Handling, Tips & Important Warnings

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The proper way to pick up and hold a gerbil.

Handling Your Gerbils:
When handling your gerbils, the most important thing to remember is this: Never pick up a gerbil by its tail! Their tails are delicately jointed and could break if they are picked up that way. When picking up your gerbil, try to scoop it up from underneath. Do not snatch them out of their tank from above, as this is how predators in the wild catch small prey animals, and you will only frighten your gerbil and cause it to feel threatened. Hold your gerbil with both hands, firmly but gently.

Bedding Material Dangers:
Many pet stores sell cottony nesting material made of artificial fibers. Do not use it! This material is very dangerous for gerbils (not to mention any small pet rodent), as it does not digest in their stomachs if swallowed, causing dangerous blockage. Their feet can also become entangled in the fibers, cutting off blood circulation and possibly causing them to lose a limb.