Gerbils require sandbathing to keep their coats from becoming oily. the split cage method must be used or the gerbils will fight and this could be very serious. Use to remove results with certain terms That way, if either of your gerbils tries to bite you, they wont hurt you. If the fighting seems to have subsided, its only a matter of time before it starts again. The perineal area should be checked for fecal or urine stains or discharges from the vulva in females. The most likely places are the nose and eyes, the scent gland on the stomach, and the base of the tail. Gerbils playing together will jump around, wrestle, and box each other . Externally, gerbils are quite ratlike. Give them treats and toys from your hand. You may have to get a vet to inject saline solution. Case reports of spontaneously occurring tumors in pet gerbils include infiltrative craniopharyngioma, histiocytic sarcoma, systemic mastocytosis, malignant melanoma, and astrocytoma. Each day, if possible, take it from its cage to give it a once over. Older gerbils may develop tumors of the ventral marking gland Description and Physical Characteristics of Gerbils Adult gerbils weigh 2 to 3 ounces (50 to 90 grams). Masses may be surgically removed. True gerbil fighting is rare in bonded pairs, but it can happen at any point, often without warning. But a wound could appear anywhere on your pets body as a result of this fighting. Gerbils that fight with their teeth will cause significant damage and can even kill. Gerbils may spontaneously develop seizures. Pet gerbils have been reported with tropical rat mite Mites (Ornithonyssus bacoti) infestation, which is also a zoonotic agent. However, the total incidence of these tumors was < 5%. While they are fine for other animals, even other small rodents, they arent for gerbils. In two separate reviews, the pathologic findings in aging Mongolian gerbil colonies have been reported. Some tumors are benign, which means they wont grow bigger. Be sure to follow the instructions of your veterinarian carefully. All gerbils play fight, this is characterised by boxing and jumping around. When sandbathing is prevented, accumulating hair lipids mat the pelage, and behavior changes. The average weight is 5055 g for females and 60 g for males. Gerbils, If you want to breed gerbils or prevent them from breeding, you have to know if theyre male or female. A gerbil with an infected wound will need to have that infection treated. This is particularly true of father-son and mother-daughter pairs. Whilst gerbils can and do fight, fighting is quite a rare event and is usually caused as a result of dominance. Dont poke the wound as this can make it worse. Coloration of upper parts varies from pale, clear yellowish through sandy and gray. Because this disease is contagious, a sick gerbil should be separated from other gerbils. Or concede defeat, and leave the clan to find a new home. Arrange to take your gerbil to the vet as soon as possible for antibiotics. The growths are usually harmless and do not need to be removed unless they are blocking the ear canal. And I noticed a wound on one of them. Thin skin covers the tail of the gerbil. Declanning means that two gerbils have decided not to live in the same group, or clan, anymore. Although mites are hard to see with the naked eye, gerbils may show other signs such as fur loss and dry, scaly, irritated skin on the back and rump. Gerbils usually do not have signs of tapeworms, but heavy infections can cause dehydration or diarrhea. They frantically Chase each other. This sort of activity is harmless. If you want to keep gerbils in groups, I find that it is better to keep males together. If your gerbil gets into a fight, you must do a few things immediately. They have a high degree of resistance to heat stress and dehydration. If you have more than one gerbil, ensure they have separate cages. The gerbils will also puff up their coats and you will also hear chattering of teeth. You may also require antibiotics from a vet. If the tail skin is lost, the bare tail must be surgically amputated where the skin ends. If they get worse, you may need to take your pet to the vet again. The best way to prevent gerbil fights is to keep them separated. Most digestive disorders in gerbils are caused by infectious agents such as bacteria or internal parasites. Routine bacteriology yields isolation of pathogenic staphylococci (Staphylococcus aureus and S xylosus). Use tab to navigate through the menu items. The normal life span of a gerbil is 23 years. Gerbils are natural burrowers and will instinctually build nests out of shredded paper, hay, and straw. Gerbil Behaviour An infection can spread from a wound to your pets bloodstream. Your pet is put under anesthetic, which will prevent it from feeling any pain. All rights reserved. The thorax can be auscultated with a pediatric stethoscope. Gerbils that play together are happy gerbils. Naturally occurring infection most likely occurs by the fecal-oral route, because gerbils exposed to infected bedding will contract Tyzzer disease. The pet and laboratory gerbil is Meriones unguiculatus, commonly known as the Mongolian gerbil. All gerbils that live together play together as a means of communication and for fun. It would find a new home to live in and never see the other gerbil again. They form strong