I guess that sometimes I'm afraid the kids (ages 7 & 10) migh be a little too loud with the gerbils or pull them too fast. I'm going to encourage them to slow down when they pull them along in their vehicles and quiet down so they don't panic them. Overall, though, the youngest baby gerbils (3 wks.) seem to be just as comfortable with the kids as are the older babies (now almost 9 weeks) and the parents. All of the gerbils purr in our hands when we pet them, climb up onto our shoulders, etc. My son even insists on taking Scratchy (an 8 wk. old) and Sue (the dad) on a walk every Sunday. We must look fairly comical walking along with one gerbil in a carrier and another one bundled up in my 10 y.o. daughter's coat. I held Scratchy and Sue at different times today during our walk. I was concerned that Scratchy was getting too cold in the little Critter carrier. He seemed much warmed while held in the palms of my hands. We've named the newest babies (the 3 wk. old ones) - Tiger (he's light brownish yellow), Speedy, and Cinnamon. I don't know what sex they are yet. I'm not hearing any clicking from the aquariums lately and I'm happy about that. I thought I heard clicking, but I haven't heard it again.
Whenever our last gerbil dies off (I hate to think of it), the kids want to get a guinea pig or a hamster (although Shannon wants a dwarf hamster and I've heard they're not all that hardy either). Personally, I like the gerbils and wonder if we'd have less problem with respiratory problems if I got one from a breeder who knew the gerbil family's genetic and health history. And I can't say that - even with the health problems - I haven't enjoyed having baby gerbils around. -Jean
