Standoffish Cresties

[Jerboa]

Okay, so my Cresties have been standoffish recently. In the past two days, they just hide from me. They eat, but I can't get them out to clean the cage. Any reason this might be happening? They've been eating fine, crickets and babyfood. Just curious...maybe too paranoid...

[Marla]

Well, first, they haven't had very long to get used to their new home. Second, picture yourself in a Monty Python animation with the huge hand in the sky coming down toward you, and maybe you get an idea how they feel until they get used to you. Third, it takes time to build trust and get them used to handling. In short, everything is fine and be patient with yourself and them. Take them out for handling for just a minute or so each every time you put in food or fresh water or clean out the cage and they will come to recognize that the big hand that smells like you doesn't seem to indicate a predator and often comes with yummy food.