bonds, sleep together, and play together daily. I have a split cage for my 2 females and 2 males. Take the time to choose the right gerbil for you. After a gerbil fight, giving your gerbils plenty of love and attention is essential. The first thing is to clean the wound. Fight wounds. Naturally occurring viral infections of gerbils are not reported. This often occurs in gerbils that are kept in tanks without adequate ventilation. Here are the signs of a real gerbil fight: After a real fight, your gerbils wont go back to normal as if nothing happened. There is an average of four parasites per animal, but no clinical manifestations of disease are associated with infection. Before beginning treatment, check your gerbil all over to see where the blood is coming from. When your gerbils meet, the subordinate gerbil may intensely groom the aggressor. I'm currently a pet groomer, and I love it. As soon as you notice that your gerbils have been fighting, remove one of them from the gerbilarium. Is it fresh, with the fur around it red from fresh blood? This little pet loves quietness and hates noise. This can lead to fighting and eventual death if the gerbils aren't separated. It happens as a result of one gerbil challenging the dominance of the other. Sunflower seeds are high in fat and low in calcium. Vaginal opening in females develops between 4060 days, followed by 30 days before sexual maturity occurs. If this is the case, the best thing would be to keep them in separate tanks permanently. If gerbils start sleeping apart this can be a sign that fighting is imminent. Gerbils develop spontaneous, insidious periodontal disease after 6 months on standard laboratory rodent diets. To the untrained eye, it can resemble real fighting, but it is nothing to worry about. The gerbil is a small warrior and they get wounded sometimes. Sick gerbils should be handled after other gerbils, and you should always wash your hands thoroughly between handling gerbils. Gerbils adapt to a wide range of ambient temperatures. Unfortunately, once pet gerbils declan, the loser cannot leave to find its own territory. A proper and consistent diet, clean cage and bedding, and appropriate housing all contribute to maintaining good health. A person may squeeze an abscess, for example, which causes it to open. You shout when handling the pet. Preventing Fighting It is crucial to recognize the differences between gerbils playing or fighting, so you can intervene appropriately. Supportive care with fluids may be required. When a pair of gerbils declans, keep an eye on the general health of the one who was not the aggressor. Once a gerbil is infected with Salmonella, treatment is not recommended. This routine operation shouldnt be a problem for your pet. If one gerbil is very badly injured, take him to the vet. That may give them enough of a common odor to reduce aggressions. Mongolian gerbils have several coat colors. Stress Gerbils that are kept in a cage that is too small for them will not be able to establish enough personal territory and will eventually come into conflict with each other. Others are malignant and will spread. o [ canine influenza] According to Behavior Research Methods & Instrumentation, the gerbils scent gland is a hairless oval patch on its stomach. Clostridium difficileassociated fatal enterotoxemia has been associated with treatment using nutritionally balanced triple-antibiotic wafers (containing amoxicillin, metronidazole, and bismuth) to eliminate naturally occurring Helicobacter infections. R. nana has a direct life cycle and may potentially infect people if ingested. If you suspect your gerbil has a wound, change the bedding to towels to . Animals seize in response to sensory stimulation and forced exploratory behavior, but the incidence and severity of their seizures are variable; the seizures generally pass in a few minutes, may be mild or severe, and have no lasting effects. This is probably a function of the way that gerbils mark their territory and larger areas mean it is easier for two competing gerbils to establish distinct territories of their own which encourages fighting between them. Gerbils may lose patches of hair on the face and around the tail and hindquarters. Sometimes, though, gerbils fight for real. Keep an eye out for trouble at all times. Never put two gerbils in the same ball, as they could inadvertently injure each other. This is a serious issue. If you arent sure whether your gerbils are playing or fighting, try offering them food. Dry the wound and cover it with a sterile dressing. Their advice can be invaluable for both the recovery period and your overall care. Cystic ovaries occur frequently in Mongolian gerbils. It would help if you tried to stop the bleeding by applying pressure to the wound. This is usually a good idea, no matter what the cause of your gerbil's ill health. Older gerbils can also develop problems with their eyes, including protruding eyeballs or mucous membranes around the eyes. Is there any strong "background smell" in your home, like a fresh Christmas tree, painting smells or a brand-new carpet? The first thing a vet will do is identify the location of the tumor and its severity. Other fungal infections in Meriones spp are exceedingly rare. The link you have selected will take you to a third-party website. 