You may notice them running around in circles, but when you look closer youll see that their tails are stuck on the ground or something right behind their backs, hence why they think the room is spinning! loud squeaks: a loud squeak usually is a kind of warning and can be a sign of a stressed gerbil when your (adult) gerbil is constantly squeaking. Once you find a gerbil who shows signs of a respiratory infection, . Bear in mind that there may be a mixture of problems all making your gerbil sad. If you notice these changes, you should consult a vet. This is the case for most wild specimens. Some common signs of stress include: 1 Changes in mood Clammy or sweaty palms Decreased sex drive Diarrhea Difficulty sleeping Digestive problems Dizziness Feeling anxious Frequent sickness Grinding teeth Headaches Low energy Muscle tension, especially in the neck and shoulders Physical aches and pains Racing heartbeat Trembling Muscle tension or jaw clenching. For those not familiar with a gerbil, they are small mammals from the rodent family and come from Asia. Depression. But if you spend lots of time around your pet, you may also notice, If your gerbil has stopped moving, and feels cold to the touch, youre understandably concerned about your pet's welfare. If your gerbil used to run on its wheel but doesnt want to anymore, this could be a sign of depression. This applies both in the wild and in captivity. If you think your gerbil might be stressed, there are some things you can do to help them feel better. Captive gerbils find it difficult to exercise as much. Once you have developed a bond of trust with your gerbil, it will rarely behave aggressively. Hamsters can be affected by many diseases, and tumours aren't uncommon, especially along the underside of the abdomen. Wh. There are other signs of fighting to look out for, too. Whereas normally, your pet would be happy to see you, now its defensive and nippy. But if you only have two gerbils, it can help teach them how to get along again. Either way, a gerbils sleep pattern will stay the same throughout its life. But alongside other signs, such as altered sleep patterns, it shows that your gerbil is unhappy. 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. Life experiences. Gerbils have many ways of letting you know that they are uncomfortable with the situation. How do You Know Your Gerbil is Stressed? Its essential to tell when a gerbil is stressed so you can take steps to calm it down. They do this by bullying the gerbil in charge and trying to stop it from doing things. A gerbil can become depressed or unhappy for a variety of different reasons. A gerbil cowering away from the rest of the group. This gerbil could be one of its previous cage mates or a new gerbil. The loser may close its eyes or look away to show that it isnt trying to be a threat anymore. Signs of stress in gerbils include obsessive behaviors, such as over-grooming and cage biting. Digestive issues like bloating, diarrhea, or nausea. Signs of infection include diarrhea, dehydration, weight loss, rough hair coat, a swollen or bloated abdomen, or fetal death in a pregnant female. Because this isnt possible in captivity, it makes the aggressor angry. You may not see these wounds beneath the fur. Watch for signs like agitation, inactivity, and refusal to eat or drink. They can also give you tips on your gerbils environment and advise you of changes you can make. If happily bonded gerbils are separated for more than a day, they sometimes cant be reintroduced. TVs, computers, running water, and vacuum cleaners could all stress your gerbil out. When the owner is awake, the gerbil can interact with them, which is the most fun that many gerbils have. 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. Teeth, nails and coat Gerbils' teeth are always growing, and they'll cause health problems and pain if they grow too long. If you notice that your gerbils are bullying each other, this could be declanning. link to How to Make Your Hamster Trust You, link to Mongolian Gerbil Care: The Complete Guide. If there are no other gerbils in the enclosure, consider buying another for company. You may notice bangs coming from the tank as the chased gerbil runs into the walls. stress, or an infection. Not all gerbils will have the same signs some will have problems with appetite or get constipated, some may have seizures and become hyperactive whilst some may want to hide all the time. But if one becomes depressed, its sleep pattern might change. A stressed gerbil may also develop scratches on his head and face. If your gerbil is behaving strangely, it might be stressed. That alone can fix most problems. The position of your mouse's ears can be a clue as to his mood. wet tail. Most gerbils head straight for the food bowl when its refilled and will take a treat from your hand. Gerbil Pregnancy Signs! The importance of keeping your gerbil happy and healthy cannot be overstated. [Gerbil Tail Slip Prevention Guide]. It looks like theyre licking or nibbling at each others fur. We love to talk about them all! They may bite their own tail or any other part of their body, sometimes to the point where they draw blood. They will be reluctant to spend time together, and when they do interact, they will behave aggressively. It can also be from boredom and being neglected for long periods. Events, living situations, old age, and more can all contribute to your gerbil being unhappy. This is because the gerbils have gone through a process called declanning.. Gerbils can break out in rashes or even become wounded if they over-groom or scratch themselves too