Gerbils at 1 Month
I love my home. Where else would you witness a birthday party for baby gerbils?
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Ockham’s Razor – Since October 2001 – by Scott Kirwin
I love my home. Where else would you witness a birthday party for baby gerbils?
Jack Snyder:
Please don’t tell me that’s a real gerbil on that cake. I’m gonna lose my lunch.
19 January 2006, 10:47 amAdministrator:
Yep, it’s real.
Gerbil: The Other White Meat…
19 January 2006, 12:11 pmjessica:
that is such a cute gerbil!
25 September 2006, 8:22 pmis that cake all for the gerbils? i hope it is!
i have only two gerbils, and i love them!
Becka M:
where did you get the idea to give them a cake of their own? I THINK ITS CUTE
25 September 2006, 8:24 pmLaurie:
Aww! that is so cute a gerbil on a cake that is a lovely idea!
30 October 2006, 1:13 pmAdministrator:
Thanks.
The Gerbil on the cake is Bandit, a male from our first litter. Bandit eventually became the alpha male of several generations of litters along with his father, Stewart.
A few days ago Bandit was assassinated by his son, a grey male who also nearly killed Stewart. I have named him “Brutus”.
30 October 2006, 5:34 pmemily r:
I am 10 years old. Brutis killed Bandit? I have 2 gerbils, Angel and Lizzy. I would be mad at Brutis.
5 December 2006, 5:00 pmAdministrator:
Emily
5 December 2006, 7:30 pmYes Brutus did kill Bandit but Bandit lived a good life.
Bean:
I really dont think you should have that gerbil near the flame on the candle, the poor gerbil might get burned!
13 December 2006, 8:53 amElle:
Awww thats so cute that gerbil is he the assinated one? i just got 2 gerbils today theyre called Taska and Cashmere one is a siamese! You must love those gerbils to make ‘em a cake – looks yummy
21 December 2006, 10:20 amRobyn:
I love Gerbils! I have 7! As far as i know there is only one male. Malike, who was the first gerbil born in my house.
2 January 2007, 7:27 pmpopcorn:
it sooo cute. I have a gerbil call popcorn._
15 January 2007, 12:30 amNewbie:
Ohh geeze they ar soo cute
12 February 2007, 1:10 pmmy boyfriend is getting me two for
valentines day what
could i do to keep them
happy any creative ideas where
i dont have to go ou and buy things? tho
i dont mind i already Spoil my other
pets:)
Newbie:
hmm what should i call
12 February 2007, 1:11 pmhim or her
any names that you
would recomend?
pookie:
that picture is soo CUTE that is exactly wut my gerbil looked lik when she was little
12 February 2007, 6:35 pmNewbie:
i just got my new gerbil today
1
13 February 2007, 3:28 pmeven tho im talking to myself
Administrator:
Newbie
14 February 2007, 8:34 amCongrats on the new gerb.
As for names… Naming a pet is an important decision that should not be left to strangers. Please take your time and allow your pet to “tell” you its name through its habits, actions or temperament.
Good luck!
Scott
Meghan:
I have a gerbil, his name is fishtick.
isint he adorable? he is 5 months old.
16 February 2007, 10:13 pmmeghan:
16 February 2007, 10:13 pmdana:
we bought 2 gerbils thinking both was girls…...but blossom died and we went out and bought 2 more and it turns out that the older on named herbil was a boy and freddy had babies and then 4 days later shadow had babies
!! sooooooo now i have WAY tooo many gerbils like 10! any ideas what to do with all the babies
!!??????????????????????
25 February 2007, 8:43 pmAdministrator:
Dana
First, separate the adult males from the females. The male babies can
stay with mom for a few weeks until they are weaned. However, make sure
you separate them before the males sexually mature. I went from 2 to 35
before I figured out how to sex them; my recommendation: learn quickly.
Check the local pets stores and see if they will take them. I’m down to
15 but the population has been stable for 5 months now.
Good luck!
26 February 2007, 7:58 amUnnie:
Adorable!!
15 March 2007, 7:17 amMïrô-Šääw³:
as a experienced gerbil caretaker, i would fallow the admins advantage. came to the website for some counter-strike:source sprays. awesome gerbils by the way
19 March 2007, 11:40 amBrittany:
I love it… the one on the cake looked like papa when he was younger, I had 5 gerbils at one time.. mama and papa were supposed to be both female… or male… well babies came, 3 of em. now mama and one baby died, but papa and 2 babies are still livin with me.
21 March 2007, 7:54 ammama(airabis) was black, papa (egypt) is well that color, then nightwish is white pink eyed, ceres is black and brown with black claws he’s one of my fave and my baby boy that died was gray and I named him Loki after the trickster god because he was always into things… They were so cute as babies.
colleen:
i have two gerbils called french fry and cola french fry is the tamest we got him first cola was bought a month l8er we cant tame him as well do any ppl have any tips on how to tame my gerbil cola to be as tame as french fry!!
p.s gerbil on a cake is gr8 my gerbils are coming to there 2nd yr
29 March 2007, 12:29 pmAdministrator:
Colleen
The key is to keep handling them – gently of course. Be sure to spend some extra time with Cola, holding him in your hands or rolling around in his ball. Offer him a pumpkin or sunflower seed when you do. Eventually he’ll get used to you.
However gerbils are different, so he may always be a bit standoff-ish than others. But I think he’ll warm up to you eventually.
29 March 2007, 12:54 pmKirsten:
OMG! SOOO cute! i have 2 gerbils and they’re adorable! one’s name is namine, like, from kingdom hearts 2, and the other is kairi, like from both kingdom hearts, 1 and 2. They are both girls. Namine is an albino, and my mom h8s it sinse it looks like a rat. lol. kairi is SO cute! she’s brown and white and just 2 cute!! i luv them! That’s so cute, the whole gerbils on it’s cake pic thing! i luv it!! : )
30 March 2007, 6:33 pmMegan:
omg that gerbil is adorable. i had gerbils, both females. they died, but lived a great life. i had so much fun with them. is that your gerbil, administrator? i’m going to get another gerbil, all gray or tan, like the one on the cake. any name suggestions??
9 April 2007, 12:54 pmJinney:
that’s so cute.