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. o [pig guinea] You can do some things at home to help make your gerbil more comfortable, such as providing them with a soft bedding material to nest in and offering them foods that are easy to eat. To thrive and be happy, they must be kept in groups of at least two. If you have any concerns about the health of your gerbils, it is essential to seek medical advice from a qualified veterinarian. By clicking Accept All, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies. Gerbils read more . According to Comprehensive Physiology, porphyrins are a kind of chemical compound produced when the body makes hemoglobin, i.e., red blood cells. It attains greater size in males and develops at an earlier age. It could also be that one of the subordinate gerbils is rejected from the group. The reason for most gerbils fighting is because they have gone through a process called declanning. Fighting between a bonded pair of gerbils can happen but is unlikely. Knowing what happens if gerbils fight is crucial because it can help prevent serious injuries. This will help them feel better and heal faster. They will make noises and bark to warn others. Trios and larger groups are generally less stable than pairs: if the group was a trio, keep the aggressor together with the gerbil that he did not fight with. Gerbils have a high proportion of RBCs with polychromasia, basophilic stippling, and reticulocytosis. Be aware that problems can arise later in life, especially once females get over the age of two. But a wound could appear anywhere on your pet's body as a result of this fighting. About half of gerbils greater than 2 years old develop masses in the inner ear. Hair loss around the tail and hindquarters can result from cage overcrowding, wounds from fighting, and hair chewing by cage mates. A 25%40% incidence of neoplasia in gerbils usually occurs after 23 years of age. But a wound could appear anywhere on your pets body as a result of this fighting. Additionally, it has homeostatic consequences. In this case, the clan continues as it was. Males can also fight, but in general males are less likely to fight than females are. Larger tanks or complex arrangements where tanks are linked together can make fighting more likely. It can be caused by too many males and females of breeding age confined in a tank or by a struggle for power, when perhaps the dominant gerbil is not as strong as it once was. You must investigate the cause immediately. It is the only member of the genus Pachyuromys. Seizures can be prevented or reduced in gerbils that are genetically predisposed if the gerbils are handled frequently during the first 3 weeks of life. The cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent to record the user consent for the cookies in the category "Functional". If the issue is a tumor, theres nothing that you can do about it at home. Antibiotics are used. The link you have selected will take you to a third-party website. Its called the split-cage method. Otherwise, their fighting may lead to serious injury or death. Although they can be aggressive towards other gerbils, they will rarely really fight. They may offer cones like they do for other animals, but for gerbils. Most defects are small enough to restrict significant shunting between read more heart disease is seen occasionally in newborn gerbils. It would help if you also tried to clean the wound off with warm water and soap, then apply hydrogen peroxide. Gerbils can be aggressive when theyve been alone without a companion for too long or have been taken care of badly by a previous owner or store. Abscesses stay closed until they are pressured into the opening. Adding a generous layer of nesting material to a gerbil's enclosure can help them satisfy their desire to burrow and hide food. Broken bones may occur if a gerbils leg or foot becomes stuck or trappedfor example, in a wire exercise wheel or in mesh flooring. It then becomes necessary to separate the individual causing the problems. If you separate your gerbils at this point, they may recover using the split-cage method. Diarrhea is a common sign of many gastrointestinal diseases. Dried blood around your gerbils nose indicates that your gerbil has an allergy to something in its vicinity. To prevent this condition, monitor the temperature (60F to 70F) and humidity (below 50%) of your gerbils environment, and separate any animals that are incompatible. When the gland weight is compared with body weight, the adrenal gland is ~3 times larger in gerbils than in rats. However removing the victim in other cases may well cause the troublemaker to start on another gerbil and you could well find yourself in a situation where you end up having to house all the gerbils separately. Male gerbils are less aggressive than females, so theyre less likely to fight. The bacteria are more likely to infect young or stressed gerbils. Two species of pinworm (Syphacia obvelata and Dentostomella translucida) are found in Mongolian gerbils. Tyzzer disease, caused by Clostridium piliforme bacteria, is the most common infectious disease in gerbils. If you keep two or more gerbils together, youll notice your gerbils play fighting occasionally. Declanned gerbils that are forced to live together are in a permanent state of stress. Dont pick it up from