The Gerbil Language

Only if your gerbil could talk. Just because it doesn't talk doesn't mean you can't understand what it is trying to tell you. As the gerbil owner, you need to know what your gerbil is saying. In order to do that you need to become familiar with gerbil sounds and gerbil behaviour. Gerbils squeak to yell at each other ... watch that they don't fight if there is squeaking going on. Chirping is the way they communicate. It's all good when you hear chirping. Gerbils are prone to respiratory infections. A clicking sound will warn you that your gerbil is sick.

You might notice your gerbil vibrating when you hold and pet it. Yes, this is like a cat purring, your gerbil is happy when he does this. It won't make any sound; you'll just feel the vibrating. Have you seen and heard tapping noises? This can be a mating sound or a warning of danger and is caused when they thump their hind feet. If many gerbils are thumping, that is them trying to warn each other, if only one is thumping, the gerbil is sexually excited. If they are patting their feet frequently, you need to see what could be scaring your gerbil and fix the situation.

If you can determine whether your gerbil is stressed or content, you can take the proper action required. A stressed gerbil could get sick. Pay attention to the different gerbil noises, it is very important to be able to talk the gerbil talk. You might end up saving your gerbils life if you can do this. If you can't ... how will you know if they are playing or fighting? Hurting or happy? You must be alert to your gerbils needs and the only way to do that is to know what they are saying.

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Gerbil behaviour will tell signs too. If you see your gerbil licking the side of the tank, check the water. Gerbils even wink; this is usually a good sign. Haven't seen your gerbils wink? Try winking at them, they just might wink back. Also try talking to your gerbils. That will help them get used to you and assist in the taming process.

As long as you don't ignore your gerbils, you will learn all the little quirky ways they communicate with each other and with you. So pay attention, get amused, educated and have loads of fun!

About the Author:

Christine McGee: For more great gerbil info visit http://www.GerbilAid.com today!

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