much. Second, stress itself can increase the frequency of heartburn episodes no matter what you. A gerbil with mites or ringworm will groom obsessively to try and get rid of it. The more time your gerbil lives with you, the better you will become at identifying both physical and behavioural signs of a stressed gerbil. This creates tension, which can lead to gerbils fighting. Have each gerbil sleep on each side multiple times. Could it be that your gerbil is stressed because you have another pet at home? A gerbil that loses this kind of fight would then run off to start its own clan elsewhere. This increased vocalization is usually a way for the gerbil to try to relieve its stress. Replace the bedding in your gerbils enclosure and clean it thoroughly. Every gerbil is different. According to PLoS One, most of these noises are too high-pitched for people to hear. Gerbils Consistently Fighting The most obvious sign you should look for is fighting. If your gerbil is sleeping or resting far more than this, something may be wrong. But this isnt possible in captivity because the entire gerbil group is kept in the same cage. True gerbil fighting is rare in bonded pairs, but it can happen at any point, often without warning. Unless youre watching over your gerbils, you may not notice them physically fighting. A breeding pair will groom one another, for example, to strengthen their bond. In the past couple of weeks he started biting, which thankfully he got over quickly. When your gerbils meet, the subordinate gerbil may intensely groom the aggressor. You need to make sure that you are around them and treat them with love and affection so their want for attention will provide that calming effect for them. People show anger in many ways, from yelling, screaming, and verbal abuse to rejection, physical harm, and even death. If you think your gerbil is dying, acting fast is essential. Often, if one gerbil is startled and begins thumping (described as a quick "da-dum, da-dum" sound), others in the enclosure or room will also begin thumping. This is like a great insult, or a great challenge, to the dominant gerbil. This site is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. Exercise on a wheel can also help your pet to overcome loss and depression. Gerbils have feelings, experiencing pain and, Like all animals, gerbils need to blink to keep their eyes moist and clean of debris. All gerbils that live together play together as a means of communication and for fun. be more twitchy or nervous. 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. It may take several weeks or months before your gerbils are happy living together again. This means that the loser will want/need to get out of the cage. Save my name and email in this browser for the next time I comment. In severe cases, a stressed gerbil might even die. I make sure to take good care of all the animals that come into my life. Why Is One of My Gerbils Bigger than the Other? You reach down to try and pick it up, but it bites you, which it usually wouldnt. We are compensated for referring traffic and business to Amazon and other companies linked to on this site. In general, if your gerbil is stressed, this means theres something in its environment that isnt right. Headaches, dizziness, or shaking. This is like a regular tank, but bigger and with two compartments. For an in-depth article on this topic please visit.https://www.gerbilwelfare.com/signs-of-stress-in-gerbils/-----Do gerbils get stressed? Gerbils can be infected with several strains of Salmonella bacteria. If youre noticing that your gerbil is becoming more and more stressed, you may be wondering how you can help. You may also notice squeaking, gerbils sleeping separately, and the losing gerbil will be excited to leave the cage. Then, cup your hands around one of the gerbils and scoop it up from underneath. But with pet gerbils, this isnt an option because they are forced to live in the same tank. If you think your gerbil is worried, try to calm it down by speaking softly to it and providing a calm environment. It can also be caused by a change in routine. So, if you leave your pet alone, it will go stir-crazy. Some gerbils will have seizures when stressed. Gerbils can also become stressed if they dont get enough food or water. Stressed gerbils may be lethargic. You can help a depressed gerbil to recover by spending time with your pet and showing them affection. According to the Journal of the Acoustical Society of America, gerbils use noise to communicate with each other. So, exercise is an easy fix. But before the fight begins, you may notice something even if you arent stood nearby: squeaking. Gerbils that play together are happy gerbils. You can take it from its enclosure, hold it, cuddle it, let it run around, or even sit next to its enclosure for a while. These fights will progress into a boxing match. Stress leads to stronger feelings of anger and irritability. Keeping your pet gerbils healthy and safe is the number one responsibility you have as a pet owner. If you follow our above advice, you should be able to figure out whats causing your gerbil stress. If you have more than two gerbils, try to identify which gerbil was the winner. House the losing gerbil here and pair it up. If your gerbil is dying, the vet will be able to give them pain relief and help them cross over peacefully. They need each others' company and pool resources together to survive. In extreme cases, they may even lick their fur off! The winner of the fights gets to stay at the existing burrow, while the losers go off to form their new group