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| ISOLATION: I tend to like to keep new gerbils in a 7-14 day isolation period before I introduce them, that way if they are sick, I can care for them so it won't spread throughout the colonY. | HOSPITAL CAGE: If a gerbil is sick, and could be contagious, I will quarantine him/her in a fish tank with a heat source such as an infra red light, a light bulb, or heating pad. You should always have a thermomiter near by, and keep the temp at about 72F (22C). The heat source should be placed at one end so the gerbil can move in and out of the heat as it pleases. Be sure to keep plenty of food and water in the cage, and gradually reduce the heat daily 2-3 days before he is returned to the colony. |
| ABSCESS: Because of an insect or bite from another gerbil, swelling may develop. Clean the area with a MILD antiseptic. Swelling may go down, or it could grow and burst. If the swelling does not go down, I would recommend calling a vet. | COLDS: Colds are typically due to a drafty area, and gerbils are more prone to this if they are recovering an illness. The nose and eyes may produce a discharge, and bowels may be more viscous than normal. Sometimes, the gerbil has a hunched look, and the fur may be "poofed out". Put the gerbil in a hospital cage, and keep only dry food, and water with it. Recovery should go pretty fast, if it doesn't, once agian, please call a vet. |
| DIARRHEA: Diarrhea is rare in gerbils, and is often a symptom of another ailment. Just try to reduce the amount of greenfood given to the gerbil. | FUR AND SKIN:Gerbils secrete an oil which they groom onto thier coats. Normally, this oil evaporates. If your gerbils have a "greasy" look to them, then most likeley the area they are in is too humid. Try reducing humidity or relocating them. |
| MALOCCLUSION: When a gerbil's front teeth are not aligned properly, they aren't worn down by gnawing. The teeth continue to grow unchecked inside or outside a gerbil's mouth. You should keep checking this problem, and consult a vet. | STERILITY: Infertility could be caused by one of 3 things, age, genetic disorder, or nutritional deficiency. I'm not really sure how to cure this problem, but I believe if it's genetic, I've two words for you...discourage inbreeding... :) |