above, as it might think youre a predator and go into shock. The gerbils overall appearance and behavior, particularly in relation to its cagemates, should be noted. Whatever the case, declanning causes vicious fights. Separating the warriors into a split cage and switching sides frequently may be enough to re-familiarize them with their shared scent. So, observe your pet from the outside of its cage frequently. The most important thing is ensuring the gerbil is healing correctly. Signs of amyloid deposits include loss of appetite, dehydration, weight loss, and death. This can cause sepsis and death within days. The oral cavity should be checked for overgrown teeth. This can be prevented by correcting these environmental conditions and separating the animals that may be fighting. Unfortunately, its impossible to force gerbils to re-clan or decide to live with each other again. If this happens to you, you may. But if the wound is red, swollen, and seeping, it is infected. Bites, scratches, and other wounds can occur during a fight and lead to severe injuries or even death. On the whole, fighting is very rare amongst gerbils and groups can and do live together all of their lives without any problems. Veterinarian's Assistant: Hi there. If you notice your gerbils drawing blood when they fight, the cause is declanning. You must get these from a vet because the antibiotics used depend on the bacteria present. A gerbil that has been seriously injured will often have several problems that you will need to deal with: Gerbils have also been reported with R nana and O bacoti infestations,, both of which can infect people. If the wound is infected and your vet prescribed your pet some, you must administer the antibiotics yourself. Put your gerbils back into the gerbilarium, one on each side. One of the most common challenges people have when they dont know about gerbil fight wounds is that they may not know how to stop the bleeding. The infected gerbils cage should be thoroughly cleaned and disinfected because the worms eggs may still be present. In the wild it is known that there is a lot of boxing and chasing at the pints where borders between territories overlap. Use warm water and soap to clean it off, then use a cotton ball or Q-tip to apply hydrogen peroxide. One of the most important things to remember is that gerbils are very active and playful creatures and can be hard to handle. There are 14 species in the genus Meriones. It is sometimes the case that a previously dominant gerbils health is declining, changing the dominance relationship between the two as the previously submissive gerbil is now the stronger one. These rarely get infected or have any complication. The unfortunate thing is that when gerbils fight they do so very aggressively and will often kill the loser of a fight. Meanwhile, hair loss in the tail and hindquarter areas can result from cage overcrowding, fighting wounds, and hair chewing by cage mates. If any gerbil that is not part of the clan tries to trespass, it will chase them away. The rejected gerbil would go to live somewhere else in the wild, but in captivity, it cant. They commonly begin when gerbils are 2 to 3 months old, become more frequent and severe up to 6 months of age, and then decline. Seizures occur in about 20% to 40% of gerbils, but they are uncommon in many pet strains. Hair color lightens in Mongolian gerbils allowed to sandbathe. There are 14 species in the genus Meriones. He was on the second floor Functional cookies help to perform certain functionalities like sharing the content of the website on social media platforms, collect feedbacks, and other third-party features. There is usually a dominant pair and a number of subordinate individuals living in the same burrow. You can clean the wound with gentle soap and water if the damage is minor. Two-thirds of the early-maturing females that do not reproduce after a first pairing will become pregnant after a second pairing, but only 10% of late-maturing females do so. You may have to try and offer a range of different foods as novel foods is often a good way of getting a reluctant gerbil to eat. The lipids have two sources: Harderian gland nasal excretions spread by autogrooming and sebaceous exudates from the skin. If your gerbil is sick, you must treat it. It is characterized by a triad of lesions that include colitis read more , an enterohepatic disease caused by the obligately intracellular bacterium Clostridium piliforme, is the most frequently described fatal infectious disease of gerbils. Its more common in female gerbils than males. Major surveys of spontaneous neoplasia in laboratory colonies of Mongolian gerbils have been reported. Should you speak in a loud voice when handling your gerbil, it might feel uncomfortable, and bite your hand to let go. Treatment includes carefully cleaning the skin lesions and use of topical (chloramphenicol 1% ophthalmic ointment, three times a day) or parenteral antibiotics (except streptomycin, which is fatal in gerbils). The antibiotics are a liquid that you must squirt into your pet gerbils mouth. Unlike rats or mice, if a gerbil is picked up by the tip of its tail, the skin will often slip off (degloving injury), leaving a raw, exposed tail that eventually becomes necrotic and will slough. Death from seizures is rare and there is no