to strengthen their bonds and show affection. The squeaks can be a way of expressing their enjoyment and comfort during the grooming process.
* Communication: Squeaking is a form of communication for gerbils. They might squeak to indicate their pleasure or to show the other gerbil that they are comfortable with being groomed.
* Stress Relief: Grooming can be a relaxing and stress-relieving activity for gerbils. The squeaking could be a way for them to release tension and feel more comfortable.
* Playfulness: Gerbils are playful animals and they might squeak while being groomed simply because they are having fun.
It's important to note that the context of the squeak is important to understand its meaning. A single squeak might not always mean the same thing. For example, a high-pitched squeak might indicate excitement, while a low-pitched squeak might indicate discomfort.
Overall, gerbil squeaks while being groomed are usually a positive sign of their social bonding, communication, or simply their enjoyment of the interaction.