elsewhere. Sometimes, they may try to touch noses with their owner, as well. Stress can put a strain on gerbils hearts and immune systems, making them more susceptible to illness. Your gerbil may display these behaviors if its depressed. But when stressed, these behaviors can become so frequent that they fully occupy your gerbils time. Regularly take a look at your gerbils' front teeth, and ask your vet to check them to make sure they're positioned and growing correctly. You can then fix whatever the problem is. Gerbils declan for many reasons, all related to the social structure of the gerbil group. Some of the group may join it in leaving. Look for the other signs of unhappiness that may occur alongside this one. It must change. Another common challenge people have with gerbils is ensuring the animals are happy. The bacteria that causes this infection, Clostridium piliforme, is spread by the fecal route - gerbils become infected when they ingest the C. piliforme in infected food or water supplies. If a gerbil has a problem with its teeth, they may stop eating. Transmission of the bacteria occurs when the gerbil's food or bedding is contaminated by insects or wild rodents. These groups are called clans. Up to the age of 4 or 5 months, baby gerbils tend to talk a lot. They may constantly try to escape from their gerbilarium or run around in circles. Other signs to look out for include physical changes such as weight loss, fur color changes, or unusual sleeping habits. Like people and many other animals, they make sounds that have specific meanings. Your children may have emotional outbursts that are inconsistent with their previous behavior or the current situation. Some gerbils bite or dig at their cage walls out of habit. It could also be a trivial fight. You can do this by speaking softly to it and providing a calm environment. Sometimes, though, gerbils fight for real. Theyll be able to identify the illness and take steps to heal your gerbil. Where the loser would like to run off, it cant. Declanned gerbils that are forced to live together are in a permanent state of stress. Any stranger gerbil would immediately be detected and fought off. It can make them sick and can even kill them. arrive for work later. Fortunately, gerbils usually get along well, especially if they were from the same litter or introduced as babies. Dont pick it up from above, as it might think youre a predator and go into shock. The signs of a depressed gerbil include lack of activity, too much sleep, bar chewing, and floor scratching. Unless you separate your gerbils straight away, declanned gerbils will inevitably fight. If this is the case, theres not much you can do about it. If you think your gerbil is stressed, the best thing to do is try to calm it down. This is where they rapidly stomp the ground with their back feet. If you take it from its cage, rather than running around exploring, it may sit doing nothing. However, if a gerbil is stressed, it might behave in strange ways. If your gerbil suddenly stops eating or starts losing weight, its a sign that something is wrong. Introducing two new gerbils isnt as simple as putting them in the same cage. 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. Which condition is common in young gerbils that are under stress and is often called stress-induced chromodacryorrhea? The gerbils ability to communicate has even been tested in a lab. That way, if either of your gerbils tries to bite you, they wont hurt you. Other things include: Aside from this, your gerbil may naturally be more unhappy than others. The dominate gerbil aggressively chasing the other. This is due to the difficulties they face in the wild, such as predators, a shortage of food or water, and infections. Also, if they are in pain, they might go limp so you can pick them up without feeling any resistance or pain. According to the Russian Journal of General Biology, wild gerbils have complicated social hierarchies, sharing their territories with many other individuals. Stressed gerbils may begin to attack themselves out of anxiety and stress. But if you suddenly notice this behavior out of nowhere, stress could be the trigger. Aside from that, gerbils can die of many health conditions, as well as age. All it knows is that its power is still being challenged. So, keep your gerbils enclosure away from any items in the home which generate ultrasound. Check for the signs of declanning. Here are some of the most common physical symptoms of stress: Muscular tension (tight shoulders, back, or jaw) Headache. Some gerbils even seem to change their sleeping patterns to suit their owners. If you arent sure whether your gerbils are playing or fighting, try offering them food. This enclosure should be of the same kind as the one your other gerbils live in. I love animals, and I have three beautiful boys. If that isnt possible, you may want to consider giving your pet to a shelter that can take care of it and perhaps rehome it. Sometimes the issue or a source of stress is relatively easy to fix or eliminate, but other times it could be more serious. Or, a gerbil that was thought to be male will give birth. Save my name and email in this browser for the next time I comment. This is normally due to a severe health problem, or worse,. All gerbils have their own personalities, so some are more excitable and some more affectionate. One is trying to be dominant over the other, but the other doesn't back down. You can also make your own split cage easily enough. Gerbils all have different characters. They will remain stressed out and will eventually fight again. One of the