This behavior is driven by instinct because gerbils need to forage for food for long periods. This one is pretty obvious as well since its common for stressed gerbils to experience constipation due to their stress levels. You can then decide whether to keep your gerbils apart or try to reintroduce them. Before separating your gerbils, get a box ready to place one of the gerbils into. They may be too tense to sleep and spend all day and night awake and active. Hamsters are prey by nature, which makes them wary of any animal larger in size, and that includes you. This is something thats very similar to the hyperactivity that humans experience. A gerbil that loses this kind of fight would then run off to start its own clan elsewhere. Try to figure out what is causing the stress and remove it from your gerbils environment. Unless you separate your gerbils straight away, declanned gerbils will inevitably fight. Gerbils consistently sleeping in separate areas. Gerbils have been described both as nocturnal and crepuscular. If you see warning signs that are triggering your gerbil, make sure they are not becoming stressed. I hope this helps you out with your gerbil pet! Check for the signs of declanning. (If this happens, you should visit a vet as soon as possible). 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. When the owner is awake, the gerbil can interact with them, which is the most fun that many gerbils have. True gerbil fighting is rare in bonded pairs, but it can happen at any point, often without warning. You must separate your gerbil group. Stress can also be triggered by environmental factors like overstimulation. A comfortable, relaxed gerbil will use its tongue to groom or wash its paws, belly, face, and tail. All gerbils groom themselves. But if one becomes depressed, its sleep pattern might change. You may see your gerbil appearing to wink at you. This will be especially true for the gerbil that has been overthrown and kicked out. Stress can put a strain on gerbils hearts and immune systems, making them more susceptible to illness. The infected gerbils may suffer from severe abdominal pain and diarrhea. The importance of keeping your gerbil happy and healthy cannot be overstated. Each will be on its hind legs, trying to push the other and flailing with its arms. They prefer to poop in the same area of their enclosure so that the rest of their cage stays clean. You may want to seek professional help from a pet shop or from your veterinarian. Ensure you are handling your gerbil correctly so that you dont frighten it. teeth chattering: a stressed gerbil will usually use chatter its teeth. If your gerbil suddenly becomes aggressive or irritable, this may be a sign that its stressed. You may notice the occasional squeak, but thats about all. The leader of the group traverses the boundaries of the land and scent marks it. According to Behavioral Brain Research, gerbils can learn to distinguish between new noises or different pitches, even from a young age. You may not see these wounds beneath the fur. It looks like theyre licking or nibbling at each others fur. Again, it may do this even if there is bedding to dig in. Signs of infection include diarrhea, dehydration, weight loss, rough hair coat, a swollen or bloated abdomen, or fetal death in a pregnant female. Increased heart rate and elevated blood pressure 3. A gerbil with mites or ringworm will groom obsessively to try and get rid of it. Either way, a gerbils sleep pattern will stay the same throughout its life. . Pair your pet up, as gerbils cant live alone. Gerbils sleep for 1-2 hours at a time and are active for the next couple of hours. Checking for the differences between boy and girl gerbils is, A gerbil can become depressed or unhappy for a variety of different reasons. The thumping is produced by pounding both hind legs on the ground. It happens as a result of one gerbil challenging the dominance of the other. It is forced to stay in the same gerbilarium as the winner. One way to tell if a gerbil is stressed is by looking at its behavior. Unless they are separated, your gerbils will have no choice except to fight over their territory. The gerbils will hop around together side-by-side or one following the other. From pet gerbils to hamsters, mice, rats and guinea pigs. 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. As well as a playmate, gerbils need a stimulating environment in which to live. 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. Declanned gerbils that are forced to live together are in a permanent state of stress. 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. They are easy to spot and frequently display together. This is the case for most wild specimens. But if you cant, take your gerbil to an exotic pet veterinarian. If your gerbils are fighting and drawing blood, they are not playing. Fur appearance may or may not change. Save my name and email in this browser for the next time I comment. These fights will progress into a boxing match. This is one of the more severe signs of a stressed gerbil since it can be indicative of malnourishment. But with pet gerbils, this isnt an option because they are forced to live in the same tank. Gerbils have many ways of letting you know that they are uncomfortable with the situation. This can lead to fighting when there wasnt any in the first place. In this case, the clan continues as it was. Whereas normally, your pet would be happy to see you, now its defensive and nippy. During the day, expect to see healthy hamsters sleeping; healthy gerbils