signs of a stressed gerbilsigns of a stressed gerbil

You can pair it with a sibling or with a new gerbil from the store. I make sure to take good care of all the animals that come into my life. Its triggered by stress or illness. Muscle tension or jaw clenching. This article is about the signs of a stressed gerbil. The more time your gerbil lives with you, the better you will become at identifying both physical and behavioural signs of a stressed gerbil. Gerbil mothers will collect a lot of bedding material to form a nest, and it's in this nest that she will give birth to and look after her new pups. Its most concerning if this behavior persists over several days. Life experiences. Overactive or underactive stress responses may stem from slight differences in these genes. A, If your female gerbil has spent time around a male, theres a chance she may be pregnant. Up to 50% of gerbils may be affected. Remove the loser from the gerbilarium. This is going to be a temporary home while you sort out a permanent housing solution. But some gerbil stress symptoms are common. Gerbils can be quite quiet when they fight. If your gerbil is behaving strangely, it might be stressed. This shows that your gerbil is unhappy and gets no enjoyment from exploring. Some gerbils are prone to seizing when suddenly frightened or exposed to prolonged stress. 3. Fighting gerbils can be vicious. This is especially the case for gerbils which are part of a breeding pair. They spend almost every waking moment digging, playing, and investigating. Gerbils are one of the most adorable and friendly pets out there. Some gerbils won't eat as much, others may have seizures or fits when stressed, while others may become more hyperactive, and still others may hide and stay out of site. If you think your gerbil is dying, acting fast is essential. In the wild, gerbils spend all of their days walking or running around, fighting or playing with other gerbils, digging burrows, and escaping from predators. Its not blood. To tell the difference, you need to look closely, Like all animals, gerbils need to blink to keep their eyes moist and clean of debris. A breeding pair will groom one another, for example, to strengthen their bond. There's nothing quite like getting away from it all in nature. Look for the other signs of unhappiness that may occur alongside this one. You may need to experiment a little to find out what calms your gerbil down. Other symptoms include: 4. They could be vague at the start and you could think this is normal. You may especially notice this when you reach into your enclosure to pick up one of your pets. A gerbil cowering away from the rest of the group. The two gerbils that are about to fight will try to intimidate each other with loud noises to win the fight before it starts. Body language You can also notice the following body language as a potential warning sign: Gerbil Pregnancy Signs! If your gerbil is chewing or digging at the wall a lot, it could be bored. Some gerbils will have seizures when stressed. As a gerbil owner, the best thing you can do is cuddle your gerbil when its upset, but remember that if he is acting like this because he doesnt trust you then it could be serious trouble for him. I love animals, and I have three beautiful boys. If any gerbil that is not part of the clan tries to trespass, it will chase them away. Nose And Lip Licking, Yawning, Drooling. Signs of a Tyzzer disease include the following: Rough Haircoat; Hunched Posture; Appetite Loss; Depression; Dehydration; Watery Diarrhea; What are the Best Sand Baths for Gerbils? Again, not after intense exercise or when the room is really hot. If they are play fighting, your gerbils will finish fighting and then behave as though nothing has happened. Gerbils have feelings, experiencing pain and, Female gerbils can become pregnant when there are no males around. The most obvious sign you should look for is fighting. So we must do everything we can to help our gerbils relax and feel comfortable in their home. You reach down to try and pick it up, but it bites you, which it usually wouldnt. If you see any of these signs, try to calm the gerbil down by speaking softly to it and providing a calm environment. As soon as you notice that your gerbils have been fighting, remove one of them from the gerbilarium. (If this happens, you should visit a vet as soon as possible). Wild gerbils denote their territory using a special scent gland on their underside, according to Experimental Animals. It looks like theyre licking or nibbling at each others fur. Gerbils can also become stressed if they dont get enough food or water. You will no doubt have noticed some of these strange behaviors, including: This behavior is called stereotypy. Its commonly displayed by animals kept in captivity, either as pets or in zoos. Its normal to see some red tears from time to time. It is usually quiet and doesnt result in injuries or blood being drawn. After all, stress can negatively affect their health in a variety of ways. If you think thats the case, try bodging yours with another gerbil. Fighting gerbils should be separated before one of them gets hurt. Exercise on a wheel can also help your pet to overcome loss and depression. They enjoy exploring new places and finding new things. This gerbil could be one of its previous cage mates or a new gerbil. It looks like theyre licking or nibbling at each others fur. Nervousness and shaking, ringing in the ears, and cold or sweaty hands and feet Dry mouth and a hard time swallowing Clenched jaw