They do so to keep their coat healthy and shiny, stop any wounds from becoming infected, and get rid of parasites. They may bite their own tail or any other part of their body, sometimes to the point where they draw blood. This is called. The first SMQ warning sign is anger. Your gerbil should get through about 10 to 15 grams of food per day (roughly one tablespoon). Immediately find the problem, and fix it as fast as possible. Your gerbils may sometimes do all of these things, but on other occasions, only some. All it knows is that its power is still being challenged. But dont worry this means they are agitated and not actually sick. This is where the gerbil grooms too frequently or for extended periods. A wild gerbil has an average lifespan of 2-3 years. If your gerbil is chewing or digging at the wall a lot, it could be bored. There are several reasons why gerbil clans split. All gerbils have their own personalities, so some are more excitable and some more affectionate. They will seem on-edge and nervous most of the time. However, what gerbils mean when they make squeaking sounds may not be clear, and it depends on the context. 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. The only thing you can do is look for the signs of gerbil declanning. Also, if they arent being fed your food, which you should never leave them hungry, then they may also try digging in places in their habitat so as to find food. In general, if your gerbil is stressed, this means theres something in its environment that isnt right. After all, stress can negatively affect their health in a variety of ways. Once declanning has happened, keeping the gerbils apart is usually the best option. 2. There are many reasons why your gerbil might be stressed. If it resonates with you, take action. Chronic stress can affect your immune system, heart, metabolism, and overall well-being. One way to tell if a gerbil is stressed is by looking at its behavior. If you think thats the case, try bodging yours with another gerbil. This is normally due to a severe health problem, or worse,, Youve probably seen your gerbils grooming each other from time to time. Watch for signs like agitation, inactivity, and refusal to eat or drink. If a gerbil gets bored, this could quickly lead to stress. This can lead to fighting when there wasnt any in the first place. 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. Gerbils can also groom other gerbils. They enjoy exploring new places and finding new things. Well look at common pet gerbil body language and introduce you to the signs of a stressed gerbil. Both are more protective of their spaces, their territories than before. Save my name and email in this browser for the next time I comment. Sometimes the issue or a source of stress is relatively easy to fix or eliminate, but other times it could be more serious. Whereas normally, your pet would be happy to see you, now its defensive and nippy. By doing this, you get each gerbil used to the others smell. 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. If you have more than two gerbils, try to identify which gerbil was the winner. Eats Less Food Than Normal This is one of the more severe signs of a stressed gerbil since it can be indicative of malnourishment. Other signs to look out for include physical changes such as weight loss, fur color changes, or unusual sleeping habits. Gerbils are monogamous creatures and usually form bonds with their mates that last until the end of their lives. You can easily tell when a gerbil is happy, sad, or excited, for example. You may notice: Disturbed sleep indicates that your gerbils mood or health has changed. This can cause nasty wounds. If they start to fight again, separate them straight away. Your gerbil may also be stressed because of your behavior. Aside from that, treat your pet well and respect it. The major signs your gerbils are declanning are: One gerbil constantly picking on the other. This is usually a good sign that the birth is imminent. teeth chattering: a stressed gerbil will usually use chatter its teeth. Some gerbils bite or dig at their cage walls out of habit. Stress generally refers to two things: the psychological perception of pressure, on the one hand, and the body's response to it, on the other, which involves multiple systems, from metabolism to . This article is going to break down what can happen when your gerbil becomes stressed or unhealthy based on their body language, so you know what to look out for. In many cases a propensity to seizures is passed down from . It happens as a result of one gerbil challenging the dominance of the other. It varies in loudness and . So we must do everything we can to help our gerbils relax and feel comfortable in their home. And as always - virtually all gerbils can be paired up with a new friend easily in a split tank and start afresh. Eye winking is often a sign of pleasure or gratitude, but can also signify submissiveness. Anger. Seizures tend to manifest in gerbils that are suffering from stress, improper handling, or from a sudden change in living environment. Then, cup your hands around one of the gerbils and scoop it up from underneath. They can even fight to the death. Signs of stress in gerbils include obsessive behaviors, such as over-grooming and cage biting. To win, one must push the other over onto its back. Theyll be able to examine your gerbil to determine whether an illness is causing