How do I get my Gerbil to run in his exercise ball?

I had the same problem when I first brought home my baby hamster. I guess the more I put him in the ball, the more he got used to it and the more he learned what it was and how to use it. But if I were you, I would just put your gerbil in the ball, then give him a little push, and see if he starts to walk in it. If that doesn't work then maybe you should try to hold the ball with him in it and like I guess move it in circles until you see his feet start to move it in? That's all I can think of.

Hope it helped.

Balls are really only for hamsters (although i don't think they enjoy being in a tiny round space and smacking into objects every 5 seconds). Gerbils are better off having some free range time in an enclosed area. I used to let mine run about in a pen and they loved it. They can jump high though so make sure they can't jump out! I would give up on using the ball, your gerbil obviously does not like it. Just let him run about and play with him. A large cage will also help with him getting excercise. :)

AHAHA!:) No worries! This happened to me a few years ago with the gerbils in the school science lab! Basically, I found the problem was their moodiness! The two gerbils Peperica and Domino were very moody and sometimes they would run around the room like a drunk driver, and the next day they'd sit and stare at me like I was expecting them to win the Olympics! I recommend some other toy...I'm no gerbil expert-freak and can't remmebr the PetSmart gerbil toy collection but I remember that I used to give the gerbils cardboard toilet paper rolls (with no toilet paper on them) and it was fascinating to watch them work together to tear it apart! (I think its good for their teeth too!)

You could reward him with a big plate of special fried rice after his workout. It works for me.