When gerbils escape their cages it can be difficult to catch them.You can use a variety of methods to get your gerbil back.Exploiting it with food, trapping it, and using a humane trap are some of the techniques used.If you play your cards right you can catch your gerbil quickly and return it to its rightful home.
Step 1: Contain the gerbil in a small area.
Don't let your gerbil get out of the room you are in if it escapes in front of you.Shut the door of the room that the gerbil is in if you spot it.It will be easier to corner the gerbil in a single room.If you don't know where the gerbil is, you cannot assume it is the same room you saw it in.
Step 2: If you need help, ask someone.
It's easier to catch a gerbil if you have someone with you.A person can help you find the animal, corner it, and close off traps before the gerbil escapes again.
Step 3: There are a lot of places to check out.
Gerbils that escape look for a hiding spot.You have to search all over the room they escaped into before you can find them.If the gerbil escapes in a room with accessible food, it's a good idea to look at the food areas closest to him.You can look under the furniture in the room by laying down on the floor.Gerbils might think they can comfortably nest in piles of clothes.
Step 4: Look for signs of movement in the gerbil.
If you want to find a missing gerbil, you should look for signs of where it has traveled.Look for feces, urine, or chewed items that show that the gerbil has traveled through the area.This will help narrow down your search area.
Step 5: As you search, eliminate any areas you can find.
Blocks off areas that have no sign that the gerbil has traveled through them as you narrow down the search area.The gerbil cannot get into those areas if you close them off.
Step 6: The stairs have to be checked.
Gerbils can jump very high to climb the stairs, but are often too scared to jump down stairs.They can get caught on individual stairs.
Step 7: Keep the gerbil away from danger.
If you see the gerbil and are trying to corner it, don't move it towards the hazard, such as steep drops, toxins, or wires the animal can easily chew through.It might be a risk to its health if it is cornered towards these areas.A gerbil cornered towards a steep drop could go off a ledge accidentally.Keep the gerbil away from possible dangers.Keep other pets away from the area.
Step 8: Even if you take a break, keep the gerbil contained.
If you need to leave while your gerbil is on the loose, be sure to keep it contained.Don't let the gerbil out of the house and close doors and windows.If you have to leave the room to get the tools to catch the gerbil, try to find someone to watch the animal while you are gone.You can keep track of where the gerbil is by having someone stay in the room.
Step 9: The gerbil can be approached slowly.
You need to strategically approach your gerbil once you spot it.Make sure it can't run past you or hide.It doesn't feel threatened if you move very slowly towards it.The natural response is to work quickly, but this often backfires.Gerbils have prey instincts and a large predator-type creature will cause them to flee.The gerbil may run at the sight of you if it is new to you.If you are familiar with it, your presence won't scare it off.
Step 10: You can offer the gerbil treats in your hand.
The gerbil knows that you bring it tasty treats if it is tamed.Slowly move your hand towards the gerbil as you put a food in it.It's likely to climb into your hand.You can use the vegetables that you usually feed your gerbil.Pick what the animal likes to eat.If you have a lot of options, use a food with a strong smell.This will allow your gerbil to smell it.
Step 11: When the gerbil is near you or in your hand, hold it.
Pick up the food with a gentle movement as your gerbil approaches.If you grab it from above, you can scare it away.If you want to have a secure grip on it, lock your thumb around the top of its body.Don't let it slip out of your hand, but be gentle when grabbing it.
Step 12: The gerbil has a chance of getting away.
You may need to grab the gerbil if you can't get it to come all the way into your hand.Your helpers should use a small net or piece of fabric to cover the gerbil so it can't run away.If the gerbil is not used to you, this is important.
Step 13: Get the gerbil back into its cage.
Make a trail from the gerbil's general location to their cage by getting some food.Extra treats can be put inside the cage.The gerbil can easily enter if the cage doors are open.When you see the gerbil going into the cage, close the doors.The gerbil can easily get to the cage.
Step 14: The bucket trap can be used to catch a gerbil.
If you can't get your gerbil to go into its cage or into a box while you are around, you may need to use a trap that will hold the animal until you get it out.To make a simple trap like this, you will need a bucket, ramp, towel, and gerbil food.Put the towel and food at the bottom of the bucket to set up the trap.The ramp should be on the side of the bucket.The smell of the food will lure the gerbil.It will jump into the bucket to get the food after going up the ramp.It won't be able to get out of the bucket.There is a towel at the bottom of the bucket.stacks of books or a piece of wood can be used to make the ramp.A child's fishing net or butterfly net can be used.Place a treat on the net and scoop up the gerbil when it wanders over.
Step 15: A commercial humane trap is a good choice.
You can use a commercial bucket trap instead of using a homemade one.A humane trap will lure the gerbil into it with the smell of food, and then keep it contained until you can move the animal back into its cage.Most hardware and home improvement stores have humane traps.
Step 16: You should hire a professional.
You may need to call an animal catcher if you can't catch your gerbil on your own.If you have tried all the other options, this is an extreme solution.A pest control professional can place humane traps around your home to catch your gerbil.
Step 17: You have to make sure the door is locked.
Gerbils often escape when their cage doors are left open.If you interact with your gerbils, make sure the door is closed and latched.There are many types of cage doors.If you have the type that swings closed, make sure that it is latched as gerbils can open them.
Step 18: Check out the possible escape routes.
You should inspect every inch of the gerbil's cage if you don't know how it escaped.Bars that have been chewed through and broken can be used as an escape route.Gerbils can squeeze through small holes.Make sure the holes are filled or blocked off.If you are using an open top cage, make sure that the gerbil can't jump out.
Step 19: A stronger cage is recommended.
The gerbils need strong cages.Plastic cages are not good for gerbils as they can easily be destroyed.Gerbils can chew through wood or mesh doors quickly.Gerbils can't chew through the glass in a glass aquarium.
Step 20: Keep the gerbils occupied.
gerbils will try to escape and find fun things to do outside of their cage if they are bored.Provide them with a variety of toys and food.If you want your gerbil to burrow, you should give it enough bedding.If it can't find a sheltered place of its own, it may try to get out of the cage.