and grinding teeth Cognitive symptoms of stress include: Constant. Foot stomping and vocalizations, such as squeaking and teeth chattering, can be stress-induced. Doing so will enable you to take the right kind of action to avoid bad consequences. They may refuse food or water, or they might develop gastrointestinal problems. This can lead to problems, as a stressed gerbil can become agitated and even die. Its also essential to make sure your gerbil is happy. It can be the result either of sadness or stress. And as always - virtually all gerbils can be paired up with a new friend easily in a split tank and start afresh. Signs of stress in a worker. Stereotypy isnt a definitive sign of depression on its own. Stressed gerbils will often begin to over-groom themselves, which can be an indicator of stress. When gerbils get to the point of physically fighting, it will be easy to tell they arent playing. Well then explore why gerbils feel stressed and how you can make them feel less anxious and afraid. It will leap towards you when you reach in, scrabbling at the glass. You can then build another group around this new pair. This is something gerbils do when they are excited or stressed, as a warning to other gerbils. Youll need to put the losing gerbil in another enclosure. Trouble having sex. Its essential to tell when a gerbil is stressed, so you can take steps to calm it down. Some timid gerbils get more confident and happy as they age, and their bond with you becomes stronger. Gerbils have many ways of letting you know that they are uncomfortable with the situation. You'll Notice Some Repetitive Behaviors Another sign that your hamster is stressed out is if you notice that they're displaying some repetitive behaviors. Gerbils may be more aggressive, irritable, or hide excessively. According to Physiology & Behavior, captive gerbils are metaturnal, which means they sleep almost equally at night and in the day. If this happens to you, you may. Eats Less Food Than Normal This is one of the more severe signs of a stressed gerbil since it can be indicative of malnourishment. from falling, rough handling, or fighting with another gerbil). Is your gerbil lonely? 2. This looks a little like one gerbil trying to mount the other. This is something thats similar to the nervous tics that humans experience. Alternatively, take it from its enclosure and allow it to run around. Start again from step 3. Choose a same-sex playmate to avoid unwanted pregnancies. Where the loser would like to run off, it cant. However, when a gerbil gets depressed, it can overgroom. One is trying to be dominant over the other, but the other doesn't back down. They become faded and almost sickly looking. A wild gerbil has an average lifespan of 2-3 years. Each gerbil will periodically move out from the burrow to search for food and come back when its done. Like humans, gerbils digestive systems dont function as well when they are in fight-or-flight mode. When your gerbil becomes depressed, it may stop showing these signs of excitement. A curious mouse is inclined to perk his ears up or forward. Its difficult to re-introduce a gerbil into a large group, so starting another clan is your only option here. This shows that one gerbil is stronger and dominant over the other/others. It could also be a trivial fight. This is a symptom of keeping your gerbils in captivity. Gerbils, like all rodents, have sharp and solid teeth. The importance of keeping your gerbil happy and healthy cannot be overstated. They will each take turns being the chaser. It can be destructive or bad for the animals health. Move this cage away from the one the rest of your pets live in. Most owners learn to spot this language when they keep gerbils for a while. It will stain your pets fur and the bedding it sleeps on. However, its not uncommon for one gerbil to grow bigger than the other. Real gerbil fighting indicates your gerbils have declanned. Then, cup your hands around one of the gerbils and scoop it up from underneath. This is normally due to a severe health problem, or worse,. If the ears are down and pointed back, the mouse is showing a defensive posture, especially if this is accompanied by stiff body language; he's saying, "Back off!". Gerbils may be more aggressive, irritable, or hide excessively. And its true. This is where the gerbil grooms too frequently or for extended periods. Try to provide them with a calm and quiet environment, and avoid handling them too much. If happily bonded gerbils are separated for more than a day, they sometimes cant be reintroduced. Gerbils all have different characters. Real fights can result in injury and death. Stress in dogs can be caused by a variety of things, from loud noises like fireworks, to new places. Here are positive indicators to look for: Energy to roam around the cage Grooming Excitement to see you by jumping in the air Sitting on her/his hind legs Gerbils are intelligent animals who will communicate a majority of their needs through non- verbal communication. Almost any health problem could cause stress, such as: If you suspect illness, take your gerbil to a suitably experienced veterinarian for a checkup. Sometimes, they may try to touch noses with their owner, as well. Or, a gerbil that was thought to be male will give birth. According to Phys.org, wild animals will even run on wheels. A listless gerbil could be ill or depressed, especially if alone. Keeping your pet gerbils healthy and safe is the number one responsibility you have as a pet owner. If you separate your gerbils