It is night. Your house is quiet.Then you hear it. Thump, thump, thump.It is your gerbil. It is similar to a small drum.
Is your gerbil angry? Scared? Playing?Do not worry. This is not random. Your gerbil is communicating! Let’s learn what it says.
What Is Gerbil Thumping?
Your gerbil lands on its hind legs. It's quick and noisy.
Some people call it drumming. Some call it foot stomping.
It is normal. This is the way that gerbils speak.
Why Do Gerbils Thump Their Feet?
1. To warn of danger. This is the top reason. One gerbil is alert for danger. It's seeing something that's frightening. It thumps. The others hide.
2. Because of a fright. A door bangs. Thunder rolls. A phone rings. Your gerbil may thump.
3. To say “go away.” A gerbil could thump on another gerbil. It means “stay back.”
4. To mate. These thumps are very soft. Other gerbils don't imitate them.
5. Because it is exciting. Some thumps occur when running, digging, or playing.
6. To copy others. Baby gerbils copy their parents. They can bop with impunity.
What makes you think you have this habit?
Wild gerbils are small and get hunted. They live in burrows under the ground.
A thump makes the ground shake. It is a feeling that is felt by gerbils in the burrow. They understand there's danger around them.
Your gerbil's still got this habit.
How to Tell the Thumps Apart
- Danger thump: Loud and fast. Your gerbil freezes. Its eyes are wide.
- Excited thump: A bit slower. Your gerbil is moving around, either running, digging, or playing.
- Mating thump: Very soft. Other gerbils ignore it.
- Copy thump: No reason you can see. Common in young gerbils.
After a dangerous thump, your gerbil should calm down. It goes back to eating or cleaning itself. If it remains scared for minutes, there is still a problem.
What Scares Your Gerbil?
Gerbils hear much better than we do. A low voice to you is a high voice to them.
Look for these:
- Loud TV or speakers
- Other pets near the cage
- Running water
- People passing by from time to time
- Sudden light changes
- Crackers and loud horns
What Should You Do?
- Look around. Find what scares your gerbil.
- Move the cage. Keep it in a quiet place.
- Sit and watch. Stay calm. Be patient.
- Do not pick up your gerbil. Gerbil can bite if scared.
- Give a treat after it calms down. It learns you are safe.
- Move slowly. Put your hand in gently.
- Never tap the cage. Do not blow at your gerbil. It gets even more frightening.
When Should You Worry?
A few thumps are acceptable.Thumping all day is not normal. Something keeps scaring your gerbil. Fix that first.
Is your gerbil eating less? Is it hiding for all the day? Does it look sick? Call a vet.
Do you keep a male and a female together? More thumping may mean mating. The baby may be coming soon.
How Thumping Builds Trust
Does your gerbil thump when you come close? It is telling you something. It thinks you are a danger.So go slow. Come from the side. Bring a treat. Do this every day.In time, the scared thumps will stop. Some gerbils even jump up and down for joy when they hear your footsteps. They understand that there will be something good to eat.
Some gerbils stay jumpy. That's just the way they are. It's not your fault.
FAQs
Is gerbil thumping normal?
Yes. Some gerbils do it more than others.
What is the cause of my gerbil's nighttime thumping?
It may be frightened by small noises. Think of a fan, a pipe, or a pet walking by.
Do gerbils thump when they are happy?
Sometimes. Happy thumps come with play, running, and digging.
Can I stop my gerbil from thumping?
No. Thumping is how it talks. Take away its fear, instead.
Why Does My Gerbil Thump When I'm Looking At It?
It is on alert. It is checking for danger.
Thumping is not bad behaviour. Your gerbil is saying, “Something is amiss.”Listen. Find the cause. Keep the cage calm.A gerbil that is calm is a happy gerbil.
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