14 April 2007, 12:37 pmwhen i looked at this picture i decided to have a gerbil cake for my gerbil too.
Megan:
wow, erik, you are so mean, and besides, if you think people are crazy, then why are you on this website too? people happen to love their pets, and i hope yours gets run over by a car! (if a pet would actually live with you!) meanie! =0
24 April 2007, 4:52 pmJulia:
yeah megan, i agree with you, erik person is mean. i have 5 gerbils, all males, and i love them, and that erik guy would too if he had the nerve to take care of baby gerbils. i hope that erik guys reads this cuz i don’t like him cause he mkaes fun of other people.
24 April 2007, 4:54 pmlloyd:
who thinks the names cory and taz are good names for gerbils? cuz tomo im getting my 2 =) taz i wont to be black and cory white or nutmeg i dont no why but i just love black gerbils =] gerbils r so cool!!
26 April 2007, 1:41 pmlloyd:
if you would please reply i just want to no what peoples opinions are thanks =)
26 April 2007, 1:44 pmAdministrator:
lloyd
27 April 2007, 8:01 amCory and Taz are perfect names for gerbils. Take good care of them both.
lloyd:
tnx i ive got them now taz is black =) cory is brown / white colour they tank is kinda small but they love it ! i got 3 tubes lol a plant pot and a bridge i got from my local pet store i hung the toilet tube from the bars of the lid of the cage. so its near the bridge so far cory has tried it bout 5 times.and is to scared to jump out so he goes back lol. ty for nice reply.
27 April 2007, 1:37 pmlloyd:
oh yeh and forgot to say i will ill come and talk some time gota go checkon em now bye
27 April 2007, 1:40 pmGerbil Queen:
I don’t think you should own gerbils if you would do something as thoughtless and careless as putting one near an open flame.
In my 30 years raising and breeding I’ve never had a gerbil kill another one. You act like it was nothing that you lost one, again, because of your carelessness. Do all gerbils a favor and don’t get anymore!
12 May 2007, 2:07 pmAdministrator:
Gerbil Queen
Having spent nearly 20 years online, I’ve learned not to jump to conclusions whenever I comment on a website.
First, the limitations of this medium make what you write seem more aggressive. Second the limited context – say of a particular post out of the 800 I have here and the 100 more at http://www.deanesmay.com – make it likely that you will take a post out of context. Finally, it makes you sound like a mean person.
Out of the dozens of comments, yours is the first that even mentions the candle. While I am no gerbil expert, I do not believe they are inherently flammable creatures. Had I dangled the critter by the tail over the flame, I would say that you had every right to “flame me”. However I did nothing of the sort.
As for your experience without gerbil killings, I’m not sure why you’ve not had a problem. Maybe it luck or some magical control you have over them. Google “gerbil aggression” and you will find that aggression between males over females is the most common, with noted cases of sibling-on-sibling violence.
In one instance one killing was due to moving a cage of females near a cage of males, which set the males off on each other. The other case came when the “alpha” male “Bandit” was overthrown by a sibling.
As a wildlife researcher I witnessed a similar event in a wild group of chimpanzees – where the alpha of 12 years was deposed by the #2 in a nasty skirmish that lasted over a period of three days. While the coup d etat in the chimp group was much more complex, it is clear to me that Bandit’s demise was no less related to his position as alpha in the group.
Since that coup I have sought stability. I am down to 9 gerbils in three cages: 4 females, 2 males and 3 males. Once I tried having the 2 groups of males sharing a large cage with a divider, but within hours one of the males had climbed around the divider and was attacking the lead male in the other group. They are now completely separated.
Gerbils have been a learning experience for me and my family. It taught us that cute creatures can do ugly things, supporting Kipling’s adage of “nature red in tooth and claw.” It taught us that tiny creatures can lead to large vet bills (the cost of the health care one of the gerbils received is more than is spent on the average sub-Saharan African child). And it taught me that I’ll stick to dogs, cats and tropical fish. No more rodents for me, thank you.
Beyond that, if you read the prior comments you will see that I am very careful in my responses to children who are considering owning or breeding these creatures. I do not always recommend the former and completely oppose the latter. I do not deny that I have made mistakes with them, and I have done my best to learn from these mistakes and pass along this information to whomever is willing to listen.
With your experience you could do a lot better than my novice advice. Why not share your wisdom online so that those interested in keeping these creatures find your website instead of my own? If you have one already, please feel free to add it as a link in a comment here so that others can find your expertise instead of my own limited experiences with these wonderful little critters.
13 May 2007, 5:12 pmreanna:
i had up to forty gerbils most of whom where sickly and died my last one lived eight years and died about three weeks ago.oh im 11.
22 May 2007, 3:43 pmGerbil!!!:
I have six gerbils. I bought two “male” gerbils but one turned out to be a female. Gerbils r cool
!!
31 May 2007, 4:05 pmGerbil!!!:
They had babies.
31 May 2007, 4:07 pmAdministrator:
Gerbil
Of course they had babies. That’s what males and females do together.
You can keep your gerbil family together – for now – but after these babies are grown up, your mom gerbil will have another. You don’t know it, but even as she takes care of her new babies, she’s already pregnant with the next ones.
So before she has a second litter, you need to get your daddy gerbil out of the cage and into a separate one. That way when your mom gerbil has her second litter, she won’t get pregnant again.
Of course, by then your babies will be grown, and it will be important to learn how to separate the boys from the girls. Then you should put the boys together with their dad and keep the girls with the mom.
31 May 2007, 6:57 pmconnie chung:
that is the cutest baby gerbil i have ever seen
2 June 2007, 8:42 amin my days are you selling it i buy it for$500
no joke
reanna:
Will someone reply to me i have waited amonth and i need some advice on getting new baby gerbils.
2 June 2007, 3:39 pmAdministrator:
Reanna
You didn’t ask a question, and the only advice I can give is to find baby gerbils that are the same sex. You need to buy them from a pet store that knows how to tell boys from girls with 100% accuracy.
Gerbils are cute, but they make new gerbils if you mix the boys with the girls – and pretty soon you have too many gerbils and trouble on your hands.
2 June 2007, 5:57 pmAdministrator:
Connie
Bandit lived a short but full life. The photo is almost 1 1/2 years old, and Bandit is no longer with us.
Besides, I don’t sell pets. There are many animals that need homes. Please contact your local humane society or animal rescue to find a cheap – but just as adorable and ready-to-love pet.
