>1) My gerbils make peeping noises when they cuddle up to sleep. I
>thought I wasn't supposed to hear these peeping noises, because they
>are too high to be heard by humans. Is there a problem or am i gifted ?
You are gifted by having sweet gerbils. Sometimes they do make
audible noises like that.
>2) In addition to the normal wooden playthings and cardboard boxes i have
>recently given them a few branches of a willow to nibble on. But I noticed
>that that make them sleepy... is this possible? I've removed the branches
>for now.
Yes. Willow bark is brewed in tea for headache relief. It is best
to not feed them willow. Apple or pear wood is ok...
>3) One of the gerbels (Athena) is biting me a lot. First she sniffs my
>hand, then nibbles on it and after a nibble or 2 goes for the kill. I tried
>blowing in her face when she does that (as advised in a FAQ) or slightly
>tapping her on the head (also from the FAQ). But there is no improvement.
>I've got them recently (1 1/2 week ago) and they were very stressed out
>when we arrived at my place, is it possible she remembers me from taking
>her out the travelbox to the aquarium?
Make sure that your hands are clean and don't smell of food.
As a further precaution, grab a little of the bedding and rub
your hands with it, to make your hands smell more like them.
If you are proceeding too fast with taming, they might feel
intimidated and bite...does it happen when you offer your
hand, or after or when you try to pick them up?
Deb
Rebel's Rodent Ranch