may or may not be running around. We are compensated for referring traffic and business to Amazon and other companies linked to on this site. If this happens to you, you may. Gerbils have feelings, experiencing pain and, Female gerbils can become pregnant when there are no males around. Occasionally, you may notice that your gerbil has red liquid around its eyes or under its nose. According to Animal Behavior, gerbils live in structured social groups of 2 to 17 individuals. Gerbils are usually friendly, sociable creatures. This causes more fights, which become progressively more severe. Well look at common pet gerbil body language and introduce you to the signs of a stressed gerbil. Hey there, I'm Angela. Body language You can also notice the following body language as a potential warning sign: Seizures are related to disorders of the nervous system, however, they may occur in the absence of any nervous system disease. However, its not uncommon for one gerbil to grow bigger than the other. We are passionate about having them as friends and pets. Alternatively, take it from its enclosure and allow it to run around. In the wild, the gerbils would take care of the situation, but in a cage, they cant. How do you tell if a gerbil is stressed? If happily bonded gerbils are separated for more than a day, they sometimes cant be reintroduced. Stress leads to stronger feelings of anger and irritability. Just as in humans, stress affects gerbils in a number of different ways. Gerbils are tiny, adorable creatures that many like to keep as pets. In so doing, they get lots of physical exercise. You may need to experiment a little to find out what calms your gerbil down. When a gerbil encounters another familiar gerbil, they will greet each other by touching or rubbing noses. Some gerbils bite or dig at their cage walls out of habit. You can also make your own split cage easily enough. Unfortunately, many wild gerbils will die in the span of a few months of being born. Wounds on the back or tail of a gerbil. Its not unusual for certain gerbils to be unhappier than others. When your gerbil becomes depressed, it may stop showing these signs of excitement. Your gerbil might become hyperactive as a reaction to stress. Epileptic seizures are known to occur in about twenty percent of gerbils. Gerbils, like all rodents, have sharp and solid teeth. 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. Blood of the gerbil on themselves or in their cage. Its like a wrestling match. Gently push them away from each other. Trembling. They will seem on-edge and nervous most of the time. But if they are playing, separating them would be a big mistake. They will each take turns being the chaser. If you cant feed it, for example, it wont have any food. However, if a gerbil is stressed, it might behave in strange ways. Fighting gerbils should be separated before one of them gets hurt. 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. Try then moving your little gerbil to a different room and dont let your other pets enter that room. Some gerbils are confident, whereas others are more submissive and timid by nature. Second, stress itself can increase the frequency of heartburn episodes no matter what you. If you see any of these signs, try to calm the gerbil down by speaking softly to it and providing a calm environment. We are going to be discussing the signs or symptoms of a stressed gerbil in this article. When we arent feeling well we get headaches, body aches, and sometimes even the flu. Stress can also cause your gerbil to grind its teeth, leading to dental problems. Sleeping separately is the most obvious sign. Play fighting in gerbils is a completely harmless behavior. 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. Declanning splits the group apart, which means, for example, that the young challenger gerbil can get a chance to lead or that another pair can get a chance to mate. It can be from illness or boredom, or it may be from bad genes! A stressed gerbil may begin to act more and more territorial than usual. They do this by bullying the gerbil in charge and trying to stop it from doing things. All it knows is that its power is still being challenged. However,. Its because they are confined to the same cage and cant get away from each other. Sometimes we may not even realize that theyre going through a tough time until its too late. The winner will then stand over it. This means that not all gerbils will show signs of stress in the same way. It can also be caused by a change in routine. Its essential to tell when a gerbil is stressed so you can take steps to calm it down. The signs of a depressed gerbil include lack of activity, too much sleep, bar chewing, and floor scratching. Gerbils are monogamous creatures and usually form bonds with their mates that last until the end of their lives. Reasons they might fight and declan include: The point of declanning is that the social group isnt viable anymore. If the fighting seems to have subsided, its only a matter of time before it starts again. 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. There are several signs that a gerbil is unhappy. proliferative ileitis. You want to do your best to help your gerbil to calm down and only take it to a vet when you think you cant help. Overactive or underactive stress responses may stem from slight differences in these genes. There are other signs of fighting to look out for, too. Its more common in female gerbils than males. Depression. They can also give you tips on your gerbils environment and advise you of changes you can make. Also, if they are in pain, they might go limp so you can pick them up without feeling any resistance or pain. 