Maybe one of many things:
1) Did not like her scent at the time of playing with. Washing hands with
the same soap every time will help.
2) Was woken up before playtime. Gerbils can be cranky sometimes, Play with
them after dark, or later on in the day.
3) Still learning the environment - and it was to soon. Gerbil still
unfamiliar with this girl, and may feel threatened.
4) The girl just had lunch, and had some food on her hands.
Gerbils maybe cute, but they are very much like Siamese cats, they are very
temperamental, and one has to know how to watch for this, and be prepared to
react
I found out that they have a one-track mind, and one has to learn how to
change or undo what is on their mind. - A distraction like food, or a
smacking noise from the lips will change it quickly.
This is just my input.
This is based on my observations, and may change from one family to another.
-----Original Message-----
From: Gerbil Discussion List [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]]On Behalf Of
Evon
Sent: Saturday, May 27, 2000 8:44 AM
To: [EMAIL PROTECTED]
Subject: Biting Gerbil
Hi List,
I sold a male gerbil to an 11 year old girl and her mother a little over
a month ago. I received a phone call the other day, the gerbil had
bitten the child. Now I am upset because he bit hard and she was
bleeding. I don't know why he would bite her. In all my years of
breeding gerbils, I have never had one bit me or any one else without
cause. The mother assured me that the little girl was only playing with
him. What would cause a gerbil to bite someone other than self defense?
Thanks,
Evon
"Pineywoods Gerbils"