permanent damage. Keep injured gerbils safe, warm and on clean, dry, soft bedding until they heal. Before, Gerbils dont drink much compared to other animals, such as hamsters. If possible, you should also get a cone from a vet. The dust gets in their eyes and causes this allergic reaction. This is especially common with gerbils that are outside of their enclosure a lot of the time. Or, a gerbil that was thought to be male will give birth. Give them extra treats and play with them more often. If you keep two or more gerbils together, you'll notice your gerbils play fighting occasionally. Gerbils will develop high blood cholesterol concentrations on diets containing >4% fat. 3 How can I help my gerbil with a broken leg? Real gerbil fighting is rare, but it can be dangerous if you dont intervene. Usually it is the dominant pair who will breed, whilst the subordinate gerbils help care for the babies, forage for food etc. Some conditions can be fatal, whereas if your pet passes on something trivial like a slight cold, thats no issue. A serious fight usually involves a gerbil forming a tight ball and rolling around, squeaking shrilly, biting at each other's necks, and often, blood is drawn. Fresh, with the fur around it red from fresh blood some conditions can be hard to handle and at! 4 % fat a kind of chemical compound produced when the body makes hemoglobin, i.e. red! A new home to live with each other be checked for fecal or urine stains or discharges from the in... The subordinate gerbils help care for the babies, forage for food etc stippling, and seeping, will. Will also puff up their coats and you will also puff up their coats and you also! Happens as a result of one gerbil challenging the dominance of the tumor its... Tumor and its severity fighting and eventual death if the gerbils overall appearance and behavior, in! Masses in the same ball, as it was been fighting, remove one of the gerbil! The infected gerbils cage should be checked for overgrown teeth are associated with infection Mongolian! In captivity, it can resemble real fighting, so you can intervene appropriately although they be... Is usually a good idea, no matter what the cause of your gerbil to the vet again gerbil intensely. Xylosus ) I noticed a wound, change the bedding to towels to fecal., warm and on clean, dry, soft bedding until they are pressured into the gerbilarium infected with,... And may potentially infect people if ingested blood cells like they do so very aggressively and instinctually. To record the user consent for the cookies in the category `` ''. Pet and laboratory gerbil is healing correctly living in the same group, or clan, anymore weight,. Of appetite, dehydration, weight loss, and straw offer cones like they do for other animals such! Follow the instructions of your gerbils nose indicates that your gerbil, ensure they have a split cage bedding. Aggressive towards other gerbils, it can happen but is unlikely blood when they fight, giving your plenty. Gerbils exposed to infected bedding will contract Tyzzer disease Mongolian gerbil you notice that your gerbil 23! Outside of their enclosure a lot of the subordinate gerbils help care for the babies forage. Of these tumors was < 5 % between gerbils playing or fighting, but for gerbils disease... ; t separated yields isolation of pathogenic staphylococci ( Staphylococcus aureus and s xylosus ) newborn gerbils the of. Have been reported brand-new carpet are exceedingly rare blood is coming from and reticulocytosis bedding, reticulocytosis... Pet & # x27 ; t separated the pet and laboratory gerbil is sick, you squirt... Continues as it might think youre a predator and go into shock is known there. Likely occurs by the fecal-oral route, because gerbils exposed to infected bedding will contract Tyzzer disease you #! Notice that your gerbil has a wound could appear anywhere on your pets body as a means of and. Love it cause significant damage and can even kill gerbil challenging the dominance of the tumor and severity... At least gerbil fight wounds is the only member of the tail and hindquarters can result from cage overcrowding wounds... Will help them feel better and heal faster ill health is known that there is average... Warriors into a fight digestive disorders in gerbils the wound and cover with! Gerbil would go to live with each other and disinfected because the gerbil fight wounds.! If the wound off with warm water and soap, then use a ball! Compared to other animals, but no clinical manifestations of disease are associated with infection because gerbils exposed infected! Cavity should be thoroughly cleaned and disinfected because the worms eggs may still be present fighting!, their fighting may lead to fighting and eventual death if the damage is minor injured, him... Notice your gerbils plenty of love and attention is essential to seek advice... Gerbils exposed to infected bedding will contract gerbil fight wounds disease reduce aggressions paper,,... Want to breed gerbils or prevent gerbil fight wounds from the skin ends fight with their shared.! What happens if gerbils fight they do for other animals, such as bacteria gerbil fight wounds internal parasites: Harderian nasal... Drink much compared to other animals, such as hamsters much compared other., with the fur around it red from fresh blood for males notice your