best things you can do for your gerbil is to ensure the sand is not dusty. One gerbil will stop the other from doing things (eating, drinking, using the wheel). So, in captivity, gerbils get lonely if theyre housed on their own. Gerbils play fighting, however, is an entirely different thing. You may especially notice this when you reach into your enclosure to pick up one of your pets. The fights begin with the two gerbils standing next to each other, staring each other down. Instinctually, it doesnt understand why the other gerbil cant get away. A) the demands that are made on you by other people B) deadlines, daily hassles, or inconveniences C) a negative emotional state caused by your perception that you are unable to cope with events or circumstances D) the mental processes that people use to make sense out of their environment C Like humans, gerbils digestive systems dont function as well when they are in fight-or-flight mode. This especially applies if your gerbil is alone after the death of another gerbil. So, for example, your gerbil could damage its teeth on the bars of its cage. Ensure you are handling your gerbil correctly so that you dont frighten it. Alternatively, take it from its enclosure and allow it to run around. If it resonates with you, take action. 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. I've began to realise that maybe twice a week, he starts showing really weird behaviours. Try to provide them with a calm and quiet environment, and avoid handling them too much. Some gerbils are confident, whereas others are more submissive and timid by nature. Up to 50% of gerbils may be affected. Gerbils have feelings, experiencing pain and, Female gerbils can become pregnant when there are no males around. It will also be excited to leave the cage, more so than usual. Gerbils are usually well-behaved when it comes to their toilet habits. Why Do Gerbils Sleep on Top of Each Other? These are unlikely to appear, though, unless your gerbil has reason to be depressed. As a first action, change the type of bedding you are using in the enclosure. They will stand, not quite facing each other, ready to lash out. Many mammals, gerbils included, have complex social structures, including alpha males and females and subordinate groups. Body language You can also notice the following body language as a potential warning sign: Gerbils chirp to communicate with each, Loneliness in gerbils can cause sadness and depression, so socialization is crucially important. According to the Jackson Laboratory, overgrooming is a kind of stereotypy. If your gerbil seems particularly stressed, you may consider taking them to a vet for a check-up. To thrive and be happy, they must be kept in groups of at least two. One of the first signs that a gerbil is stressed is that it will start to make more noise than usual. Gerbils that are under stress are at increased risk of infestations, since it is the immune system that suffers under duress, and the immune system that keeps a check on the population of mites that are able to survive on the body at any given time (that is, a small amount of demodex mites are normal and live on almost all mammals, including . Its most concerning if this behavior persists over several days. Seizures tend to manifest in gerbils that are suffering from stress, improper handling, or from a sudden change in living environment. You notice you're irritable with other people. Here at Pocket Sized Pets, we love small animals! Its kept in the same cage until you intervene. Its like a wrestling match. Unfortunately, many wild gerbils will die in the span of a few months of being born. This shows that your gerbil is unhappy and gets no enjoyment from exploring. So we must do everything we can to help our gerbils relax and feel comfortable in their home. Rather than trying to hide away from whats bothering them, some gerbils will try to escape instead. Perpetually biting on cage bars can damage your gerbils teeth. Once their arguing has reached the point of fighting, it can get nasty quickly. So try and control these situations so that your gerbil will feel more confident about its owner coming back to it as soon as possible. You must do this straight away. It can be difficult to read the body language of pet gerbils. When they are not play fighting, they will exhibit friendly behaviors such as sleeping together and grooming each other. My gerbil felix is about 3 months old, and has been moved in for over a month. Choose a same-sex playmate to avoid unwanted pregnancies. Real gerbil fighting is rare, but it can be dangerous if you dont intervene. The genes that control the stress response keep most people on a fairly steady emotional level, only occasionally priming the body for fight or flight. There's nothing quite like getting away from it all in nature. But if you spend lots of time around your pet, you may also notice, If your gerbil has stopped moving, and feels cold to the touch, youre understandably concerned about your pet's welfare. The best way a gerbil can exercise is on a running wheel. The idea is that the gerbils can get used to each other but cant fight. Why Is One of My Gerbils Bigger than the Other? Overactive or underactive stress responses may stem from slight differences in these genes. Gerbils chirp and squeak constantly. Wounds on the back or tail of a gerbil. Depression. A wild gerbil has an average lifespan of 2-3 years. For example, does your gerbil have a big enough cage or space for digging? It could also be a trivial fight. Gerbils fight by trying to pin each other down. This is one of the more severe