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My pre-owned gerbil is afraid of his ball, what can I do(NO SMARTASS ANSWERS PLEASE2007-11-24 22:13:42

I got a gerbil yesterday and it hadn't bit anyone yet, Well I went and got a ball on a stand to put him in and well he wont go near it, He even bit me when I tired to put him into it. Could it be that the past owner put him in a ball alot? Or maybe they had a kid or cat that rolled the ball with him in it? How can I get him used to it? He NEVER bites unless you try to put him in that ball.

Answers:

The gerbil has probably never seen the ball and is afraid of going inside of an enclosed space (just like someone who's claustrophobic, only in his case, he's afraid going in there will make him something's lunch). If he has a favorite treat he likes, try putting a little of that in there and see if he'll willingly go in after the treat. Otherwise, you may need to find another cool place for him.

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I think the previous owners putting him in the ball too much isn't perhaps as likely as the cat, but, then again, I'm not too sure that a cat may to be blame either. When I had a gerbil, absolutely previousley unowned, he wouldn't get into a ball either. If you're worried about exercise, you could always try a wheel.

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Its okay. Just try to let him get used to the wheel.

he should get used to the wheel, if not, just leave it in there, and if he dosent use the wheel, he can still run around his cage, get his excersize that way.

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Are you sure the ball is recomended for a gerbil? Normally they are used for hamsters.