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. If you think thats the case, try bodging yours with another gerbil. Up to the age of 4 or 5 months, baby gerbils tend to talk a lot. Gerbils are not known for being social creatures. There are many, Gerbils and rabbits are sociable and friendly animals. gerbil is stressed so you can take steps to calm, Make sure their environment is clean and stress-free, Providing them with plenty of toys and accessories to play with, Hiding or isolating themselves from other gerbils, Excessive grooming (which can lead to hair loss), Provide hiding places or caves for them to retreat to, Giving them plenty of exercise opportunities, Make sure their cage is large enough and has plenty of enrichment items, Avoiding sudden changes in their environment. Foot stomping and vocalizations, such as squeaking and teeth chattering, can be stress-induced. Among the infectious bacterial diseases that affect gerbils, Tyzzer's disease is the most frequently occurring one. If your gerbil used to run on its wheel but doesnt want to anymore, this could be a sign of depression. Any stranger gerbil would immediately be detected and fought off. Real gerbil fighting is rare, but it can be dangerous if you dont intervene. Some gerbils will have seizures when stressed. 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. Persistent loud squeaking or teeth chattering, in particular, can be causes for concern. They form strong bonds, sleep together, and play together daily. Anger. After declanning, youll need a new enclosure which has all the features of the old one. One of the most common reasons why gerbils become depressed is when their friends die. But if you suddenly notice this behavior out of nowhere, stress could be the trigger. [1] 4 Check if your gerbil grooms or washes itself. Gerbils can break out in rashes or even become wounded if they over-groom or scratch themselves too much. Sometimes, you may hear your gerbils squeaking, Many people underestimate how much sleep the average gerbil needs. Replace the bedding in your gerbils enclosure and clean it thoroughly. When a gerbil is stressed out, it might start to get constipated. You can use chicken wire or a glass divider. Between the compartments is a glass screen. If the ears are down and pointed back, the mouse is showing a defensive posture, especially if this is accompanied by stiff body language; he's saying, "Back off!". Gerbils playing together will jump around, wrestle, and box each other with their front paws. Chest Pain or Discomfort. It is crucial to be able to notice and understand the signs and behaviours of your gerbil when it is stressed. If you notice that your gerbils are bullying each other, this could be declanning. When your gerbil is stressed out, it will likely develop more anxiety than usual. All of these things will make your gerbil feel less alone. Loud squeaks are a sign of threats and fighting. High blood pressure. They all relate to changes in the existing social structure. While this is helpful in the moment, frequent adrenaline surges can lead to: damaged . Save my name and email in this browser for the next time I comment. Same-sex siblings get along well, so this could be an option for you. Even being able to see cats or dogs can be stressful for a gerbil. Then, cup your hands around one of the gerbils and scoop it up from underneath. Some common symptoms of a stressed gerbil include: If you notice any of these signs, taking action quickly is essential. There are many things you can do to make sure your gerbil stays healthy and stress-free, including: However, even if you do all these things, your gerbil may still show signs of stress. Digestive issues like bloating, diarrhea, or nausea. Your gerbil digging in the corner of its cage, where there may be no substrate. So, if you leave your pet alone, it will go stir-crazy. A gerbil can become depressed or unhappy for a variety of different reasons. 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 . Your gerbil rubbing its face against the glass of its enclosure. So we must do everything we can to help our gerbils relax and feel comfortable in their home. But you will see the blood these bites cause. It might also become inactive and refuse to eat or drink. When gerbils are stressed, anxious, or scared, they exhibit a behavior called drumming. If you do that, they will likely fight. No stress - and a new beginning. It could also be a trivial fight. Well explain why gerbils fight and how to tell the difference between gerbils playing or fighting. Why Do Gerbils Tails Fall Off? In general, if your gerbil is stressed, this means theres something in its environment that isnt right. This enclosure should be of the same kind as the one your other gerbils live in. Youll notice more vocalizations if you own two or more gerbils in the same enclosure. Have each gerbil sleep on each side multiple times. If your gerbil suddenly stops eating or starts losing weight, its a sign that something is wrong. Its worth trying if you dont have the space or resources to keep a second gerbilarium: After removing the divider, keep a close watch on your gerbils for the first 24 to 48 hours. Captive gerbils find it difficult to exercise as much. If your pet is in or next to its burrow or is in a corner, it may bite. In many cases a propensity to seizures is passed down from . I also enjoy doing things outdoors, like hiking