2 June 2007, 6:22 pmreanna:
i know i was in the pet shop for two hours making sure they were both boys i know they make babies im not stupid
4 June 2007, 1:59 pmreanna:
i have never had trouble with too many gerbils i love them
4 June 2007, 2:01 pmKayleigh Seymour:
I had a gerbil and I think they are sooo cute, friendly. Gerbils are cute
6 June 2007, 6:35 amAlice:
hi i hav a gerbil and it is 5 years old ( how weird) they are ment to live untill they are 3 at the most
10 June 2007, 11:12 amAlice:
what is your Gerbils name? min is Hamish his nick name is gible don’t ask why i do not know and as i hope you could of gessed he is a boy
10 June 2007, 11:15 amreanna:
i like this site and the people are real nice
10 June 2007, 5:21 pmmouse21w:
that’s so cute!! I love it! In a few weeks I have to give up my two little fluffies
it makes me so sad. I ove gerbils!
20 June 2007, 9:23 pmKimmyPlay:
I am thinking of getting gerbils or a hamster, I am 15 and my mother has had experience with both so I have a good mentor -, Ive never seen a gerbil birthday before, cute, (probably silly to ask when everyone here has had gerbils
) but what would you recommend, gerbils or hamster? which is easiest to hold?, also do gerbils grow pretty much the same size as hamsters? sorry lots of questions haha, thanks -
21 June 2007, 5:11 pmAdministrator:
Kimmy
22 June 2007, 7:16 amI’ve never had hamsters, only gerbils so I can’t be a fair judge. Maybe somebody here has had both – but my feeling is that you will do well with either gerbils or hamsters.
Monica $$$:
i lov that pic!! what is that cake made out of?
25 June 2007, 4:25 pmthe other day i just got 2 gerbils and i got gerbil food but i was wondering what else i could give them to eat?
hannah:
cute i just got a gerbil today
25 June 2007, 5:11 pmAdministrator:
hannah
Congratulations. Be sure to keep your gerbil in a safe, quiet and warm place with plenty of food and water. Remember also to handle your gerbil gently; you don’t want him or her to fall, so be careful.
Monica$$$
25 June 2007, 6:52 pmGo to your local pet shop and buy some Hamster/Gerbil food. This is made up of a variety of seeds including pumpkin and sunflower. Gerbils love sunflower seeds but I’ve heard that too many can make them fat.
KiKi:
Hey admin aren’t gerbils the cutest? Any way I’m thinking of getting 2 female gerbils any advice
28 June 2007, 11:02 amKiKi:
I’m goona name them Lucy & Darcy if I get the 2 I want
28 June 2007, 11:08 amAdministrator:
Kiki
28 June 2007, 11:19 amNo advice, just make sure they are indeed two of the same sex. Otherwise you’ll end up with 30 like I did – from my two “boys” (one turned out to be a girl.)
Stella:
I have a question for anyone out there who might be able to help out. I have two gerbils, and I have had them for about a year now. Ever since I got them, one of them has been a lot larger than the other, but I never thought anything of it. Recently, the larger one has gotten to the point where I can call her fat…not just “larger.” I started watching her more intently and I noticed that she only eats nuts. I’ll put a regular amount of new food in the dish and literally the only thing she will eat out of it is pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds, or peanuts. I’m guessing this is why she is fat. I tried picking out all of these nuts out of the food for a few days then got frustrated because it took so long, plus I felt kindof bad. Anyone have any ideas for what I can do? I feel like she is a lot less healthy than my other gerbil because of it.
29 June 2007, 11:22 amAdministrator:
Stella
Does she have a wheel in her cage?
Also, it sounds to me like she’s bored. You might want to try to liven up her cage by enlarging it or by adding things to explore. Just make sure that they are made of wood that isn’t treated.
It sounds to me like she’s going for the high-fat stuff, so we’ll have to either cut that back or boost her energy level.
Is she keeping it away from the other gerbil? She’s not starving her, is she?
29 June 2007, 11:32 amStella:
Yes, there is a wheel in the cage, and she doesn’t go on it NEARLY as often as the other one. I have quite a few little tunnels and hideaways that she seems to enjoy. I often put in paper towel rolls and toilet paper rolls because she really enjoys those. When you say to make sure the stuff is made of wood that is untreated…what do you mean exactly? No the other gerbil definetly still eats. The other gerbil is actually the more dominant one. I used to have a problem with the small one covering up the food dish with bedding so the big one didn’t know it was there…but I found a way to mount the food dish on top of one of the little huts thats in their cage.
29 June 2007, 11:41 amAdministrator:
I knew you were going to ask about the untreated stuff… I’ve gotten away with making my own buildings using lumber from Home Depot. I avoid using the stuff that’s treated for outdoors because that has preservatives in it. I even avoid using that stuff in my garden for that very reason.
Don’t worry about the covering up. Mine do that too, and I think its a way of storing it. Gerbils have a keen sense of smell, so I’m sure if one is hungry it will find the food.
I suppose the question then becomes, you’ve got a fat gerbil… So what? They live relatively short lives, and as long as you are trying your best (sounds like you are) and don’t care that it won’t be invited to any of Nicole Richie’s parties, I wouldn’t worry too much.
I don’t know of any “light” food for gerbils. Maybe someone else does…
29 June 2007, 11:58 amJulia Lawrence:
UM DID THE GERBILS EAT THE CAKE OR DID YOU?
29 June 2007, 8:35 pmJulia Lawrence:
sorry, i had caplocks on.
lol
29 June 2007, 8:38 pmand gerbil tlk begins!
i have one gerbil.
INFO:
colour(s):grey and white
gender: male
bad habit:chewing on running wheel
occupation:sleeping, eating running free!
and thats all. his cage is a critter trail. its tiny but good for him
Administrator:
Julia
I’m sure we ate the cake, although I don’t remember if we ate the area where Bandit stood.
Gerbils are extremely clean animals. If you watch them together, they groom each other’s fur just like monkeys and chimpanzees. As long as you change their cages regularly, feed them clean food and water, and don’t allow them to run in a dirty environment (like outside), they should cleaner than your shoes, your dogs, and even your hands!