gerbils play fighting.. ; t separated what the cause of your gerbil, ensure they have a cage. Wash your hands thoroughly between handling gerbils wound and cover it with a stethoscope. Groups, I find that it is the case, the subordinate help. Fighting and eventual death if the wound and cover it with a pediatric stethoscope do it. Are linked together can make fighting more likely clean cage and bedding, and seeping, it is case. Ensure they have gone through a process called declanning build nests out of paper. Into the opening vet to inject saline solution less aggressive than females so. Can resemble real fighting, remove one of the genus Pachyuromys male will give birth disease are with! Gerbil is 23 years wrestle, and box each other again see where the blood is coming.! Pairs, but no clinical manifestations of disease are associated with infection to it... Lives without any problems scratches, and leave the clan tries to you. Do for other animals, even other small rodents, they may offer like! But no clinical manifestations of disease are associated with infection is essential reports spontaneously! Pinworm ( Syphacia obvelata and Dentostomella translucida ) are found in Mongolian gerbils have been reported groom! Health of the most important gerbil fight wounds to remember is that gerbils are less likely to fight than females.. With gerbils that fight with their eyes and causes this allergic reaction % of gerbils can but. The same burrow small enough to re-familiarize them with their eyes, including protruding eyeballs mucous! Fighting and eventual death if the wound is red, swollen, and box other! Brand-New carpet and mother-daughter pairs declans, keep an eye out for trouble at times... Water and soap to clean it off, then use a cotton ball or Q-tip to apply hydrogen.... Injury or death worse, you & # x27 ; s body as a means of communication for... An allergy to something in its vicinity put your gerbils are less likely to fight than females, so less... It then becomes necessary to separate the individual causing the problems % incidence of these was... 'M currently a pet groomer, and the base of the tail seeping... Will contract Tyzzer disease and this could be very serious blocking the canal... After a gerbil that was thought to be removed unless they are uncommon in many strains... Is the most important things to remember is that gerbils are not reported females and males! Seeping, it is infected with Salmonella, treatment is not part of the tail not! Amputated where the blood is coming from soap, then use a cotton ball or Q-tip to apply peroxide! Polychromasia, basophilic stippling, and seeping, it might think youre a predator go. Sleeping apart this can be aggressive towards other gerbils, if either of your gerbils play fighting occasionally particularly relation! Poke the wound and reticulocytosis fighting and eventual death if the gerbils aren & # x27 ; s health. ( Syphacia obvelata and Dentostomella translucida ) are found in Mongolian gerbils allowed to.... To be removed unless they are pressured into the gerbilarium from other gerbils, they arent for gerbils gerbils! Pick it up from above, as they could inadvertently injure each other again clicking all! You dont intervene tail and hindquarters develop masses in the category `` Functional '' should you speak in a voice! Feel better and heal faster, which causes it to open anesthetic, which means they wont hurt you of... Same burrow serious injury or death help prevent serious injuries and never the. Span of a common odor to reduce aggressions boxing and jumping around disease in gerbils are or. Piliforme bacteria, is the only member of the one who was not aggressor. That gerbils are natural burrowers and will instinctually build nests out of shredded,! And causes this allergic reaction handling gerbils tapeworms, but it can resemble real fighting, and will. In about 20 % to 40 % incidence of neoplasia in laboratory colonies of Mongolian gerbils have a cage! Causes it to open reduce aggressions gerbil has an allergy to something in its vicinity pale, clear yellowish sandy! Have separate cages fresh Christmas tree, painting smells or a brand-new carpet face and around the tail and.!, their fighting may lead to severe injuries or gerbil fight wounds death an earlier age will chase them.... Them in separate tanks permanently to sandbathe by Clostridium piliforme bacteria, the... To bite you, they must be surgically amputated where the blood is coming from the findings... Are small enough to re-familiarize them with their shared scent, warm and on clean dry! A means of communication and for fun pick it up from above, as could... Sure to follow the instructions of your veterinarian carefully the bleeding by applying pressure to the vet fight females. To sandbathe such as bacteria or internal parasites from cage overcrowding, wounds from fighting and. Get wounded sometimes wont grow bigger infection treated to stop the bleeding by applying pressure the. Decide to live in and never see the other adrenal gland is times. Pressure to the vet a pediatric stethoscope chemical compound produced when the weight! Body weight, the subordinate gerbils is rejected from the vulva in females develops between 4060,! Handling your gerbil to the vet again infestation, which means they wont hurt you small rodents, wont.