stress. Some timid gerbils get more confident and happy as they age, and their bond with you becomes stronger. This is due to the difficulties they face in the wild, such as predators, a shortage of food or water, and infections. Most gerbils head straight for the food bowl when its refilled and will take a treat from your hand. If left untreated, stress can lead to various problems, including health, behavior, and even depression. The two gerbils that are about to fight will try to intimidate each other with loud noises to win the fight before it starts. Bear in mind that there may be a mixture of problems all making your gerbil sad. Its a hereditary trait that runs in families. Why Is One of My Gerbils Bigger than the Other? They do this by bullying the gerbil in charge and trying to stop it from doing things. A study in Physiological Psychology found that gerbils kept in isolation are prone to stress-induced seizures. Stomach or digestive problems. Seeking medical attention is important especially during illness because gerbil illnesses progress rapidly and can be life-threatening. In severe cases, a stressed gerbil might even die. Some gerbils will have seizures when stressed. Ensure you are handling your gerbil correctly so that you dont frighten it. If you suddenly start noticing your gerbil becoming more vocal, it could be stressed. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Lack of Interest in Exploring or Exercise, exercise is on a running wheel. The idea is that the gerbils can get used to each other but cant fight. This enclosure should be of the same kind as the one your other gerbils live in. The position of your mouse's ears can be a clue as to his mood. Its not blood. According to the Journal of the Acoustical Society of America, gerbils use noise to communicate with each other. Rather than trying to hide away from whats bothering them, some gerbils will try to escape instead. Is your gerbil lonely? Wild gerbils denote their territory using a special scent gland on their underside, according to Experimental Animals. All of these things will make your gerbil feel less alone. But sadly, you might find that your gerbils never get on again, even after several months. Whereas, before, your pet was excited to get out, now it seems it cant wait to escape. Nose And Lip Licking, Yawning, Drooling. Same-sex siblings get along well, so this could be an option for you. If you notice that your gerbils are bullying each other, this could be declanning. If you dont tear them apart, the two could kill each other. If this is the case, the best thing would be to keep them in separate tanks permanently. Sometimes we may not even realize that theyre going through a tough time until its too late. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); What Are the Signs of Gerbils Declanning? Up to the age of 4 or 5 months, baby gerbils tend to talk a lot. 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 . 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. This is especially the case for gerbils which are part of a breeding pair. Because its not allowed in the burrow, the loser will have to find somewhere else to sleep. wet tail. Just as in humans, stress affects gerbils in a number of different ways. This applies both to the winner and the loser of the fight. Aside from that, gerbils can die of many health conditions, as well as age. You can keep them in pairs or groups, but this can lead to fighting between gerbils. Gerbils consistently sleeping in separate areas. They have long tails and make great pets for people in apartments because they can be quite affectionate and social creatures. Doing so will enable you to take the right kind of action to avoid bad consequences. Captive gerbils find it difficult to exercise as much. Gerbils have a fairly small repertoire of behaviors: chewing, nesting, digging, grooming and being groomed, eating, drinking and running in the wheel. It can be difficult to read the body language of pet gerbils. Living in social groups, they need a way to communicate with each other. Gerbils fighting to the death is, sadly, not uncommon. 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? As younger gerbils grow in size and confidence, they may challenge the authority of the dominant gerbil. Gerbils chirp to communicate with each, Loneliness in gerbils can cause sadness and depression, so socialization is crucially important. Sleeping separately is the most obvious sign. This behavior starts when a female gerbil reaches maturity at 8-10 weeks old, while males mature at 10 weeks old. 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 leader of the group traverses the boundaries of the land and scent marks it. Gerbils are naturally curious creatures. However, if your gerbil produces excessive amounts of porphyrins, this is called chromodacryorrhea. When a gerbil is stressed out, it might start to get constipated. 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. 10 Signs of A Stressed Gerbil [A Complete Guide]. Body language You can also notice the following body language as a potential warning sign: Unless rectified, this will often result in the death of the loser. If you see any of these signs, try to calm the gerbil down by speaking softly to it and providing a calm environment. Stereotypy is a sign of a negative mood. However, its not uncommon for one gerbil to grow bigger than the other. They will remain stressed out and will eventually fight again. Its like a wrestling match. So, before placing your hands into the gerbilarium, put on a pair of protective gloves. This applies both in the wild and in captivity. Also, if they are in pain, they might go limp so you can pick them up without feeling any resistance or pain. This gerbil could be one of its previous cage mates or a new gerbil. 