aggresion/fright?

[andiekins]

I recently bought two gerbils from a local shop, they were a whole litter, mom and dad included.
I bought the adult male (dad) and a 6 week old pup (male). Everything was okay, they like eachother very much ect. However yesterday The adult male (Romeo) bit me really hard. I left them both alone all day yesterday, and up until just now today.
But now Romeo is very aggressive, when i put my hand in the tank, and just lay it down for them to walk on, he bites me! Whenever I put my hand in there, he like, seeks it out to bite it. They don't take food from me, and they run away when I try to touch them, and now the younger male (Paris) is very frightful! He won't come out of his house whenever i'm round in the tank. Which is way off from what he was like.
What can I do to settle Romeo's aggresive behavior, and get Paris to come out so i can socialize with them?

[MonoOmoi]

I can't tell you exactly what is wrong but I'm guessing something has changed and is upsetting Romeo for some reason. If they weren't completely hand trained before, and you haven't had them very long, that may be the only explanation for their behavior. So... how long have you had them? And if it's been awhile has their environment changed significantly within the last few days?

There are a few things you can do to solve the problem. Mostly it will just take a lot of patience. Try washing your hands very thoroughly before going near them, and perhaps use a different soap than you usually do. They could have developed a fear of your scent for some reason. Make sure you don't have any lotions or jewelry on, either. If they are still afraid and Romeo still trys to bite you, you might try putting gloves on when you have to put your hands in the cage. This might keep them from recognising you, and at the very least you won't get bit and maybe you can get them out for awhile. Also, you can use a cup or a paper towel tube to scoop them up in order to get them out. Just keep trying and give it some time, and let me know how it's going!

Very cute names, by the way! :rainbow:

[andiekins]

okay ive had them a week.
Romeo is a bit calmer, he doesn't bite me, and if he does it seems it's not in aggression.
I've also wondered, could Paris be scared and want to hide BECAUSE of romeo? could he be afraid of him?

[Revenge]

I don't think the patterns of behavior comes from father and son all I could say is that rameo could be trying to protect paris and who knows what it could be insacwenshal till no one knows the behavior is very well know trying looking up stuff about gerbils on Google cause it would easily help to look for the questions your asking about

[MonoOmoi]

okay ive had them a week.
Romeo is a bit calmer, he doesn't bite me, and if he does it seems it's not in aggression.
I've also wondered, could Paris be scared and want to hide BECAUSE of romeo? could he be afraid of him?

First of all, if you've only had them a week, they're probably just still scared of you and it will probably take some more time, maybe even a couple months, before they are completely used to you. So, keep your head up :rainbow: Sounds like maybe things are getting better already.

Also, it is possible that Paris is scared of Romeo, but I kind of doubt it. However, he could be aware of Romeo trying to protect him, and perhaps that is why he is hiding. If this behavior only happens when you are around, though, I would guess it is a reaction to you rather than to Romeo.

[Revenge]

Thats the same thing I said and thank you Monomoi