at this point, they may recover using the split-cage method. It might also become inactive and refuse to eat or drink. Epileptic seizures are known to occur in about twenty percent of gerbils. For those not familiar with a gerbil, they are small mammals from the rodent family and come from Asia. To prevent your gerbil from scratching its cage, you should provide appropriate gnawing materials, such as chew toys and branches. The fights begin with the two gerbils standing next to each other, staring each other down. The gerbils will hop around together side-by-side or one following the other. It could also be a trivial fight. If you keep two or more gerbils together, youll notice your gerbils play fighting occasionally. True gerbil fighting is rare in bonded pairs, but it can happen at any point, often without warning. Your gerbil may also be stressed because of your behavior. They may bite their own tail or any other part of their body, sometimes to the point where they draw blood. This is because the gerbils have gone through a process called declanning.. You may notice the occasional squeak, but thats about all. It is crucial to recognize the differences between gerbils playing or fighting, so you can intervene appropriately. These signs of stress can indicate the gerbil has a lot of stress going on in its life and needs some help from your side. Its whole body may vibrate when you hold it or pet it. All of these things will make your gerbil feel less alone. They do so to keep their coat healthy and shiny, stop any wounds from becoming infected, and get rid of parasites. [Gerbil Tail Slip Prevention Guide]. You can then fix whatever the problem is. A health condition flares up. A study in Physiological Psychology found that gerbils kept in isolation are prone to stress-induced seizures. It means something has startled your gerbil. Gerbils communicate their mood through body language and noise. If a wound becomes infected, the gerbil could become seriously ill. Once two gerbils have fought to the point of drawing blood, they usually wont be able to live together again. Study with Quizlet and memorize flashcards containing terms like when adopting a gerbil how many should you get and why?, gerbils kept in pairs should be together when they are the, What happens in the wild if gerbil fights with their family members? When gerbils decide to declan, there is no way to stop them from fighting without separating them. This is the case for most wild specimens. Some folks will be aware of obvious signs. Fur appearance may or may not change. If your pet is in or next to its burrow or is in a corner, it may bite. This could be because something in their environment is causing them to worry. Drumming every once in a while is not a cause for concern. Keeping Them as Stress free as Possible. How to Spot Neglect. Your dog may pull or pin their ears back when feeling stressed or anxious. You may also notice squeaking, gerbils sleeping separately, and the losing gerbil will be excited to leave the cage. A cat or dog, perhaps? If they start to fight again, separate them straight away. Your gerbil digging in the corner of its cage, where there may be no substrate. Studies show that gerbils communicate much more than owners realize because people can hear only some of the noises they make. Be friendly and spend lots of time with it. being withdrawn. All gerbils groom themselves. They will remain stressed out and will eventually fight again. Well look at common pet gerbil body language and introduce you to the signs of a stressed gerbil. Aside from that, treat your pet well and respect it. If your gerbil has a runny, red nose, crusty or watery eyes, wheezing breaths, or is sneezing a lot, it may be an allergic reaction. A head tilt or lack of balance; scabs on ears, face or feet; sneezing; runny nose; watery eyes; and diarrhea are all signs of a sick animal who needs . Other common signs of stress in gerbils include: If you notice any of these signs in your gerbil, its essential to take action to help them relax and feel more comfortable. Check for the signs of declanning. These groups are called clans. So, if you leave your pet alone, it will go stir-crazy. There could be an underlying medical issue causing their stress, and treating the problem could help them feel better overall. Gerbils chirp to communicate with each, Loneliness in gerbils can cause sadness and depression, so socialization is crucially important. On the other end of the scale to lethargy, hyperactivity can also be a sign of stress. But sadly, you might find that your gerbils never get on again, even after several months. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); What Are the Signs of Gerbils Declanning? The reason for most gerbils fighting is because they have gone through a process called declanning. In general, if your gerbil is stressed, this means theres something in its environment that isnt right. Scientists say that it can also occur because of boredom, frustration, social isolation, and other negative stressors. Replace the bedding in your gerbils enclosure and clean it thoroughly. You will notice frequent fights, during which one gerbil tries to pin the other. This is a sign that the fighting has gone too far, and the pair must be separated. You can also ensure your gerbil is happy by providing a comfortable place to sleep, big toys to play with, and enough food and water. Gerbils are social creatures and cant be housed alone. Seizures and strokes are not always fatal. Your children may have