You may want to consider a second gerbil to keep your first one company. But please, make sure that you get one of the same sex and introduce him/her very carefully – watching for aggressive behavior and fights.
As for chewing on the running wheel, mine do that all the time. They are rodents and therefore their teeth don’t stop growing – unlike ours. So they need to wear them down. As long as the running wheel is metal, it should be fine.
Also, NO PLASTIC! Those plastic tubes and toys are a definite no-no. Only wood, cardboard and metal.
30 June 2007, 9:16 amKiKi:
Admin the place Im getting them from a place that keeps the males and females apart. Ive been away for a few days thats why you haven’t heard from me for a few days. How can I keep my nosey little seven year old sister out of my gerbils cage when Im not there because she seems to think whats mine is hers and whats hers is hers and we share a room.(and she isnt very Bright)I would so rather live with my other siblings or that she lived with HER father. all my siblings are half brother and sisters And theres FOUR of them three younger than me. Back to gerbils but she even admits she is gonna get into it if she can so I need a way to keep her out and them in. Plus if I get my gerbils me ang my friend want to mate our gerbils any advice on that like who’s house should we keep the mom and pups mine or hers. and when should I seperate them?(:
1 July 2007, 10:14 amAdministrator:
Kiki
Sounds to me like you need to talk to your parents first before you mate your gerbils with your friends’. I don’t think mating is a good idea because it takes a lot of work – and space – to do correctly. Plus there’s the big problem: What do you do with the pups when they are grown?
Most pet stores won’t take them, and some that do often feed them to snakes! So… Best advice: Don’t mate them.
As for your little sister, it’s difficult for me to say… Maybe someone else here has some advice for you.
Good luck!
2 July 2007, 10:01 amKimmyPlay:
Thanks
, my friend recently got a hamster and shes adorable but she sleeps most of the day and that in my opinion is the best time to play -, so I will most likely get some lively gerbils.
3 July 2007, 1:49 pmSienna Mendez:
I have a plastic wheel and ramp in my 2 adorable gerbils’ cage. The problem is that they chew on them! I don’t know how to stop them!
6 July 2007, 3:24 pmAlso- I play with my gerbils probably 10 times a day. My mom said this is bad for them! is that true? Please help me!
Administrator:
Sienna
Replace the plastic wheel with a metal one, and the plastic ramp with a wooden one. The gerbils are rodents and all rodents have teeth that never stop growing. Imagine what you would have to do if your front teeth didn’t stop growing…
You’d have to do what gerbils do: chew on things to wear the teeth down.
I don’t recommend putting plastic in gerbil cages because it is easy for them to chew and doesn’t seem healthy to me. However I don’t have proof that it is dangerous – but why take the chance if you don’t have to?
I don’t think your handling of them is bad as long as you are careful while you handle them. Make sure that you only handle them on a surface where they can’t fall – or escape! One of the best ways to play with them is to place one or two in a “hamster ball” where they can roll around.
Also… Don’t forget to wash your hands after you play with your gerbils. They are clean animals, but it’s always a good idea to wash your hands after you play with them.
6 July 2007, 7:41 pmKiKi:
I guess you’re probaly right about the mating so we’re probably
7 July 2007, 8:36 amSienna Mendez:
Thanks for your advice, but to replace the ramp we’d have to buy a new cage. We can’t afford it! What do I do?
7 July 2007, 9:49 pmSheril herrera:
I have 2 gerbils one is gray and the other is black.The black one is called angel cause it looks like an angel.The gray is called cloudy because it look like the clouds and its the color of it.
8 July 2007, 12:34 pmAdministrator:
Sienna
8 July 2007, 6:55 pmDon’t worry. I’m sure the gerbils will be fine.
Sienna Mendez:
Good! I was worried about them.
9 July 2007, 10:41 amSam:
Hey admin I’m trying to persuade my mom to get me some Gerbils can you list some good points about them so she’ll see how cool they are and buy me them
9 July 2007, 2:30 pmAdministrator:
Sam
Well, choosing a pet involves more than thinking about their good points. You have to ask yourself: Are you ready to take care or help out with them?
Gerbils are living creatures. They still need to be fed, watered, played with and love even when you get bored with them. Hopefully you won’t. Just remember: Gerbils are not toys.
That said I do believe they make good pets for the following reasons:
1. They are interesting to watch and hold. They are extremely curious animals and pretty smart as far as rodents go.
2. They are relatively easy to care for. All they need is food, water, a clean cage and love to do well.
You need all of these all the time. You need to feed and water them everyday. You need to clean their cage when it begins to smell bad. And you need to play with them and handle them with care every day.
3. They don’t carry disease and are safe to handle. Sometimes one may bite, but the worst it can do is to give you a little cut on the skin. Because of this, you have to handle them carefully and with respect.
4. They are good to help teach young people responsibility and how to care for pets. They don’t need as much attention as a dog, and are less destructive than cats. Tropical fish are usually too fragile for young people and are tougher than you think to care for.
5. They are relatively short lived 2-3 years or so compared to 6 for guinea pigs and more for dogs/cats. This may seem like not a big deal to you, but some parrots live so long (75 years) that their owners have to pass them to their children or grandchildren when the owners die!
Maybe others can provide you with better answers, but these are the ones I can think of right now.
Remember: Your mom is the Boss so if she thinks you are not ready, then nothing I can say will change her mind – and the best thing to do is help her around the house to show that you are growing up and learning how to be responsible. Animals are not toys, so I always warn people to get a pet only when their parents believe they are ready.
Good luck!
9 July 2007, 3:13 pmSienna Mendez:
My gerbils lightly nibble fingers regularly. I thought this was normal and they were being good and healthy. Am I wrong and is this bad?
9 July 2007, 9:07 pmAdministrator:
Sienna
10 July 2007, 6:57 amNibbling is normal behavior for gerbils.
Don’t worry.
Dean's World:
Still Fishin’
But I just want to say, gerbils are cute.
10 July 2007, 4:43 pmSam:
Thanks but I know animals are not toys I have a cat and also a stray had three litters of kittens and I took care of all of them I also used to have fish but my dope of a sister over fed them so my mom had to clean the cage and she forgot to put the water solution in and they died I also had hermit crabs but my sister let them lose and one of them fell off the balcony and we never found one we had to kill one because it pinched everyone that touched him and one just died But that was the first one we got and it was the last one to die so he lived the longest I am also a dog sitter for my next door neibor When they go out of town so I know all about pets and thank you so much for all those Good points
11 July 2007, 2:58 pmAndrea:
Hey, my gerbils are really playful, but the problem is when i hold them their nails scratch me really hard, & it hurts.
