Why do gerbils wink

A happy and satisfied gerbil will make purring noises. It does so by grinding its teeth together, causing a low rumbly vibration. An excited gerbil may run around or jump on its hind legs. It can also make high-pitched yipping sounds.

Another way of telling that your gerbil is happy is the absence of any negative behaviors. These behaviors indicate that your gerbil feels threatened or is acting aggressively towards you. They include:. In the absence of these behaviors and the presence of other happier signs, your gerbil is likely content and happy. Make the most of this time with your pet. This is normally due to a severe health problem, or worse,….

Sometimes, you may hear your gerbils squeaking…. Many people underestimate how much sleep the average gerbil needs. Because gerbils are such active animals, they need a lot of sleep to compensate for this physical exertion.

But it…. Gerbils chirp and squeak constantly. However, what gerbils mean when they make squeaking sounds may not be clear, and it depends on the context. Gerbils chirp to communicate with each…. There are many reasons why gerbils die, and some have noticeable symptoms. Strokes and…. Gerbils are excitable and fast-moving small animals. They jump up and down frequently for various reasons. As a new owner, you may not know why your gerbil jumps around so….

Table of Contents hide. Related Articles:. A loud squeaking noise similarly indicates danger. Gnawing : You will notice that your gerbil spends a lot of time chewing things over; sometimes everything in his cage!

This is a natural behavior for gerbils and is essentially done to keep their teeth healthy. Encourage gnawing by providing your gerbil with appropriate chewables: untreated wood, cardboard tubes, and specially designed chew toys. Licking : If your pet is licking his gerbil cage or tank walls, this is a sign that he is thirsty. Your pet should always have a source of cool, clean water. If you learn to read these behavioral patterns and react appropriately, you and your gerbil will get along amazingly.

You may even be able to train your small pet to take food right from your hand. This urge to gnaw on things helps keep their teeth at a healthy length. A pet gerbil will appreciate a wooden block, toxin-free cardboard or other safe item to gnaw on. Gerbils do raise their voices when bickering, and that is often done via high-pitched squeaking. Cats purr when content and so do gerbils. Take this as a compliment — your gerbil friend is happy and relaxed around you. Gerbils are natural burrowers, and this instinct can also be found in pet gerbils.

A curious gerbil is inclined to stand on his back feet with his front paws in the air. The gerbil is angling to get a better view or a better sniff of something that catches his interest.

Gerbils are social critters, and many enthusiasts recommend keeping a pair preferably from the same litter , such as two females or a pair of males to prevent unwanted breeding. One behavior you might see with a gerbil pair is wrestling, which can be a playful behavior, especially if it is followed by mutual grooming. Chasing can also be playful, but be on the lookout for overexcitement that might be a prelude to a fight. A thirsty gerbil might lick the glass walls of his aquarium enclosure.

Gerbil enthusiasts surmise that, in nature, gerbils lick up moisture and a pet gerbil that is licking glass is trying to do the same. Published: December 18, By: Chewy Editorial Published: December 18, By: Chewy Updated: November 3, By: Chewy Editorial Updated: January 20, By: Chewy Editorial Published: January 11,