2007-05-11 16:33:43 · 11 answers · asked by *Gerbil Lover* 2 in Pets ➔ Rodents
Mothers do not reject babies because of smell. The mother will eat the babies if she feels there is a threat to their survival. I raised mice and handled them from the time they were three days old.
Wait for the mother to leave the babies, run your hands in the bedding and take out on baby at a time. Do not handle them too much, as they are young. A few minutes a day is fine.
Many breeders handle their babies from the time they are three days old, it makes the babies tamer.
2007-05-11 18:11:05 · answer #1 · answered by Prodigy556 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋
I do not recommend handling gerbils until they are at least 3 weeks old. The father may stay in the cage too. All gerbils are different. A nervous mother will eat all or most of the young. Gerbils, unlike hamsters, like to live in groups and have a pecking order. Try not to disturb the nesting area either.
2007-05-12 03:23:27 · answer #2 · answered by kriend 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
NO-the mother will kill them if you get your scent on them.Don't touch them until they have fur and are moving about the nest on their own.Has raised gerbils and hamsters for 22 years.Rats may be different but I dont know for sure.
2007-05-12 01:41:04 · answer #3 · answered by dymond 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
no.
just like birds if you touch the baby's the mother will not pay attention to them and will abandon them so don't touch them if you want the mom to keep raising them well. when they are about a month old than is safe
2007-05-12 12:24:05 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
I wouldnt if I were you. There just like rats. If you leave a your scent on them the mother might eat or neglect. I have no idea why they do that..but they do.
2007-05-12 14:18:00 · answer #5 · answered by Shanna's Mommy 6 · 0⤊ 1⤋
No. the scent of you on them could cause the mom to eat them. Rodents are wierd like that
2007-05-11 23:37:08 · answer #6 · answered by jess 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋
depends.. if you are close to the mother then it should be ok... but that is taking a chance. If i had some i would def. wait even though its tempting :)
2007-05-12 16:52:15 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
No.The babies are to young to be handled at the time.They are very fragile but talk to them in a soft voice everyday so they get used to the tone of your voice.Once they are used to you you will be able to handle them. :D
2007-05-11 23:49:23 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
no, the mother will reject them if she smells another scent on them.
this may help, also:
http://www.twinsqueaks.com/gerbil-kids/ask-pippi/answers.html#120406-3
2007-05-11 23:38:52 · answer #9 · answered by carpetsharks 4 · 0⤊ 1⤋
No they will get your smell and the mom will reject them. :)
2007-05-12 00:23:15 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