Like any other creature of habitat, gerbils have developed their own unique language.
If you want to be in tune with your gerbil, you need to learn what the different sounds mean, and how they can help you to better understand your gerbil.
One of these gerbil vocalizations is squeaking. So let’s dive in and find out why your gerbil is squeaking at you.
Why is My Gerbil Squeaking At Me?
A gerbil squeaking at you is a communication to you indicating that they are excited to see you, frightened, in pain due to injury or sickness, being tightly or improperly, and also as a way of wanting to be left alone. Do not be afraid to respond to your gerbil when they squeak at you depending on the situation that is at hand.
What Do Squeaking Sounds Mean Coming from My Gerbil?
Squeaking is a high-pitched cry or sound from a gerbil. It is one of the many vocalizations gerbils use as a form of communication between themselves as well as to you.
Each squeaking sound means something different depending on the frequency of squeaks and loudness.
Gerbils use squeaking sounds for several reasons:
- A frightened gerbil will produce a series of loud high pitched squeaks.
- Gerbils are also known to squeak when they are about to fight. Loud squeaking when other gerbils are nearby indicates that an argument is brewing, and things are about to heat up.
- If you pick up your gerbil and it squeaks, you could be holding it too tight. If so, when you put your gerbil down, it will let out several squeaks of relief.
- Pain is another reason your gerbil might be squeaking. We all have our own language when it comes to pain, and so does your gerbil.
Other Facts to Remember
Various scenarios will keep you alert and informed on what your gerbil is trying to communicate to you.
If your gerbil jumps up and down and squeaks when you are nearby, it indicates that your gerbil is happy to see you. This is your gerbil’s way of showing you some affection.
In other cases, when you reach into your gerbil’s cage, they may mistake you for a predator, become frightened, and squeak. This is not uncommon, especially if you take your gerbil by surprise.
In this case, please pick your gerbil up gently, so that they will know you pose no threat.
Gerbils are sensitive to their habitat, and any unusual disturbances can trigger a squeak or two from your gerbil.
If there are strange noises around, such as a loud television or radio, this will cause your gerbil to squeak.
Other gerbils or people around will also cause your gerbil to react. In other words, squeaking is a response or reaction to what your gerbil hears or how it feels.
Summary
Gerbils use different sounds to communicate. For example, when your gerbil wants to get your attention, it might make a yipping sound, or even purr.
If your gerbil is making clicking noises when breathing, this is an indication that your gerbil is not feeling well. These comprise some of the many vocalizations they produce to communicate.
Be sensitive to your gerbil’s squeak and take notes on what you are doing when your gerbil starts to squeak.
As you begin to develop a relationship with your gerbil, you will come to know what sounds natural, and what sounds are signs of distress.
When you know what the different sounds mean, you can better assist your gerbil in the event of an emergency or provide them with what they need.