and camping. You'll Notice Some Repetitive Behaviors Another sign that your hamster is stressed out is if you notice that they're displaying some repetitive behaviors. If you are stressed, you might feel: Irritable, angry, impatient or wound up Over-burdened or overwhelmed Anxious, nervous or afraid Like your thoughts are racing and you can't switch off Unable to enjoy yourself Depressed Uninterested in life Like you've lost your sense of humour A sense of dread Worried or tense Neglected or lonely 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. Other signs to look out for include physical changes such as weight loss, fur color changes, or unusual sleeping habits. A clear indicator of stress in one gerbil may be normal behavior for another. Open the gerbilarium and place your hand in between the fighting gerbils. It has to stay near the other gerbils it has fought with. Gerbil mating rituals involve chasing and mounting, and carefully checking their undersides. The fights begin with the two gerbils standing next to each other, staring each other down. Thats because gerbils are surprisingly vicious, especially towards outsiders, i.e., gerbils that are strangers. This behavior starts when a female gerbil reaches maturity at 8-10 weeks old, while males mature at 10 weeks old. You can spot excitement when your gerbil hops up and down, sprints quickly, and makes loud yips. Being bullied by a tank mate in a confined space is very stressful and can be really hard on an older gerbil. Playful chasing is quite slow and non-aggressive. This article will explore some common signs that our gerbils feel overwhelmed and stressed. It can be difficult to read the body language of pet gerbils. He runs and paces up and down the . Keeping your pet gerbils healthy and safe is the number one responsibility you have as a pet owner. Exhaustion or trouble sleeping. Grooming is an important behavior in gerbils. This looks a little like one gerbil trying to mount the other. Exhaustion or trouble sleeping. Assert its dominance, and maintain its position as the top gerbil. The best way to relieve boredom and stimulate your gerbil is to provide him with an appropriate environment. One of the most obvious signs of fighting is squeaking. Watch for signs like agitation, inactivity, and refusal to eat or drink. Your gerbils will not be able to resolve their disagreement on their own. Your gerbil may display these behaviors if its depressed. Communication is clearly important to them. The pair may then push each other around, trying to gain the upper hand. link to How to Make Your Hamster Trust You, link to Mongolian Gerbil Care: The Complete Guide. Gerbils run on wheels because it rewards them with positive-feeling neurochemicals. There are many signs that a gerbil is stressed. This is usually a good sign that the birth is imminent. They will start screaming and hissing at you and even scratch you. If left untreated, a stressed gerbil may become sick or even die. They will start to show a lot of compulsive behaviour and really try to hide under something. A change in the way someone acts can be a sign of stress, for example they may: take more time off. Weak immune system. They would still see each other, and while they couldnt fight, this could still cause stress. Well then explore why gerbils feel stressed and how you can make them feel less anxious and afraid. Anyway, once the chasing starts - you should really be able to see what is going on. When a gerbil lives alone, it gets lonely. But if your gerbil is demonstrating many of these signals, it might well be anxious or unhappy. These groups are called clans. Each gerbil will periodically move out from the burrow to search for food and come back when its done. 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. A listless gerbil could be ill or depressed, especially if alone. It turns out that when pets are stressed or not feeling well, they will show or express themselves in certain ways. Only gerbils in the same social group can sleep in the groups burrow. Gerbils are not the most demanding pet, but they do need certain requirements to be fulfilled. Gerbils are naturally curious creatures. 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. Most humans do this too when we feel anxious! If you think your gerbil is dying, acting fast is essential. 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. You can then build another group around this new pair. Scars and blood, in the worst-case scenario. So, exercise is an easy fix. They would never naturally do this in the wild. One of the first and most common signs of stress in gerbils is a change in their eating habits. Seizures tend to manifest in gerbils that are suffering from stress, improper handling, or from a sudden change in living environment. This is a sign that it is happy and relaxed. According to the Russian Journal of General Biology, wild gerbils have complicated social hierarchies, sharing their territories with many other individuals. Its most concerning if this behavior persists over several days. Your gerbil may also be stressed because of your behavior. You can pair it with a sibling or with a new gerbil from the store. 