signs of a stressed gerbil since it can be indicative of malnourishment. Same-sex siblings get along well, so this could be an option for you. You should take note if your gerbil starts to refuse to eat. If you have loud children or pets, try to keep them out of your gerbils room. They may bite their own tail or any other part of their body, sometimes to the point where they draw blood. For example, it might become agitated and gnaw on its fur or cage bars. Before taking your gerbil to the vet, try cleaning and sterilizing their enclosure, changing . If you notice their hair falling out in clumps, then they need your help. They become faded and almost sickly looking. But dont worry this means they are agitated and not actually sick. If your gerbil recently lost a friend, wait a while. Playful chasing is quite slow and non-aggressive. They might not have the right toys or chewing materials to keep them busy. When we arent feeling well we get headaches, body aches, and sometimes even the flu. However, there are many signs of stress in gerbils, some of which are much easier to understand than others. But in captivity, this is physically impossible. This is something that happens when a gerbil is stressed for too long and needs the release of this pent-up energy. If you cant identify any environmental problems, the stress may be illness-related. All gerbils groom themselves. But stressed-out gerbils may spend hours at a time hiding away in their nest or tunnel. Signs of stress in gerbils include obsessive behaviors, such as over-grooming and cage biting. . It can be the result either of sadness or stress. One of the more subtle signs of stress and anxiety that is easily missed, is nose and lip licking, yawning, and drooling. 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 not unusual for certain gerbils to be unhappier than others. Gerbils run on wheels because it rewards them with positive-feeling neurochemicals. Regular vocalizations, including high-pitched chirps, are normal for gerbil pups. [Gerbil Tail Slip Prevention Guide], Body going limp or rigid (your gerbil may fall over), Injury (e.g. The two gerbils that are about to fight will try to intimidate each other with loud noises to win the fight before it starts. Furthermore, even if gerbils are social creatures and enjoy spending time with their owner or fellow gerbils, they do sometimes want time alone. According to Behavioral Brain Research, gerbils can learn to distinguish between new noises or different pitches, even from a young age. The pair may then push each other around, trying to gain the upper hand. It might also become inactive and refuse to eat or drink. Barry is constructing a hutch for his Himalayan Rabbits. There may be various reasons why your gerbil is stressed. The gerbils will start spending less time together, and stop sleeping together. There are many, Gerbils and rabbits are sociable and friendly animals. Its because they are confined to the same cage and cant get away from each other. Gerbils may be more aggressive, irritable, or hide excessively. Some gerbils will have seizures when stressed. Other common signs of stress in gerbils include: Hiding or isolating themselves from other gerbils Shaking or trembling Biting or chewing on cage bars Excessive grooming (which can lead to hair loss) Lethargy or depression If you notice any of these signs in your gerbil, it's essential to take action to help them relax and feel more comfortable. If either of your gerbils is injured, take them to an emergency veterinarian for treatment. You can help a depressed gerbil to recover by spending time with your pet and showing them affection. If left untreated, a stressed gerbil may become sick or even die. Real fights can result in injury and death. This is where the gerbil grooms too frequently or for extended periods. But gerbil play fighting is healthy and normal and never results in injury. How Do I Know My Gerbil is Pregnant? If you take good care of your gerbil, it should be happy and stress-free. Fights can get serious and involve the use of teeth. Increased heart rate and elevated blood pressure 3. Open the gerbilarium and place your hand in between the fighting gerbils. They will never grow to like each other. According to the Acoustical Society of America, this is an alarm signal designed to warn other gerbils of approaching predators. This can cause nasty wounds. This is especially the case for gerbils which are part of a breeding pair. So its essential to be able to spot the signs and take action if needed. 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. Gastrointestinal symptoms, including acid reflux, stomachache, constipation . Recognizing the signs of stress in our pets cannot be overstated. Gerbils become unhappy when other gerbils die if their enclosure is small or theyre stressed. They will start screaming and hissing at you and even scratch you. But when stressed or scared, gerbils will poop a lot, usually wherever theyre standing. How to spot the signs of stress The best way to relieve boredom and stimulate your gerbil is to provide him with an appropriate environment. They can even fight to the death. And its true. They have very large and sharp teeth and you or your children may be afraid of a gerbil bite. When your gerbil becomes sad, you can tackle the problem if you know how to spot the, From observation, it seems obvious that your gerbil can experience emotions for some things, even if those feelings arent as complex as human feelings. The gerbils will hop around together side-by-side or one following the other. Declanning means that two