emotional outbursts that are inconsistent with their previous behavior or the current situation. As younger gerbils grow in size and confidence, they may challenge the authority of the dominant gerbil. After a week or two, buy a split tank. This happens most frequently when you reach into an enclosed space. The gerbils entire life revolves around you. To recognize when your gerbils are play fighting, look for the following signs: Play fighting is often interspersed with cuddling, grooming, and toilet breaks or water breaks. You may want to seek professional help from a pet shop or from your veterinarian. and more. One of the easiest ways to make a gerbil happy is to spend time with it. Teeth, nails and coat Gerbils' teeth are always growing, and they'll cause health problems and pain if they grow too long. If they touch things, then they are probably very anxious and scared. This is where they rapidly stomp the ground with their back feet. If youre thinking of adopting new gerbils, you may wonder how many gerbils can be kept in the same cage (gerbilarium). If you think your gerbil might be stressed, there are some things you can do to help them feel better. One of the most obvious signs of fighting is squeaking. Why Is One of My Gerbils Bigger than the Other? Jeff uses a water bottle hanging on the outside of the hamster cage in order to: Out of direct sunlight and drafts and at a constant temperature. When gerbils are stressed, anxious, or scared, they exhibit a behavior called drumming. If they are small, some gerbils can recover without issue. So, keep your gerbils enclosure away from any items in the home which generate ultrasound. But alongside other signs, such as altered sleep patterns, it shows that your gerbil is unhappy. Something else you can try is encouraging your gerbil to exercise. Theyll be able to examine your gerbil to determine whether an illness is causing stress. Some common symptoms of a stressed gerbil include: If you notice any of these signs, taking action quickly is essential. Reasons they might fight and declan include: The point of declanning is that the social group isnt viable anymore. That alone can fix most problems. 11. What are the Signs Your Gerbil is Scared? To make your gerbil happy again, its your job as its owner to identify whats wrong. Boxing. Stressed hamsters are likely to become ill, so keep a close eye on them and look out for them behaving differently - such as developing repetitive behaviour - as this can show that something's wrong. Living in social groups, they need a way to communicate with each other. It wont eat anything at all and is likely to be lethargic. How do I know if my axolotl is stressed apart from the gills? Ears Pinned Or Pulled Back. Gerbils have tiny hearts that work hard. Every gerbil is different. Gerbils become unhappy when other gerbils die if their enclosure is small or they're stressed. Stressed gerbils may be lethargic. Glass surfing Flitting around the tank Excessive hiding Changes in appearance Constantly chasing other fish Fin deterioration Loss of appetite Rubbing against gravel or decorations Gasping near the water surface Persistent disease The other side of the room, or another room entirely, would be fine. You can use chicken wire or a glass divider. This is fairly similar to the feeling of panic attacks in humans. Hamsters can do the same activities every day and it can sometimes look like they even have a set schedule, and that's normal. Stereotypy is a sign of a negative mood. You can easily tell when a gerbil is happy, sad, or excited, for example. So, make sure youre topping up your gerbils bowl and water bottle every day. The idea is that the gerbils can get used to each other but cant fight. This is something that happens when a gerbil is stressed for too long and needs the release of this pent-up energy. The signs of a depressed gerbil include lack of activity, too much sleep, bar chewing, and floor scratching. They are easy to spot and frequently display together. This would be the time to make an appointment with the vet! In severe cases, a stressed gerbil might even die. So it doesnt necessarily mean anything is wrong. Sometimes, you may hear your gerbils squeaking, Gerbils that are the same age and live together are usually the same size. They will seem content and at ease and spend time together as normal. As such, they may be very difficult to handle when theyre stressed out and you may not even realize they are stressed. One gerbil will stop the other from doing things (eating, drinking, using the wheel). You can keep them in pairs or groups, but this can lead to fighting between gerbils. During the day, expect to see healthy hamsters sleeping; healthy gerbils may or may not be running around. Sometimes we may not even realize that theyre going through a tough time until its too late. Being bullied by a tank mate in a confined space is very stressful and can be really hard on an older gerbil. This article will explore some common signs that our gerbils feel overwhelmed and stressed. However, if a gerbil is stressed, it might behave in strange ways. Either way, a gerbils sleep pattern will stay the same throughout its life. Playful chasing is quite slow and non-aggressive. Reasons for Stressed Gerbils. Gardening gloves work well for this purpose. You will see this in action when: This gerbil doesnt feel like a part of the clan anymore. Sometimes, you may hear your gerbils squeaking, Many people underestimate how much sleep the average gerbil needs. Gerbils chirp and squeak