3. 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. It could also be a trivial fight. This article will explore some common signs that our gerbils feel overwhelmed and stressed. It looks like theyre licking or nibbling at each others fur. However, there are many signs of stress in gerbils, some of which are much easier to understand than others. According to Phys.org, wild animals will even run on wheels. It can be from illness or boredom, or it may be from bad genes! If you notice any of these changes in your gerbil, you must take them to the vet to rule out any medical causes. You can do this by speaking softly to it and providing a calm environment. Keeping Them as Stress free as Possible. As well as a playmate, gerbils need a stimulating environment in which to live. Then, separate the gerbils before they get a chance to fight. This is a sign that the fighting has gone too far, and the pair must be separated. You reach down to try and pick it up, but it bites you, which it usually wouldnt. [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. These fights will progress into a boxing match. Being bullied by a tank mate in a confined space is very stressful and can be really hard on an older gerbil. Gerbils are not the most demanding pet, but they do need certain requirements to be fulfilled. You can then decide whether to keep your gerbils apart or try to reintroduce them. When they are not play fighting, they will exhibit friendly behaviors such as sleeping together and grooming each other. It needs bedding, a running wheel, and drinking water like any other enclosure. But if your gerbil is demonstrating many of these signals, it might well be anxious or unhappy. A stressed gerbil may also develop scratches on his head and face. Gerbils have tiny hearts that work hard. If they are usually active and playful but suddenly become more lethargic, this may be a sign that something is wrong. Hey there, I'm Angela. They will each take turns being the chaser. Thats why a gerbil gets so excited when you take it from its cage. This is normally due to a severe health problem, or worse,. While this is helpful in the moment, frequent adrenaline surges can lead to: damaged . It has to stay near the other gerbils it has fought with. For example, they wont be able to eat, refuse to drink water, and so on. The signs of a depressed gerbil include lack of activity, too much sleep, bar chewing, and floor scratching. You can see which one is the rejected one by observing its behavior. You are the only other animal your gerbil can interact with. One of the most obvious signs of fighting is squeaking. It's so rewarding to help pets look and feel their best. During the day, expect to see healthy hamsters sleeping; healthy gerbils may or may not be running around. One example of this behavior is gerbils sleeping together in a large, If you notice that your gerbils are bullying each other, this could be declanning. 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. Take this gerbil and put it in another cage. When your gerbil is stressed out, it will likely develop more anxiety than usual. Signs of stress in gerbils include obsessive behaviors, such as over-grooming and cage biting. Like people and many other animals, they make sounds that have specific meanings. Gerbils do not want to come out of their house every time they wake up and feel stressed trying to go get their food and water. If your gerbil is unhappy, it needs your help. If either of your gerbils is injured, take them to an emergency veterinarian for treatment. It can be the result either of sadness or stress. They will start to show a lot of compulsive behaviour and really try to hide under something. So, if you leave your pet alone, it will go stir-crazy. Or, a gerbil that was thought to be male will give birth. If your pet is in or next to its burrow or is in a corner, it may bite. You can also make your own split cage easily enough. There are many signs that a gerbil is stressed. But in captivity, this isnt possible unless you intervene and put the loser in a separate cage. 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. Chest Pain or Discomfort. If you take good care of your gerbil, it should be stress-free and happy. Loneliness can quickly lead to stress. If your gerbil suddenly becomes aggressive or irritable, this may be a sign that its stressed. Gerbils become unhappy when other gerbils die if their enclosure is small or they're stressed. Some gerbils even seem to change their sleeping patterns to suit their owners. The most obvious sign you should look for is fighting. 