12 July 2007, 8:04 pmare you supposed to trim their nails? if so, how?
Administrator:
Andrea
ABSOLUTELY NOT!
By clipping their nails you risk hurting their feet.
DO NOT TRIM THEIR NAILS!
Put more wooden buildings into their cage for them to chew on. They will scratch their feet as they chew and wear down their nails naturally.
Good luck!
13 July 2007, 6:55 amAndrea:
alright, thanks. (:
13 July 2007, 4:14 pmAnna:
My gerbils eat and drink in large quantitys at a time. Is this normal?
14 July 2007, 3:21 pmAdministrator:
Anna
Gerbils usually eat quickly and bury the rest for eating later. You don’t need to feed them more than a day, but make sure they have water in their bottle.
As long as they have a place to exercise in their cage, like a wheel, they will be fine.
14 July 2007, 5:31 pmElizabeth:
Is it safe to make an underground tunnel system by attaching cardboard tubes? Also, my larger gerbil (Shadow) is pushing my smaller gerbil (Cody) off the exercise wheel. Cody is flipping off. Could this eventually injure him?
14 July 2007, 6:14 pmAdministrator:
Elizabeth
The cardboard tubes won’t last very long because the gerbils will chew them.
Watch Shadow carefully to make sure he is not bullying Cody in other ways. Does he attack Cody? Does he chase Cody away from food or water?
Falling off the wheel shouldn’t hurt Cody. However Shadow could – so watch for bullying.
14 July 2007, 8:01 pmSienna Mendez:
I have a mouse who lives in a separate cage. When we clean their cages can we put the gerbils in the mouse cage with the mouse?
16 July 2007, 12:52 pmCaila:
I love gerbils
I only have one,three months old, and his brother died 2 months ago of wet tail. 
. I just lost one at 3 too.
16 July 2007, 1:31 pmCaila:
Hey I have a question. I bought my gerbils a few months ago. My gerbils Ace got sick so I brought him to the vet and they said that it was a horrible thing to put them in the same cage because they might fight lateron in life. I got a gerbil book that says to get two or more gerbils. I am thinking about getting another gerbil for zippy since Ace didnt make it. Right now Ace is 3 months old.
16 July 2007, 1:39 pmMiley Cyrus:
Your gerbil is soo cute!! My dad woul never let me have one!!:(
16 July 2007, 1:43 pmAdministrator:
Sienna
Do not put the gerbils and the mouse together. They will fight. Put them in an empty bucket or something they can’t jump out of.
Caila
If you do get a friend for your gerbil, make sure he or she is the same sex (has the same girl or boy parts). To be sure, bring him or her to the pet shop with you.
When you put them together, clean and rearrange the cage. Introduce the new gerbil by himself first, then a few minutes later introduce the other gerbil.
Watch them carefully together. They may chase each other and even fight a little bit. However if the fights are blood, or if they appear very nasty, separate them. You’ll then have to get them used to each other very slowly.
Miley
Your dad knows what’s best for you. He works very hard for you, and wants the best for you. It’s hard to believe, but it’s true. Eventually I’m sure he’ll find you a pet – when he thinks you are ready.
Good luck.
16 July 2007, 8:04 pmCaila:
Well, zippy has decided that he does not want a partner.
17 July 2007, 10:03 amJust on e more question, I have a guinea pig in the same room that is recovering from a bacterial infection. He had a strong odor that filled the room. Is that a health hazard for zippy?
Administrator:
Caila
17 July 2007, 10:46 amThe odor isn’t. However don’t handle the guinea pig and then zippy without washing your hands in between. Also, don’t put anything that has been in the guinea pig’s cage into zippy’s cage.
Sam:
Admin my mom said that the chances of getting gerbils is very slim but thanks any way
18 July 2007, 5:50 pmAdministrator:
Sam
18 July 2007, 6:07 pmNo worries. Your mom always knows best. You’ll get one someday.
Sienna Mendez:
Can you give mouse advice too?
18 July 2007, 9:19 pmAdministrator:
Sienna
19 July 2007, 8:34 amSure. What’s the problem?
Sienna Mendez:
Her friend who shared a cage with her died a little while ago. She has lately had less activity and is looking a bit chubby. What should I do?
19 July 2007, 8:00 pmSienna Mendez:
Sorry my last post was about my mouse, Emma.
19 July 2007, 8:01 pmAdministrator:
Sienna
She’s probably bored. You might want add some toys to the cage – such as cardboard paper towel tubes or wooden structures. You need to get her to exercise more, because her friend probably kept her active and fit.
I don’t think adding another mouse would be a good idea, because I’m afraid they would fight.
20 July 2007, 7:08 amRayne Levraea:
aaaaaaawwwwwwwww its adorable. im getting a gerbil and i need advice.
20 July 2007, 7:03 pmSienna Mendez:
I know that I’m not the admin., but here’s my advice anyway.
20 July 2007, 9:15 pmSienna Mendez:
1. Get 2 gerbils. They enjoy company.
20 July 2007, 9:21 pm2. Give them alot of things to chew on and be entertained by
3. Play with them each day.
Rayne Levraea:
thanks!
21 July 2007, 12:17 pmCaila:
My gerbil(ZIPPY) has been acting a little strange lately. There will be one day that he will have no poo on his cage at all, and the next day it will be covered. This is a pattern that goes on everyday. Is that normal?
22 July 2007, 10:40 amAnna:
I made a path of PVC piping go from one of my gerbils cages to the other. But the problem is, some of the piping goes straight up and their little legs can’t grip enough to climb up. Is there anything I can do to the pipe to help them grip it?
22 July 2007, 2:21 pmAdministrator:
Caila
It sounds normal for Zippy. As long as he’s eating, pooping and active I wouldn’t worry.
Anna
22 July 2007, 6:24 pmHave your mom or dad drill small holes in the sides of the pipe where it’s steep. That way the gerbils have something to grab as they climb.
