Gerbil pups should not be held until they are at least ten days of age, and this is only if you are a knowledgeable breeder. When holding a gerbil pup, be sure to keep it enclosed in your hands and held a couple inches over a soft surface, such as a pillow, because gerbil pups, even newborns, can jump! Only hold them as long as the mother gerbil allows you (you will know if she doesn't want you there) and make sure that your hands are washed as foreign smells may cause the mother to attack her babies. Only hold the pup for 5 minutes at a time, to ensure that mama gerbil knows you mean her pups no harm.
Congrats on the babies! :]
Congrats on the babies! :]