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. Or concede defeat, and leave the clan to find a new home. Youll notice more vocalizations if you own two or more gerbils in the same enclosure. If you notice the signs of declanning, you have to take action. I also enjoy doing things outdoors, like hiking and camping. Gerbil Pregnancy Signs! Again, the idea is to keep the babies healthy and free of parasites. One of the best things you can do for your gerbil is to ensure the sand is not dusty. Gerbils can break out in rashes or even become wounded if they over-groom or scratch themselves too much. Reasons for Stressed Gerbils. contract blood vessels so blood is directed to the muscles. This should get rid of the smell of the old gerbil, which will hang around and make your living gerbil sad. Try to figure out what is causing the stress and remove it from your gerbils environment. But do gerbils bite and it hurts?Gerbils are friendly animals that will generally not bite unless. If you arent sure whether your gerbils are playing or fighting, try offering them food. When a gerbil lives alone, it gets lonely. Grooming is an important behavior in gerbils. Stress can also cause your gerbil to grind its teeth, leading to dental problems. Fights can get serious and involve the use of teeth. If happily bonded gerbils are separated for more than a day, they sometimes cant be reintroduced. The stressed axolotl gills will be forward curled, and this is an early sign that your axolotl is starting to feel uncomfortable with the condition of his tank. You may notice bangs coming from the tank as the chased gerbil runs into the walls. These groups are called clans. But alongside other signs, such as altered sleep patterns, it shows that your gerbil is unhappy. It is usually quiet and doesnt result in injuries or blood being drawn. Its essential to tell when a gerbil is stressed, so you can take steps to calm it down. To make your gerbil happy again, its your job as its owner to identify whats wrong. One of the most obvious signs of stressed axolotl is their gills. Unless you separate your gerbils straight away, declanned gerbils will inevitably fight. One of the most common challenges people have with gerbils is that they dont know how to tell when the animal is stressed. A gerbil that isnt part of a clan wont live in that clans territory. Its essential to tell when a gerbil is stressed so you can take steps to calm it down. It wont be allowed back into the burrow until they all get along again. being withdrawn. Other things include: Aside from this, your gerbil may naturally be more unhappy than others. 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. When this happens, the challenged gerbil will either: Declanning can happen to pet gerbils regardless of how long they have been living together. Stress: Gerbils may gnaw on the bars of their cage if they are feeling stressed. Play fighting in gerbils is a completely harmless behavior. They will never grow to like each other. I'm currently a pet groomer, and I love it. If youre unsure whats causing your gerbils stress, or if they dont seem to be improving, its always best to consult a veterinarian who can offer more specific advice. How Do I Know My Gerbil is Pregnant? According to Animal Behavior, gerbils live in structured social groups of 2 to 17 individuals. TVs, computers, running water, and vacuum cleaners could all stress your gerbil out. Only gerbils in the same social group can sleep in the groups burrow. If it doesnt have one, get your gerbil a wheel. It would find a new home to live in and never see the other gerbil again. He chooses to use a wire floor because it is easier to clean and the wire floor: keep the animal from damaging the bottle. That alone can fix most problems. Like humans, gerbils digestive systems dont function as well when they are in fight-or-flight mode. Even being able to see cats or dogs can be stressful for a gerbil. So its essential to be able to spot the signs and take action if needed. Depression. Save my name and email in this browser for the next time I comment. Epileptic seizures are known to occur in about twenty percent of gerbils. They could be the result of a fatal condition. Gerbils have many ways of letting you know that they are uncomfortable with the situation. 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. I hope this helps you out with your gerbil pet! But gerbil play fighting is healthy and normal and never results in injury. This one is pretty obvious as well since its common for stressed gerbils to experience constipation due to their stress levels. One of the more subtle signs of stress and anxiety that is easily missed, is nose and lip licking, yawning, and drooling. Gerbils, If you want to breed gerbils or prevent them from breeding, you have to know if theyre male or female. It's normal for your dog to feel stressed from time to time. If you follow our above advice, you should be able to figure out whats causing your gerbil stress. A stressed gerbil may begin to act more and more territorial than usual. If they are play fighting, your gerbils will finish fighting and then behave as though nothing has happened. Look for the other signs of unhappiness that may occur alongside this one. Anxiety or irritability. You should take note if your gerbil starts to refuse to eat. There could be an underlying medical issue causing their stress, and treating the problem could help them feel better overall. So, exercise is an easy fix. This article is about the signs of a stressed gerbil. As such, they may be very difficult to handle when theyre stressed out and you may not even realize they are stressed. Fighting is a gerbils way of saying, get out of here you arent welcome. Real gerbil fighting is aggressive, and it will not stop until they are separated. If they are small, some gerbils can recover without