Rosey:
I have 2 male gerbils. I am thinking of getting another one. The 2 I have now are very, very sweet, so would it be OK to introduce a new gerbil to them? Any recommended ways to introduce the new gerbil? Also the gerbils I currently have are about 3.5 months old.
23 July 2007, 5:04 pmAdministrator:
Rosey
I would caution against introducing another gerbil for the following reasons. First, you might get a female by accident. If you do you will have a whole new set of problems. Second, if you get another male, introducing him to the others is tough. They are still young, and so may not be as aggressive to a newcomer as an older male. However it won’t be easy and fights will happen.
The only way to do it is to separate the newcomer while allowing the others to see and or smell him – but not touch him. If you have a wire cage, you might be able to find a wire screen or mesh to divide it. If it’s an aquarium, you could try a divider used to separate fish. Keep the new guy apart for a few days then begin pulling up the divider and allowing all three to mix. Keep an eye on them – DON’T LEAVE THEM AlONE and watch them carefully to see how they react to each other. Separate them at any sign of fighting.
Keep doing this for longer periods until eventually all three are comfortable with each other.
Note: They may NOT get comfortable, in which case you will have to set up another cage for the newbie.
You see why I don’t recommend it?
23 July 2007, 6:06 pmmelly flew us:
gerbils are better than hamsters. can’t believe that reanna had a gerbil that lived eight years! did he produce offspring?
anyway, love that cinnamon in the pic, I once had a black eyed white with orange spots but it died in infancy.
please note that female gerbils will eat the young of other females. but all gerbils are gregarious and need the company of at least one other (preferably same sex) gerbil. and they like fresh fruit and veg every now and then (no tomatoes!) but remember to remove uneaten pieces after a few hours.
24 July 2007, 1:34 pmCaila:
Hey, I have been reading the past few messeges and I had a question. My gerbil had a brother that recently died. Zippy is now 3 months old. My friend one time had a gerbil and brought home another and the new one killed the other instantly. I am afraid to even take “baby steps” with getting another gerbil for zippy. Do you think he will be okay with out a partner?
25 July 2007, 7:36 pmAdministrator:
Caila
Yes he’ll be fine. Just play with him lots and he’ll be okay.
Gerbils are rodents, and rodents don’t get lonely the way other animals like dogs, cats and people do.
25 July 2007, 7:47 pmjenny:
I have one male gerbil. He is about 4 months old and he is still afraid of me. Books say that I should bond with him by giving him treats, but he doesnt like treats!!I have tried every fruit and vegetable and he picks it up and throws it down. When I get him out, he swuirms everywhere. Getting him out is eve worse. It takes me 5-10 minuts to get him out!
28 July 2007, 9:06 amWhat do I do?
Administrator:
Jenny
He’s still kind of young so keep handling him. Remember that gerbils are really wild animals with instincts that make them not want to be held by people.
However eventually they will get over that instinct by learning that being held feels good to them.
Play with him as much as you can. Put him in a hamster ball to roll around the floor. Give him “toys” like empty paper towel or toilet paper tubes. Eventually he’ll get used to you.
As for treats, the best are sunflower seeds – the kind we feed birds NOT the kind people eat.
Good luck!
30 July 2007, 6:25 amAly:
First of all EEEW! DO NOT EAT THAT CAKE!
1 August 2007, 10:55 amand second of all AWWW! thats SUCH an ADOOORABLE gerbil! I have three (curly, Larry and Moe) and they are sweeties. I Just today took hem out and made them a playground out of plywood surrounded by books. THEY LOVED IT! someone here with gerbils should try it!
Aly:
Oh, and be careful not to spook him. If you move too quickly they can jump REALLY high. I went on a wild goose chace once because of my brother
1 August 2007, 10:56 amKT:
Hey, I was looking up gerbils and ran across this website. It seems like there are a lot of good gerbil parents here, and I was just looking for some information. I’m a preschool teacher and am considering a classroom pet, would you recommend gerbils? Also, I’ve read about the possiblity of their tails “falling” off. Is this common? And I worry that if that is a possibility then aren’t wire running wheels dangerous, but from what I’ve read plastic is not good for them either, so… any help would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.
6 August 2007, 9:15 pmScott Kirwin:
KT
I believe that gerbils make good pets for children if they are supervised. I believe that children need to learn that animals are fragile from a young age, that they must be treated with kindness and respect and can’t be tossed around like their stuffed animals.
Gerbils are fun to watch in their cages, don’t bite all that much (although they can nip) and are inexpensive to care for in terms of time and money.
The greatest danger to the gerbils comes from falling. Even a 3’ fall can be fatal for a gerbil. As for injuries to their tails, they can happen – which is why you should never pick them up by their tails – but if an injury does happen the gerbil will completely recover.
I no longer allow plastic in my cages (except for water bottles). The metal wheels are durable, provide a safe chew toy for the gerbs to keep their teeth down, and are light. I’ve never heard of trouble with them, and in 2 years of caring for the critters haven’t seen any sort of dangerous events happen with them.
7 August 2007, 6:36 amemma:
hi, i love that cute gerbil on the cake, he’s adorable! My family and i have 4 gerbils altogether. I have 2 boys called Caramel and treacle, and my brother has 2 girls called Lily and marshmallow. He did have another called marshmallow, but she was ill and died 3 weeks after we bought her! It was very sad. she is buried in our garden now.
8 August 2007, 3:03 amemma:
mine get really anoying sometimes because they chew the plastic in their cage. nfortunately the place they chew is their shelter and also where the water bottle is hanging. I have of course tried putting blocks of wood in, but they always seem to go for the plastic! Can you give me any advice on how to stop them destroying their cage?
8 August 2007, 3:18 amScott Kirwin:
emma
It sounds to me like you’re doing the best you can. Can you replace their shelter with a wooden one? If the cage itself is plastic, eventually they are going to chew through it and escape – so consider replacing it with a metal one. Or you can do what I’ve done and use all-glass aquariums (I also raise tropical fish and so have some extra 10 gallon tanks lying around).
Beyond that there isn’t much more you can do. Chances are the plastic won’t hurt them; however I personally don’t like plastic and try to avoid it whenever possible.
8 August 2007, 6:45 amDanielle H:
hi i have been wanting to get gerbils for a while now, but i still have a few questions about them that i was hoping you could answer.