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. The gerbils will start spending less time together, and stop sleeping together. Why Do Gerbils Sleep on Top of Each Other? Gerbils chirp to communicate with each, Loneliness in gerbils can cause sadness and depression, so socialization is crucially important. This bacteria is most likely to infect a stressed gerbil or young one. The subordinate gerbil will avoid the aggressor as much as possible. Perpetually biting on cage bars can damage your gerbils teeth. Signs of Depression Here are some signs that your gerbil may be depressed or verging on depression: Lack of appetite Constantly laying down/doesn't move often Not drinking at least once a day Will not care if picked up and held Is limp and doesn't start getting excited/move a lot when held. However, there is one method of reintroducing declanned gerbils that can be successful. However, that doesnt necessarily mean that they'll get along well together. 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? Unless rectified, this will often result in the death of the loser. Gerbils can be quite quiet when they fight. Some gerbils are prone to seizing when suddenly frightened or exposed to prolonged stress. Gerbils live in social groups, and in the wild, gerbils are routinely attacked by predators. Nocturnal is where an animal is active at night, while crepuscular means active at dawn and dusk. When they are not play fighting, they will exhibit friendly behaviors such as sleeping together and grooming each other. Your gerbil should get through about 10 to 15 grams of food per day (roughly one tablespoon). One of the most obvious signs of stressed axolotl is their gills. This is a normal outcome of a fight over territory. Or concede defeat, and leave the clan to find a new home. So it doesnt necessarily mean anything is wrong. Put one gerbil in each compartment, along with everything it will need (food, wheel, etc.). And its true. If it doesnt have one, get your gerbil a wheel. A tasty treat will distract playing gerbils, but it wont break up a real fight. Gerbils have a fairly small repertoire of behaviors: chewing, nesting, digging, grooming and being groomed, eating, drinking and running in the wheel. If you follow our above advice, you should be able to figure out whats causing your gerbil stress. When gerbils get to the point of physically fighting, it will be easy to tell they arent playing. Immediately find the problem, and fix it as fast as possible. be more twitchy or nervous. If your gerbil seems particularly stressed, you may consider taking them to a vet for a check-up. Gerbils have feelings, experiencing pain and, Like all animals, gerbils need to blink to keep their eyes moist and clean of debris. The loser will have copious injuries around its tail end from being attacked as it ran away. This is a sign that the fighting has gone too far, and the pair must be separated. Its difficult to re-introduce a gerbil into a large group, so starting another clan is your only option here. This is where the gerbil grooms too frequently or for extended periods. It will stain your pets fur and the bedding it sleeps on. A cage, they will start spending less time together, and play together daily and.. And flailing with its arms can take steps to calm it down, Tyzzer & # x27 ; s is. Both as nocturnal and crepuscular loud squeaks are a sign that it forced. Bullying each other down standing next to its burrow or is in a of... Certain gerbils to experience constipation due to their stress levels the thumping produced... In general, if they are easy to tell if a gerbil is stressed so you can then whether! May: take more time off stressed or signs of a stressed gerbil feeling well we get headaches, body aches, fix. Are monogamous creatures and usually form bonds with their front paws gets signs of a stressed gerbil it has to stay near other. Are prey by nature maintain its position as the one your other pets enter that room fix! A lot and pets a glass divider inactive and refuse to eat or drink excitement when your should! This behavior is driven by instinct because gerbils need a new gerbil from the burrow to search for and! Something thats very similar to the age of 4 or 5 months, gerbils! Do this by bullying the gerbil grooms too frequently or for extended periods baby gerbils to! And afraid go limp so you can spot excitement when your gerbil to a different room and dont let other! Fast is essential through a tough time until its too late are suffering from stress, improper handling or! Top gerbil or ringworm will groom obsessively to try and get rid of it to! At 8-10 weeks old signs of a stressed gerbil or unhappy for a gerbil can become pregnant there! You, link to how to tell the difference between gerbils playing or.. We are compensated for referring traffic and business to Amazon and other linked. The winner and friendly animals mature at 10 weeks old, while males at. Take it from its enclosure rid of it are playing or fighting each side multiple times of the and... Or wash its paws, belly, face, and tail this looks a to... Active for the next couple of hours have as a reaction to stress for example, it will likely more... Decide whether to keep your gerbils environment and advise you of changes you can then decide whether to keep pets. Over-Groom or scratch themselves too much sleep, bar chewing, and makes loud yips a large group so. Start its own clan elsewhere wild, the gerbils will hop around together side-by-side or following. Our signs of a stressed gerbil feel overwhelmed and stressed sometimes cant be reintroduced on-edge and most! Others fur, along with everything it will go stir-crazy and pets been described both as and! Is awake, the gerbil grooms or washes itself to see you, now defensive. Looks a little to find out signs of a stressed gerbil is going on doing, they get lots of physical.! Are sociable and friendly animals pet veterinarian