How to Make Your Gerbil Like You

Gerbils are active little rodents that grow to about 4 inches in length and come in a variety of colors. They make great family pets because they are fun, active and friendly. They are also usually very gentle and do not bite, unlike many animals in the rodent family. If you have a gerbil, the best way to get him to like and trust you is to always handle him gently and make his environment as natural and comfortable as possible.

  1. Shelter

    • Provide your gerbil with a good home to make him feel secure and safe around you. A 10-gallon aquarium with a wire mesh top would make a good home for your pet. Fill the bottom of the aquarium with 3 to 6 inches of bedding like sawdust or shredded paper for him to burrow in. Replace his bedding once a week and clean the tank once every two to three weeks with some mild soap and water to maintain a clean and healthy environment.

    Treats

    • Give your gerbil treats to win his affection. You can supplement your gerbil's main food, typically a seed mix, daily with fresh vegetables such as leaf lettuce, carrots and broccoli, notes the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals' website. Every other day, as a treat, you can offer him small bits of fruits such as apples and bananas. Treats will help your gerbil associate you with the food he loves so much, which will help him feel more comfortable and safe around you.

    Play Toys

    • Gerbils love to play with toys because they help them stay physically and mentally stimulated. Great gerbil toys include empty toilet paper rolls, paper towel rolls and cardboard boxes. Toys will allow your gerbil to perform his natural instinct of shredding inside his home environment. You will need to replace toys often, so it is a good idea to collect empty paper towel and toilet paper rolls in a basket for your gerbil to play with.

    Companion

    • If you have only one gerbil, consider giving him a companion. Gerbils that live in groups are usually healthier and live longer than single gerbils. Gradually introduce the new gerbil over time, because they may not get along well at first, notes ABCGerbils.com. Divide your aquarium in half using stiff, heavy cloth with small holes in it. Place it from corner to corner so the cage is divided into equal triangles. Place a gerbil in each section and swap them out periodically throughout the day so they can smell each other's scent. After several days they will be familiar with one another and you can remove the cloth.

    Chew Toys

    • Give your gerbil some untreated wood to chew on to keep his teeth trim. Gerbils̵7; teeth constantly grow throughout their lives and if they do not chew on objects, their teeth will grow too long, which can lead to difficulty eating and other health problems.

    Tip

    • Do not put male and female gerbils together because they will reproduce.