My first question is do gerbils like being alone or in a group? Also would it be better if they liked groups to get all female or all male? And what would be best bumber for a group
Another question is how long with good care can gerbils live for?
What habitats would u segest? A glass tank or an actual cage? And if so a cage do they tend to naw on the metal bars? and do they like climbing tubes?
I hope you can help answer at least a few of these if not thanks anyway
8 August 2007, 6:58 pmScott Kirwin:
Danielle
Gerbils prefer being in groups. It’s easiest to manage between 2-4 gerbils (I currently have groups of 2,3 and 4 – and all are very stable.) The key is to get the gerbils of the same sex (male or female – either sex is ok JUST DON’T MIX THEM) all at once. Once a cage is settled it’s very difficult to add a new gerbil.
Gerbils can live up to 3 years. I’ve heard longer but I believe that the average is between 2-3 yrs.
I prefer glass aquariums – mainly because they are cheap and easy to come by. However others have success with metal cages. As for gnawing on the bars, gerbils are rodents and they need to keep their teeth worn down – so they gnaw on just about anything. Metal is fine; it won’t hurt them and they won’t be able to cut through . They do like climbing tubes, but they will gnaw on them.
8 August 2007, 7:33 pmKT:
Thanks a lot for the information. I am a big proponent of pets for kids (having grown up with a large variety myself), and that is why I would like to get one (two) for my classroom. Everything I read continually warns against picking them up by their tails…do people actually do that?! That’s horrible! I would never pick up an animal by it’s tail (unless they are known to hang from them on their own). I mean really do people pick up their dogs by their tails? Anyway, just wanted to say thanks.
8 August 2007, 8:28 pmScott Kirwin:
KT
Yep people do it. It’s stupid, but given what Atlanta Falcon’s QB Michael Vick is charged with people do much, much worse.
I’m a firm believer that if you instill a deep appreciation and respect for animals into children, it will lead to an appreciation and respect for people when they grow up. Psychopaths usually start with mistreating animals before they move on to people.
Good luck, and if you need any help – just ask.
9 August 2007, 6:40 amKayla:
I had a gerbil that would attack the others so I kept him separate
9 August 2007, 11:55 amhe was Grey and he just died
having him for six years I balled my eyes out:(
Scott Kirwin:
Kayla
9 August 2007, 1:58 pmSorry to hear about your loss. It sounds like he lived a very happy life with you.
emma:
Thanks so much for that information, but my gerbils already live in a kind of plastic aquarium that they can’t chew through so they should be all right for now. I shall try and either build or buy a new wooden shelter for them!
11 August 2007, 6:11 amAlyson A.:
i have 6 gerbils 2 boys and one girl they had babys like 3 days ago how do itell who the father is and when do they get there fur
14 August 2007, 7:57 amScott Kirwin:
Alyson
Well, you can tell the mommy because that’s the one nursing the babies. The daddy? Well, it’s very difficult and involves genetics. Are the two males different colors? If so, you should be able to determine who the father is by using this Gerbil Genetic Calculator. Here’s another one.
You’re going to need help from your parents for that though, because it’s extremely complicated.
As for fur… You should be able to determine what color they are after about a week. Here’s a good website with pictures showing day to day gerbil development.
14 August 2007, 9:23 amjenny:
what happened to bandit??
15 August 2007, 2:29 pmScott Kirwin:
Jenny
15 August 2007, 2:37 pmSee Comment #6 above.
catherine:
do you think you could give me some advice on a guinea pig?
25 August 2007, 8:43 amScott Kirwin:
Catherine
What’s up?
SK
25 August 2007, 12:09 pmjenny:
my guinea pig has eye crust and that is not normal for a guinea pig at all. he gets it everyday. He is eating and drinking properly and poops reguraly and everything else that is normal about a guinea pig. He sleeps with his eyes open. Does that have to do with the crusty eyes?
25 August 2007, 12:52 pmskye:
hey daphne u there
25 August 2007, 12:54 pmdaphne:
isnt that gerbil cute
25 August 2007, 12:54 pmskye:
i miss gerbi
25 August 2007, 12:56 pmdaphne:
i made a cake for my gerbil once. but he was so old and weak that he only took one bite. he was a cutie
25 August 2007, 12:57 pmskye:
i wonder what gerbils think about
25 August 2007, 12:58 pmdaphne:
zippy still has his hole. It looks like a nest with a cave
25 August 2007, 12:58 pmdaphne:
they crave meal worms
25 August 2007, 12:59 pmskye:
what kind of cake was it? was gerbi the gerbil?
25 August 2007, 12:59 pmdaphne:
they crave mealworms
25 August 2007, 12:59 pmdaphne:
they crave mealworms. ive never given zip mealworms
25 August 2007, 1:00 pmdaphne:
vanilla duh
25 August 2007, 1:00 pmScott Kirwin:
jenny
Eye crust may be caused by an infection that can be treated easily with antibiotics. To get the medicine you will have to take your guinea pig to a vet.
Being a responsible pet owner means that you must take care of your pet at all times – and that means that you sometimes have to take him or her to the doctor (vet).
The medicine the vet will give you will fix your guinea pig’s eyes.
Good luck,
25 August 2007, 6:19 pmSK
jenny:
I just had him on medications for a UTI. WHen he had his infextion, he stunk really bad. he does not stinlk anymore. Does sleeping with eyes open have to do with it? By the way the medication that he was on was called sulfatrim suspensn
26 August 2007, 10:01 amScott Kirwin:
jenny
I suppose sleeping with his eyes open would make eye trouble more likely. However it’s also possible that the sulfa med knocked out the “good bacteria” protecting his eyes causing the crust. Sulfa tends to smell too.
Go to your vet and see if he warrants antibiotics for the eyes. That could be treated with eye drops .
Good luck,
26 August 2007, 2:28 pmSK
Rosey:
My gerbils absolutely love their wheel, but all we can find is wimpy plastic wheels. They have went through 3 wheels in about 2 1/2 months. Do you know where I can order a metal gerbil wheel over the computer?
26 August 2007, 2:44 pmScott Kirwin:
Rosey
26 August 2007, 7:24 pmI hate those things. First call around to your local pet shops – the smaller ones, not Petsmart & Petco. The smaller pet stores will probably have one. If not visit That Place Place here’s a link. They are based in Lancaster PA and my favorite pet shop in the country.