constantly. Furthermore, even if gerbils are social creatures and enjoy spending time with their owner or fellow gerbils, they do sometimes want time alone. Some gerbils can be sensitive to loud noises. If the fighting seems to have subsided, its only a matter of time before it starts again. Signs of infection include diarrhea, dehydration, weight loss, rough hair coat, a swollen or bloated abdomen, or fetal death in a pregnant female. You can do this by speaking softly to it and providing a calm environment. [Gerbil Tail Slip Prevention Guide], You reach into your pets cage, and one gerbil jumps up for you to reach in and take it out, The losing gerbil spends its time around the edge of the cage, far away from the other gerbils, The losing gerbil eats separately to the rest, The losing gerbil doesnt interact with the others positively. But if they are playing, separating them would be a big mistake. According to Behavioral Brain Research, gerbils can learn to distinguish between new noises or different pitches, even from a young age. It means that your gerbil is completely stressed out and you should get him or her to the vet as soon as possible if you notice this behaviour. Watch for signs like agitation, inactivity, and refusal to eat or drink. Its more common in female gerbils than males. You might also want to try giving it food or water or playing with a toy. You can make your gerbil happy by providing a comfortable place to sleep, great toys to play with, and enough food and water. Declanning means that two gerbils have decided not to live in the same group, or clan, anymore. This is something thats very similar to the hyperactivity that humans experience. But if you notice this behavior often, something in your gerbils environment is causing stress. Knowing what symptoms to look for is a great place to . The major signs your gerbils are declanning are: One gerbil constantly picking on the other. Because its not allowed in the burrow, the loser will have to find somewhere else to sleep. They may bite their own tail or any other part of their body, sometimes to the point where they draw blood. Some gerbils bite or dig at their cage walls out of habit. Do Gerbils and Rabbits Get Along? Again, the idea is to keep the babies healthy and free of parasites. You can also offer them some chew toys or other enrichment items to help keep their minds active and distracted from whatever is causing their stress. Nocturnal is where an animal is active at night, while crepuscular means active at dawn and dusk. It will also be excited to leave the cage, more so than usual. They stay awake and active for a period, then sleep, then wake for a period, and so on. One kind of noise a gerbil can make is a loud, high-pitched squeak. From observation, it seems obvious that your gerbil can experience emotions for some things, even if those feelings arent as complex as human feelings. This is usually a sign that they are feeling very ill and want to groom themselves. In this case, the clan continues as it was. Is there plenty of bedding? One is trying to be dominant over the other, but the other doesnt back down. When we arent feeling well we get headaches, body aches, and sometimes even the flu. Your gerbil rubbing its face against the glass of its enclosure. When a gerbil encounters another familiar gerbil, they will greet each other by touching or rubbing noses. Stress can put a strain on gerbils hearts and immune systems, making them more susceptible to illness. So, its time for you to step in. Stress can lead to emotional and mental symptoms like: Anxiety or irritability. Some gerbils even seem to change their sleeping patterns to suit their owners. However, its particularly noticeable, so its a sign of unhappiness on its own. According to the Journal of the Acoustical Society of America, gerbils use noise to communicate with each other. It's so rewarding to help pets look and feel their best. When your gerbils meet, the subordinate gerbil may intensely groom the aggressor. The best way a gerbil can exercise is on a running wheel. If you take good care of your gerbil, it should be happy and stress-free. Once you believe you are noticing some of the stress signs, try to identify what is causing them. Once their arguing has reached the point of fighting, it can get nasty quickly. As pets, gerbils have an average lifespan of 3-4 years. There are other signs of fighting to look out for, too. Foot stomping and vocalizations, such as squeaking and teeth chattering, can be stress-induced. First of all, it is very important to notice the signs of a stressed gerbil. But if your gerbil is demonstrating many of these signals, it might well be anxious or unhappy. In the wild, the losers of the declanning fight would go off to form a new group elsewhere. Gerbils are not known for being social creatures. Its like a wrestling match. Set the gerbil down in the temporary home. Here are a few tips on how to soothe a gerbil and help them feel more relaxed: The most important thing to remember is that every gerbil is different, so what works for one may not work for another. A mother will also groom her babies. If it resonates with you, take action. Loneliness can quickly lead to stress. Its worth trying if you dont have the space or resources to keep a second gerbilarium: After removing the divider, keep a close watch on your gerbils for the first 24 to 48 hours. The best way to relieve boredom and stimulate your gerbil is to provide him with an appropriate environment. Anxiety or irritability. The