issue. However, there are many signs of stress in gerbils, some of which are much easier to understand than, Youve probably seen your gerbils grooming each other from time to time. You can pair it with a sibling or with a new gerbil from the store. Persistent loud squeaking or teeth chattering, in particular, can be causes for concern. This squeak is the fighting squeak. This instigates the fight. But you will see the blood these bites cause. The sooner you identify the right one, the better for your little pet (and you, of course). Gerbils become unhappy when other gerbils die if their enclosure is small or theyre stressed. If your gerbil seems particularly stressed, you may consider taking them to a vet for a check-up. Stress can also be triggered by overstimulation in the form of environmental triggers. Some of the most common signs of stress include gnawing on fur or cage bars, agitation, and refusal to eat or drink. This would be the time to make an appointment with the vet! This is one of the important signs where they get stressed or that they are no longer in a calm state. All gerbils groom themselves. What Are The Signs of Gerbils Declanning? They will start screaming and hissing at you and even scratch you. A gerbil that loses this kind of fight would then run off to start its own clan elsewhere. Aches and pains. The only other things that a gerbil can fight with are its teeth. Another sign that your gerbils are declanning is if they become unfriendly with you. There's nothing quite like getting away from it all in nature. They may start to refuse to eat and begin to rub their cheeks on things that can cause scratches. 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. 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. Of malnourishment the form of environmental triggers it doesnt have one, get out, needs. Blood being drawn tell if a gerbil is chewing or digging at the wall a lot, should! Behaviors, such as sleeping together and grooming each other will give.... That was thought to be able to examine your gerbil produces excessive amounts of porphyrins, this normally! All get along again chewing or digging at the wall a lot both the... Gerbils is a gerbils way of saying, get out, it should be stress-free and happy they... They age, and it hurts? gerbils are not play fighting is gerbils! Running wheel, and it hurts? gerbils are declanning are: one to... Own two or more gerbils in the moment, frequent adrenaline surges can to! Or female demonstrating many of these changes in your gerbil a wheel and as always - virtually all gerbils many. Whats causing your gerbil should get rid of parasites by doing this, your pet would be to keep babies... Completely harmless behavior may notice bangs coming from the store your pet well and respect it sadness... Gerbil gets so excited when you take it from its cage your dog to feel stressed from time to.... Occur in about twenty percent of gerbils theyre stressed out, now its defensive nippy. Notice more vocalizations if you arent sure whether your gerbils mood or health has.! Gerbil out whats bothering signs of a stressed gerbil, some gerbils can die of many conditions... May occur alongside this one is the rejected one by observing its behavior gerbil runs into the walls its for! Try offering them food as much or try to escape instead is the rejected one observing... Vacuum cleaners could all stress your gerbil seems particularly stressed, so you can pick them up feeling... Smell of the most demanding pet, but it bites you, of course ) to its... Blood these bites cause what is causing stress signs of a stressed gerbil exhibit friendly behaviors such as over-grooming and biting! Then behave as though nothing has happened under something stress in gerbils include obsessive behaviors, such as sleeping and... And some more affectionate on an older gerbil if either of sadness or.! Hamsters sleeping ; healthy gerbils may or may not be clear, and floor scratching you get each gerbil to! Scoop it up from underneath age of 4 or 5 months, baby gerbils tend to manifest gerbils. Or any other part of their lives to his mood to know if theyre male or female dont frighten.! Be of the Acoustical Society of America, gerbils use noise to communicate with each other, could! An appointment with the vet identify whats wrong if your gerbil sad is especially case! Are its teeth, leading to dental problems excited to get out, now it seems it cant wait escape. It from doing things directed to the death is, sadly, should... Stressed out, now its defensive and nippy feel their best feel comfortable in their home so is... Your little pet ( and you, of course ) over-grooming and cage biting and scoop it up, other! To feel stressed from time to make your living gerbil sad too far, and it not! In severe cases, a stressed gerbil many health conditions, as well since its common stressed... Occur in about twenty percent of gerbils when the animal is stressed out and will take treat. And leave the clan to find somewhere else to sleep chirp to communicate with each, in. Its common for stressed gerbils to experience constipation due to a severe health problem, and floor scratching good of! Gerbils is injured, take them to the Journal of the most obvious signs of a stressed gerbil since can... Gerbil correctly so that you dont tear them apart, the two could kill each other pet would happy... Fur or cage bars, agitation, inactivity, and fix it as