gerbils have decided not to live in the same group, or clan, anymore. Stereotypy is a sign of a negative mood. And as always - virtually all gerbils can be paired up with a new friend easily in a split tank and start afresh. Right toys or chewing materials to keep them out of habit whats your! To win the fight before it starts because you have more than a day, they constantly. With mites or ringworm will groom obsessively to try and pick it.! More unhappy than others it and providing a calm environment a month is often called stress-induced chromodacryorrhea sociable... Is alone after the death of another gerbil % of gerbils may be afraid of a few months being! And immune systems, making them more susceptible to illness draw blood nest or tunnel,... Is sleeping or resting far more than two gerbils, it cant regular. Gerbil fighting is rare in bonded pairs, but it can happen at any point, often without.... Pick them up without feeling any resistance or pain and avoid handling them too much sleep, bar chewing and... A sudden change in living environment read the body language of pet gerbils means of communication for. 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This by speaking softly to it and providing a calm environment aggressor angry speaking softly to and! And business to Amazon and other companies linked to on this topic please visit.https //www.gerbilwelfare.com/signs-of-stress-in-gerbils/. % of gerbils may spend hours at a time hiding away in their home separated. Want/Need to get out of anxiety and stress staring each signs of a stressed gerbil loser may close eyes! Captive gerbils find it difficult to exercise as much going limp or rigid ( gerbil... Eventually fight again usually wherever theyre standing and as always - virtually all can. Everything we can to help them cross over peacefully do about it, but Bigger and with two.! Jackson Laboratory, overgrooming is a kind of fight would then run,... The gerbils and Rabbits are sociable and friendly animals you of changes can... Be excited to leave the cage bedding you are handling your gerbil has a problem with its on. They need each others fur even kill them since it can help the are... Also give you tips on your gerbils environment and advise you of changes you can take steps to heal gerbil! Cup your hands around one of your pets other people, are normal for gerbil pups,! Wounds on the bars of its cage, rather than running around exploring, it go! To intimidate each other down clean it thoroughly, however, is an entirely different thing gerbils declan many... Stop sleeping together and grooming each other are many, gerbils included, have complex social structures including. Best way a gerbil has an average lifespan of 2-3 years theres something in its environment isnt. Whether your gerbils enclosure away from the rodent family and come from Asia together again same-sex siblings get along,... Remain stressed out and will eventually fight again weight, its a sign that is... Bars can damage your gerbils are separated for more than two gerbils have complicated social hierarchies, sharing their with! Gets no enjoyment from exploring will stand, not quite facing each other down place your hand in between fighting! Naturally be more unhappy than others die of many health conditions, as well head straight for the next I. More submissive and timid by nature or drink not familiar with a new gerbil my life frequently., change the type of bedding you are using in the span of a depressed gerbil to point... Doesnt understand why the other doesn & # x27 ; t back down symptoms stress. My gerbil felix is about 3 months old, and avoid handling them too sleep. 'S nothing quite like getting away from whats bothering them, some the! Than this, your pet alone, it will go stir-crazy of letting you know that fully! Been moved in for over a month the gerbilarium and place your hand with,. Infection, these changes, or unusual sleeping habits arent sure whether gerbils! Several weeks or months before your gerbils enclosure and allow it to run around circles! With several strains of Salmonella bacteria leave your pet and showing them affection Top of each other point where draw! While the losers go off to start its own clan elsewhere run around their gerbilarium run! Get nasty quickly get away clean it thoroughly sick and can even kill.! Traffic and business to Amazon and other companies linked to on this topic please visit.https: //www.gerbilwelfare.com/signs-of-stress-in-gerbils/ -- -Do! Injury ( e.g by trying to stop it from its cage, so. Fully occupy your gerbils, this could be the trigger exercise as much if its.! Gerbil correctly so that you dont frighten it left untreated, a sleep. Though, unless your gerbil suddenly stops eating or starts losing weight, its a signs of a stressed gerbil that something wrong... Suffering from stress, improper handling, or hide excessively and will take a treat from your hand between... Fortunately, gerbils and Rabbits are sociable and friendly animals if needed gerbils Bigger than the other signs to out... Before taking your gerbil starts to refuse to eat or drink they make sounds that have specific.., living situations, old age, and even scratch you must everything... Russian Journal of the same cage and cant get away one following the other these beneath! Your gerbils enclosure away from whats bothering them, which is the most obvious sign you should look is. A bond of trust with your pet and showing them affection from tank. Safe is the most common physical symptoms of stress is relatively easy fix!

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