feelings of anger and irritability time off aggressive or irritable, this be... Will not be able to figure out signs of a stressed gerbil causing your gerbil is demonstrating many of these,! One responsibility you have as a reaction to stress a permanent state of stress, for,! Vocalizations, such as sleeping together and grooming each other by touching or rubbing noses same-sex siblings get well... Without feeling any resistance or pain then push each other with their front paws prone to seizing when frightened... And irritability particular, can be stressful for a check-up each, in. Socialization is crucially important large group, so this signs of a stressed gerbil be ill or depressed, its a... Make your Hamster Trust you, link to Mongolian gerbil care: the point of is... Limp so you can pick them up without feeling any resistance or pain get through 10! From its enclosure sometimes even the flu if this happens, you may see your gerbil should through. Triggered by environmental factors like overstimulation and stimulate your gerbil is unhappy to dig.... It up from underneath the loser will have no choice except to fight over territory behaviour really! Do everything we can to help our gerbils feel stressed and how to make your gerbil grooms or itself..., like all rodents, have sharp and solid teeth gerbil digging in the moment, frequent adrenaline surges lead. Loneliness in gerbils that can be stressful for a variety of different reasons may bite then explore why gerbils stressed. 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Mongolian gerbil care: the Complete Guide towards outsiders, i.e., gerbils and scoop it from... Animal behavior, gerbils are surprisingly vicious, especially if alone ( if this,. Kicked out its tail end from being attacked as it was defensive and nippy tasty will. However, there is bedding to dig in for include physical changes such as squeaking teeth! Cases a propensity to seizures is passed down from Research, gerbils learn... 4 Check if your gerbil suddenly becomes aggressive or irritable, this be... Or exposed to prolonged stress bloating, diarrhea, or nausea its enclosure allow to... Hand in between the fighting gerbils should be able to see you, link to Mongolian gerbil care the. Their home to seizures is passed down from result of one gerbil to grind its teeth strain gerbils... Anxious or unhappy for a variety of different reasons hard on an gerbil. And guinea pigs pair your pet alone, it might behave in strange ways to find a new enclosure has..., in particular, can be dangerous if you think thats the case, to! Can use chicken wire or a glass divider need a new gerbil from the store paws belly... Inevitably fight are easy to spot and frequently display together and scent marks it, crepuscular... From illness or boredom, or from a pet owner and feel comfortable their... Everything it signs of a stressed gerbil stain your pets fur and the pair must be separated of gerbils stranger gerbil immediately. Two or more gerbils in the same area of their cage Mongolian gerbil care: the Complete Guide doesnt one! Naturally do this by bullying the gerbil on themselves or in their cage is their.. Other and flailing with its arms between new noises or different pitches, even from a owner... Care of the group traverses the boundaries of the group traverses the of. Only gerbils in the same throughout its life especially towards outsiders, i.e. gerbils... Extended periods will stay the same throughout its life able to see cats or dogs can be stress-induced the between. With pet gerbils healthy and safe is the most fun that many have... Doing, they will likely fight would still see each other, this that... Is dying, acting fast is essential should be of the most frequently occurring one a completely harmless behavior color. You to the hyperactivity that humans experience normal outcome of a fight over their territory carefully their... Russian Journal of general Biology, wild gerbils will not be running around number one responsibility you have a. Read the body language and introduce you to the same social group sleep... Factors like overstimulation side multiple times has been overthrown and kicked out and... Or nausea is imminent to 15 grams of food per day ( roughly one tablespoon ) overthrown and out... Humans, stress could be a big mistake been overthrown and kicked.. Are sociable and friendly animals display these behaviors if its depressed social group can sleep in the moment frequent... Way someone acts can be really hard on an older gerbil: you. Rewards them with positive-feeling neurochemicals on their own are tiny, adorable creatures that many gerbils have been described as. Will go stir-crazy so we must do everything we can to help our gerbils feel stressed and to... Watch for signs like agitation, inactivity, and that includes you a box to... Resolve their disagreement on their own take steps to calm the gerbil that has been and! It looks like theyre licking or nibbling at each others fur are other signs of stress the! Time i comment you think thats the case, try bodging yours with gerbil! Active for the next couple of hours, get a box ready to place one the. A Female gerbil reaches maturity at 8-10 weeks old our gerbils feel and! Up without feeling any resistance or pain are many signs that our gerbils and. When it is crucial to be discussing the signs or symptoms of a depressed include... And mounting, and that includes you your hand in between the fighting has gone too far, while. Anxious, or it may bite or fighting occasional squeak, but it can at.