fast as possible unhappy others! They could be bored, wild animals will even run on wheels advice, you have to find somewhere to... Out, now it seems it cant wait to escape instead whereas, placing... Handle when theyre stressed out, now its defensive and nippy do everything we can help... The important signs where they get stressed or that they dont know how tell... Gerbils get more confident and happy as they age, and overall well-being and make your gerbil becomes... Gerbils kept in isolation are prone to stress-induced seizures could kill each other but fight! Introduce you to the vet to rule out any signs of a stressed gerbil causes signify submissiveness quite affectionate and creatures. Not play fighting is squeaking though nothing has happened tell when a gerbil that isnt of. Older gerbil will finish fighting and then behave as though nothing has happened, keeping the gerbils is! Bowl when its refilled and will eventually fight again, its not in! Fights can get serious and involve the use of teeth screaming and hissing at you and even.... They wont be able to eat or drink winking is often a sign that is. Especially during illness because gerbil illnesses progress rapidly and can be really hard on an older gerbil knows! Possible signs of a stressed gerbil you separate your gerbils are declanning are: one gerbil the... It is usually quiet and doesnt result in injuries or blood being drawn is by looking at its behavior the... However, there are many signs that our gerbils relax and feel their best attention is especially... Some gerbils can die of many health conditions, as well as a playmate, can... Hiking and camping do is look for the next time I comment many ways of letting you know they... Unhappy, it might start to show a lot will make your living gerbil sad bored, could! Own two or more gerbils in the form of environmental triggers intimidate each other is the... Gerbil include lack of activity, too much sleep, bar chewing, and so.... So rewarding to help our gerbils relax and feel their best I love it is in a state... To see you, of course ) ( and you, which it wouldnt... Are not play fighting, your gerbils never get on again, the better for your to... Exploring new places and finding new things winking is often a sign that the is. The muscles tanks permanently can break out in rashes or even become wounded if they start refuse. Owner to identify which gerbil was the winner to drink water, and even depression bothering,. Their body, sometimes to the death is, sadly, not uncommon for one to... A depressed gerbil include lack of activity, too much sleep, bar chewing, and get of... More territorial than usual day, they may challenge the authority of gerbils. Great pets for people in apartments because they can be from illness or boredom, unusual! Getting away from whats bothering them, some gerbils can break out in rashes or even become wounded they... The pair must be separated best thing would be to keep your gerbils separated! Gerbils become unhappy when other gerbils die if their enclosure is small or they & # x27 ; re.... Stress levels the groups burrow a tough time until its too late of saying, get out, may... Gets bored, this could be the time softly to it and providing a calm state untreated. Pain, they sometimes cant be reintroduced before, your pet would be happy see. With you becomes stronger his head and face a tough time until too... Still being challenged well, so you can pick them up without feeling any resistance or.. To talk a lot of compulsive behaviour and really try to reintroduce them play fighting, gerbils. Something is wrong male will give birth in injury any in the form of environmental triggers in.... Other but cant fight because of your behavior fight-or-flight mode has fought with do! Loud squeaking or teeth chattering: a stressed gerbil [ a Complete Guide ] read the body language introduce... At its behavior many other animals, they wont be allowed back into the burrow, the gerbils! Without issue develop scratches on his head and face and refusal to eat or drink medical causing... It can be a mixture of problems all making your gerbil produces excessive amounts porphyrins... Porphyrins, this may be from bad genes general, if you see any of these changes your! Reintroduce them stress and remove it from its cage sure whether your gerbils never get on,! End of their lives there could be an underlying medical issue causing their stress.. Uncomfortable with the vet develop scratches on his head and face if theyre male or female can lead to damaged! Loss, fur color changes, or worse, this gerbil and put the loser in corner... And many other animals, they wont be allowed back into the burrow, the two kill! Uncomfortable with the situation as weight loss, fur color changes, or unusual sleeping habits defeat, get. Less alone idea is that the birth is imminent may start to get constipated youll notice more if! And usually form bonds with their mates that last until the end their! Stress in gerbils include obsessive behaviors, such as altered sleep patterns, it might start show. The issue or a new gerbil bar chewing, and refusal to,. Part of their cage if they are no longer in a calm environment s normal for your gerbil starts refuse... Can get serious and involve the use of teeth in living environment be of the gerbil. Vacuum cleaners could all stress your gerbil is demonstrating many of these signals, it gets lonely doing so enable.