Many gerbils, specifically those coming from a pet store, are not hand tamed. Many breeders hand feed their gerbils and raise them to be adept to human contact. But large pet stores buy their gerbils from mass breeders who do not hand feed their baby gerbils- which creates very 'wild' gerbils that are not accustomed to hands. So how do you hand tame a gerbil that has not had positive contact with humans prior? Patience is key, as with earning trust from any animal- gerbil's require time to truly know you are not going to hurt them.
To begin: Sit beside your gerbil's cage with your hand resting against cage. This will give your gerbil time to get used to the natural movement and appearance of your hand. You can do this while watching television or just relaxing. The more often you can do this, the more accustomed your gerbil will become to your hand. Three days in a row of one hour 'hand resting time' will give your gerbil adequate time to get used to your hand's company. But as we mentioned before, patience is key. So the longer you can let the gerbil get used to your hand- the better.
Step Two: Once your gerbil is accustomed to your hands appearance, and no longer fears it resting on the outside of the cage- place your hand in the cage. Move very slowly, make no sudden movements, and place your hand away from the gerbil. Rest it in an area out in the open where your gerbil can come and go as they please. Let them get used to your scent and your company. Do not attempt to pet them or move close to them. When they come to you, hold very still and let them inspect your hand. Do this for two to three days in a row, without moving your hand.
Step Three: As your gerbil becomes used to your hand in their cage, place a treat on the edge of your hand where your gerbil can access it without having to hop into your hand. Be very still and patient, and let the gerbil come to you. As it takes the treat remain very still. Once they have eaten the treat, place another one in your hand and repeat the process 3 to 4 times. Continue feeding the treats until your gerbil comes to your hand as it enters the cage- expecting a treat.
Step Four: As your gerbil begins to come to your hand, you can begin bringing the treats directly to them. Instead of setting your hand in an open area, bring your hand to wherever your gerbil is. Set it down and let your gerbil get the treat. If you'd like, you can hold the treat in your fingers and have the gerbil eat it while you hold it. Again, move very slowly and make no sudden movements that could startle your gerbil.
Step Five: Once your gerbil no longer fears your hand coming towards them, try to set down treats on the ground and then slowly pet your gerbil. Most likely, they will be skittish at first. Move very slowly and be patient. Pet your gerbil only for 10 to 15 seconds and then bring your hand away. When you bring the next treat, set it down, and pet the gerbil again. Continue to do this until your gerbil naturally expects you to pet them, and no longer jumps or runs away when you touch them.
Step Six: Now that your gerbil is accustomed to more intimate contact with your hand, you can begin luring them into your hand. Place a treat in the middle of your palm, and let them hop into your hand for treats. Keep your hand still and let them eat while sitting in your hand.
Step Seven: When your gerbil begins to hop into your hand without hesitation you can begin to lift your hand slowly. Be very still, and if your gerbil jumps out- let them. Only lift your hand 2 to 5 inches from the ground. Basically, what you are doing is getting your gerbil accustomed to being moved by your hand. It will allow them to become comfortable with being picked up. Let them eat a treat while you lift them. As they jump into your hand, slowly rise it up to around 5 inches off of the ground. Once their treat is finished hold them a little while, then bring your hand back down and let them run out. Continue this process until your gerbil happily sits in your hand as you raise it up and down.
Step Eight: Now you can begin to pick your gerbil up higher. Be very careful and cup your hand slightly so they cannot jump out. You can bring them out of their cage and rest your hand on your lap. Continue to feed them treats as they sit in your hand so they learn that when they come back to your hand they will receive a reward. When moving your gerbil in and out of the cage move very slowly, so they do not accidentally fall.
Step Nine: Once your gerbil happily sits in your hand as you bring it to and from it's cage, you can begin to let them roam your lap. Let them step off of your hand and frolic around. Supervise them carefully, and pick them up if they begin to roam to far away. Always keep your hand available so the gerbil can run back to you if they are scared or feel unsafe. After a while your gerbil will naturally look forward to being taken from their cage. They will love exploring and happily hop in and out of your hand. They will also easily eat out of your hand without any skittish or aggressive behavior. And wah-lah you've got yourself a hand tamed gerbil!