How to catch your escaped gerbil!

Gerbils are incredibly good at finding their way out of a cage or tank. They just love to escape because they have such an inquisitive and 'busy' nature. But what should you do when your gerbil escapes? Here are some tips!

Unfortunately it can happen, no matter how many precautions you have taken in securing your gerbil's home. If you gerbil is lost or has escaped, it's obviously a priority to find it!

Beware of other pets

If you have other pets in your house, like cats or dogs, and your gerbil is loose, then it's obviously a tricky situation. Our first tip is to remove other pets when looking for you gerbil.

Remember that gerbils can be destructive little creatures. Most gerbils will take great pleasure in chewing their way through a sofa or nibbling through some speaker wire. Of course this is damaging and potentially very hazardous.

Start looking for your gerbil

Now it's time for a top-to-bottom search of every room. Firstly, start with the rooms that your gerbil is most likely to be in. Perhaps the room that your gerbil normally lives and then the adjoining room.

Your escaped gerbil can find all sorts of tiny little hiding places, so your search must be very thorough. Look under things, in things, behind things - everywhere!

Once you are confident that you have finished looking in a room, then shut the door and cover the gap under the door. This helps prevent your lost gerbil sneaking back into a room that you have already searched! Perhaps use books or magazines to cover the gap at the bottom of the door.

Tempting...

When conducting the search for your escapee gerbil it can be useful to carry some treats with you. This might help entice your gerbil towards you if you catch a glimpse of him or her. It's also useful to have your gerbil's nest box to hand.

If you see your gerbil

If you see your gerbil that has escaped, you shouldn't make any sudden movements or noises. This will only startle or frighten your gerbil and it might decide to run for cover.

Instead, move slowly and quietly and perhaps even use a soothing voice as you approach it. If you can, place your gerbil's nest box nearby and pop some treats in there. Your gerbil might just decide to climb in, making your job easier!

Time for plan B?!

If you've searched high and low and you can't see your gerbil, or you are having a hard time capturing it, then there's another option.

If you are confident that your gerbil is in one particular room you can close it off and place their tank or cage on the floor. Lay a nice trail of treats (like sunflower seeds) leading to their home.

Give it a while (patience can be they key), and your gerbil may make their way to their cage or nest, giving your the opportunity to secure them back where they belong.

If your gerbil has escaped and is lost in the house, it can be worrying time for both of you. Follow our tips and, finger crossed, you can return your gerbil to it's home safe and sound!