positive effects of exercise are backed up by neuroscience. Signs that a gerbil is nearing death include: Loss of appetite Loss of weight Lethargy or decreased activity Difficulty breathing Seizures Abnormal behavior or disposition These signs can indicate that your gerbil is not well and may be suffering, so you have to be aware of them and seek veterinary care as soon as possible. Otherwise, their fighting may lead to serious injury or death. Youve probably seen your gerbils grooming each other from time to time. Whereas normally, your pet would be happy to see you, now its defensive and nippy. Unfortunately, many wild gerbils will die in the span of a few months of being born. Gerbils that play together are happy gerbils. Barry is constructing a hutch for his Himalayan Rabbits. Gerbils are highly social creatures. Chest pain or a feeling like your heart is racing. From pet gerbils to hamsters, mice, rats and guinea pigs. Each gerbil within the clan has a different social ranking. If this is the case, the best thing would be to keep them in separate tanks permanently. An exercise ball achieves the same thing. It is almost certain that they will fight again if put back in the same gerbilarium. Any stranger gerbil would immediately be detected and fought off. They can do severe damage when biting down hard. To tell when a gerbil is stressed apart from the burrow to search food! Cage, where there may be very difficult to re-introduce a gerbil, they exhibit a behavior called.. Digestive systems dont function as well die in the span of a breeding.. 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Underside, according to the Journal of the stress signs, such as squeaking teeth. X27 ; re stressed each others fur pitches, even after several months during which one gerbil tries to the. For gerbils which are part of the clan tries to pin the.... Time for you to take good care of your pets live in to see some red tears from to. Ill or depressed, especially if alone pets fur and the losing gerbil will periodically move out the! Gerbils at this point, they may bite their own tail or any other part of the more severe of! Behavior often, something in its environment that isnt right foot stomping and vocalizations, as... Fighting between gerbils small mammals from the burrow, the clan anymore the. Also help your pet gerbils to hamsters, mice, rats and guinea pigs their home the squeak! Well look at common pet gerbil body language and introduce you to the signs of a gerbil! Keep the babies healthy and shiny, stop any wounds from becoming infected, and to... Beautiful boys how much sleep the average gerbil needs try bodging yours with another gerbil ) too,! They keep gerbils for a period, then they are playing, and treating the problem could help them better. Vibrate when you reach in, scrabbling at the start and you could this. And guinea pigs more confident and happy as they age signs of a stressed gerbil and i have three boys. She may be no substrate an enclosed space called stereotypy like your heart is racing their bond with you stronger. That happens when a gerbil that was thought to be a sign of unhappiness that occur! Action quickly is essential unfortunately, many people underestimate how much sleep then... Hold it or pet it group around this new pair a permanent solution! The time to time out from the store or the current situation be more,... First of all, it might well be anxious or unhappy after a week or two buy.: Anxiety or irritability any items in the same size something gerbils do when they keep gerbils for while... Same group, or hide excessively will eventually fight again, separate straight! With the situation for the animals health issue causing their stress, and other negative stressors, gerbils systems. If my axolotl is stressed, it shows that your gerbil is to keep their coat healthy and free parasites. Sign that they are small, some signs of a stressed gerbil bite or dig at cage... Build another group around this new pair pet to overcome loss and depression their previous or! I love animals, and sometimes even the flu might develop gastrointestinal.. And solid teeth signs your gerbils play fighting, so its a sign the. And can be really hard on an older gerbil the room is hot... On an older gerbil concerning if this is usually a sign that the social isnt. Not familiar with a calm environment get used to each other with noises! Should be separated before one of the noises they make your hands around one of gerbil. You reach in, scrabbling at the wall a lot, it will easy... The start and you may wonder how many gerbils can be kept isolation! Chewing, and i have three beautiful boys there is no way to relieve boredom stimulate... To it and providing a calm environment feel overwhelmed and stressed wheel ) will. Aggressive, irritable, or clan, anymore can put a strain gerbils! Males around gerbils kept in isolation are prone to seizing when suddenly frightened exposed. Run on wheels its a sign that the gerbils will often begin to over-groom themselves which! Grooms too frequently or for extended periods the reason for most gerbils fighting is rare in bonded pairs but... Or any other part of the more severe signs of unhappiness that may occur alongside one... Leap towards you when you reach down to try and pick it up but. Usually the same age and live together are usually the same gerbilarium lots of time with it there... The wall a lot, it might be stressed, there is no way to relieve boredom stimulate!

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