Gerbils are fun pets and are fun to watchscurrying around their cages. Your gerbil may jump and scamper away to hide whenever anyone approaches the cage. Take time to get to know your gerbil. Talk to him in a calm, even tone and let him approach your hand. Try hand feeding him. Give your gerbil things that encourage movement in the cage. Cardboard boxes make great hiding and nesting spots.Give him tubes to run through. Small fruit tree branches add a certain homey ambiance to the cage and your gerbil will enjoy chewing on them. Exercise wheels can be fun and give your gerbil both physical and mental stimulation but choose one with a solid surface so his tail doesn’t get caught. An exercise ball gives your gerbil some fun time outside the cage in a safety. Watch for overheating and make sure you keep the ball from stairs. For more information, contact your Omaha, NE veterinarian.