how easy is it to handle gerbils?

Question
Hi. I'm getting a gerbil today, first time owner, but I have one concern...how easy are they to handle? I mean are they always going to be squirmy or will they calm down after they become used to being held? Thanks so much!

Answer
Hi Kelsey

the more you handle a gerbil, the better they get.  The thing is to try and scoop him up - don't hold him too tightly.  Don't try grabbing him by the tail - some books say this is OK, but you need to pick him up at the part of the tail that joins his body - if you pick up the end of the tail you may well injure him and he might lose the end of his tail.  I find that putting a hand each side of a gerbil and scooping them up that way is much easier and safer.  I would suggest you try and handle him in an area that is pretty much 'gerbil proof', so that if he gets out of your hands you know you can get him back.  They are very fast, much faster than hamsters, but if you talk to him a lot, and handle him every day he will get to know you.

Regards