Gerbils are very agile and fast animals. In the wild they have many predators and so have adpated impressive running and jumping skills to avoid being caught. Domestically gerbils still have many of their wild instincts and so owners must keep in mind that gerbils are quite skilled at getting where they want. This means a watchful eye must be kept on them at playtimes to make sure the gerbils do not manage to adventure to any dangerous places or get lost.
Their powerful legs mean even some of the tallest barricades can be an easy escape after they learn to carefully judge the jump. Gerbils will learn from their failed attempts until they get it right and are quite determined little fellows.

Always therefore handle gerbils with care and be prepared to act quickly. At playtimes always supervise the gerbils in case of escape. Even the popular multiple panel playpens that you can assemble are not escape-proof. Gerbils eventually learn to jump and climb over them.

If a gerbil escapes and becomes lost there are a few ways to entice them back:

  1. Gerbils are very curious about new things. Lay down a box, jar, tube or other toy that you can use to pick them up with once inside. They may come and investigate.
  2. Gerbils love treats such as sunflower seeds, put some down and they may come to eat them.
  3. If you can simply pick them up without using any tricks, do so carefully by scooping them up. Never grab them by the end of their tail.
  4. You could try putting down a box with some of their nest bedding from their home. When tired they may appreciate the familiar scent and decide to sleep there.
  5. Seek advice on a gerbil forum and learn to drum your fingers like a gerbil drums their feet. They may respond allowing you to follow the sound. It would be difficult to do ‘gerbil speak’ accurately however so this should probably be a last resort. My top gerbil forum recommendation for advice and more tips is: eGerbil

If you have any other gentle tips and tricks let us know.

The GerbilGoods gerbils, Mousey and Cookie have an adventure during playtime in their box. Cookie finds an edge and the result?

Cookie peers out his newly made hole

Peekaboo! Cookie peers out his newly made hole

Its not long before a nice exit hole has been made and Mousey has joined in on the fun. Mousey is even somewhat camouflaged :)

Its not long before a nice exit hole has been made and Mousey has joined in on the fun. Mousey is even somewhat camouflaged :)

You’ll be happy to know they were completely safe and allowed to have their fun running about the lid for a while under supervision before being returned to the safety of their tank.

Note: In case it isn’t clear in the photos, the box is well ventilated on the left with a wire mesh lid section. And the cardboard lid was just temporary, anything cardboard doesn’t last long with gerbils!

Here are some videos of other impressive escape artists. Can you spot the gerbil quickly eyeing up their jump?

Escape Artist Gerbil

Escaping Playpen

Escaping Gerbil