You could also provide an extra run for your gerbil so he can get extra exercise when you are about. Gerbils prefer to sleep separately at night, so you need to make sure each gerbil has their own nesting areas. Ideally the cage will have two levels and two compartments so they can use one for the day and one to nest and hide in at night-time. Plastic and wooden cages do not hold up very well to the gerbils’ chewing habits. If an aquarium is used, a ventilated lid will be necessary because gerbils can jump very well!Ī wire cage with fairly narrow wire spacing will also work well. The larger the tank the nicer it will be for your gerbils, allowing them more space to run around in and for creativity with furnishings and toys. Both of these conditions should be seen to by a vet who will administer appropriate treatment.Ī pair of gerbils don’t require a huge amount of space, but a tank of approximately 75 x 40 x 30cm will give them enough room to run about in and plenty of space to put in lots of toys. Genital problemsįemales that have had many litters occasionally get a prolapse of the uterus, and males occasionally get swollen penises. If the gerbil does not recover sufficiently to allow it to have a reasonable quality of life, then it may be kinder to have it put to sleep. If the gerbil is going to recover, it should do so within a week.Ī slight disability such as a limp may always remain. This may mean you have to feed it by hand. There is not a lot you can do apart from keeping it warm and making sure it has access to food and water. If your gerbil appears paralyzed down one side or is dragging its hind legs, it could have had a stroke. In most cases it will do so without veterinary treatment. Unless the animal looks in distress, it is best to leave it alone and let it heal naturally. If your gerbil is limping or holding one of its paws in the air, it could have a sprain or even a small break in one of its limbs. Once a gerbil has developed a head-tilt, it will never go away. However, the cause is more likely to be a small cyst-like growth in the ear. It could be an infection, so antibiotic treatment is a good precaution. from a paper towel roll, for this purpose.Ī tendency to go round in circles or hold its head in a tilted position suggest an inner ear problem. Place a hand over the cup as gerbils can jump surprisingly well. If you are not comfortable picking up an untamed gerbil as above, then allow the gerbil to walk into a cup or can turned on its side, and then tip the cup up to carry the gerbil.You must only hold the very base of the tail as close to the body as possible, and not too tightly. If absolutely necessary you can hold a gerbil firmly by first holding them by the scruff of the neck, and then holding the base of the tail with the other hand (cradling the gerbil’s back in the palm of the hand holding the neck).It is also possible to gently hold them by the scruff of the neck (the loose skin on the back of the neck) to prevent the gerbil from getting away, if necessary. The best way to carry a gerbil is to simply cup them in the palm of your hand.Never pick up a gerbil by the tail – they are delicate and can easily break.Here are some handy hints on picking up gerbils… Gerbils are active and curious and will appreciate daily time outside the cage.Handle your gerbils regularly to keep them well socialised.Rather, try to entice the gerbils back with their favorite treats or try to gently herd them back to the cage. Avoid chasing or grabbing the gerbils to get them back into their cage if they have been out.When your gerbil is comfortable with your hand, try gently scratching the sides and back of the head – this immitates the natural grooming behaviour of gerbils.Place a treat on your forearm and allow the gerbil to climb onto your hand and up your arm.Once taking treats this way, place a treat on your open hand to entice the gerbil to step up onto your hand to retrieve it.Once the gerbil take treats from your hand through the bars of the cage, open the cage door and offer a treat through that. Offer a treat (sunflower or pumpkin seeds) when the gerbil approaches the cage bars.Initially just sit next to cage to acclimate gerbils to your presence.Limit interaction to times when the gerbil is awake – waking a gerbil isn’t a good way to gain its trust!.Move slowly and speak softly around the gerbils.Give new gerbils a few days to adjust to their new home before handling them – keep maintenance and interaction to a minimum.
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