Megan (i responded a while ago):
Hey, i’m just saying that gerbils are ah-mazing, i had 2, but right now, i have a hamster names bubbles. She is awinter white hamster and i love her so much. But she sleeps very late at night. Till almost 11. I sometimes have to wake her up. She doesn’t get up during the day, but thats normal. And she doesn’t eat her pellets. Just treats. I only put in pellets and she still doesn’t eat them. what should i do?
!?
5 September 2007, 2:41 pmJessica:
Hi, my name is Jessica. I have an issue. My brother let my gerbil go on a “walk” up in my room. I can’t find her. My door was closed and i have no holes in my room. Administrightor, please respond quickly. i need help!
5 September 2007, 2:44 pmScott Kirwin:
Megan
What treats are you giving her?
Jessica
... Well first you’ve got to tell your parents – but you probably did that already so…
Chances are the gerbil is somewhere in your room. Unfortunately gerbils are nocturnal – meaning that they are most active at night. You might have to sit very quietly in the dark with a flashlight and listen for scratching and gnawing.
Of course it may have slipped under the crack under the door, and it could be anywhere in the house. Look for chewed things and gerbil poop.
Good luck!
9 September 2007, 5:03 pmMegan:
Well, i give her Yoggies. They are her favorite. But she has gotten better now. I gave her seeds, pellets, and treats and she ate some seeds and pellets. I looked in her dish and saw that only 1 treat had been eaten. So everything is ok now.
12 September 2007, 7:28 pmJessica:
I FOUND MY GERBILS!! she dug a hole in one of my stuffed animals on my bed and made a nest. But i found her and she is ok!! yay!!
12 September 2007, 7:31 pmScott Kirwin:
Megan
Excellent. Stop the treats: they’ll make her fat! Sunflower and pumpkin seeds make very good treats.
Jessica
13 September 2007, 5:23 pmHahahaha! Excellent news.
Erika:
AAAAWWWW! The gerbil is so cute. My gerbil just died today.
22 September 2007, 7:16 amScott Kirwin:
Erika
22 September 2007, 10:37 amMy condolences. Gerbils don’t live very long, so it’s important to enjoy the time that you have with them.
oh yah:
awwww! is that really, for the gerbils? Is it the gerbils B’day? I hope so. awwwwwwww!
22 September 2007, 1:56 pmallison:
That gerbil is so cute! he looks exactly like my old gerbil. I had two. One got a disease when he was 2 weeks old and died. The other died two yaers ago but he lived for 5 years.
27 September 2007, 4:24 pmallison:
Is that cake all for the gerbil? He or she is adorable! So the gerbil must be 1 years old. How EXCITING!
27 September 2007, 4:28 pmAlice:
Hi!
2 October 2007, 12:32 amI have a question…
We have got 2
i thinkgerbil babies, and I can’t remember when they were born so I do not know how to tell how old they are! Please help me, as I want to know when to handle them, sell them, etc.They are still small, but have fur. It seems their eyes are in the process of opening, and when I open up their cage they sometimes scuttle around. When they do this they get chased by out other 3 gerbils and picked up to be put back into the nest.
Please let me know if I can handle them, and when I should sell them. Also, could you tell me when it is likely that the babies will try to mate?
Thankyou!
-Alice (11)
Scott Kirwin:
Alice
Everything you need to know is here.
Good luck!
2 October 2007, 5:52 pmAlice:
Hi!
3 October 2007, 12:32 amThat info really helped.
Thanks a lot!
I think that the babies are around 2 weeks, possibly a tiny bit older.=)
-Alice
Rosey:
One of my male gerbils just passed away today. We went out and got a new one. The new one we got will just sit in my hand or on my arm, or just move around a bit (like when I was typing this). Is he ok? My other gerbils are not this calm. Yet when he is in his (split) cage he acts normal. Just wondering if hes not sick or has any problems.
13 October 2007, 5:25 pmScott Kirwin:
Rosey
When you’re dealing with animals you have to focus on the basics: Is he eating/pooping/drinking? Is his behavior new? Since he’s new to you, you can’t answer that last question.
Observe him for awhile. Maybe you got a lazy, laid-back gerbil. Perhaps he’s just adjusting to a new environment. Observation is key. If he’s not eating/pooping/drinking then you’ve got a problem. If he is, well, he should do okay.
14 October 2007, 7:04 amCaila:
i have major gerbil problem. My gerbil is really fat sometimes. His weight fluctuates all the time
I took a picture of him, and I noticed how big his neck and stomach was. also, he even feels round. When i am holding him, he is usually trying to squirm out of my hands, and stretches himself out, so he really doesnt look fat. I try to take the seeds out of his diet, but then I feel bad about it and put it back in. What do I do?
14 October 2007, 10:12 amScott Kirwin:
Caila
I wouldn’t worry too much about weight. It’s a big problem for people because we live a long time, and during that time it can cause us a lot of damage.
However to a gerbil that lives 2 or 3 years, I I doubt he will experience things like arteriosclerosis or high blood pressure. Just be sure you are giving him a variety of foods – not just sunflower of pumpkin seeds. Make sure he has an exercise wheel in his cage, and perhaps put him in a plastic ball to roll around the kitchen floor.
Upping his activity will improve his weight problem.
14 October 2007, 12:25 pmCaila Edwards:
I have my gerbil on Nutriphase hamster/gerbil food. Do you know what the serving is for him so I could just feed him at night? I usually just leave the bowl out full of food, but then he picks all of the junk out and leaves the healthy stuff.
14 October 2007, 5:24 pmScott Kirwin:
Caila
14 October 2007, 6:16 pmFeed him what he eats in a day. If he’s leaving a few seeds, don’t worry. If he’s leaving a lot then you are overfeeding.
Megan:
Caila, i have a hamster and she picks out all her treats too. But there is a really good food mix that i give to her that is compressed food in the shape of an almost cube. This way she can’t eat the treats and then i also give her iceberg lettuce and carrot sticks. She loves them.
19 October 2007, 6:37 pm-MEGAN (:
judy:
i have gerbils,
2 girls.
but how do i cleantheir cage?
20 October 2007, 5:07 pmmore importantly, how do i get them out?
Scott Kirwin:
Judy
Pick up the gerbils gently by scooping them up (no tail grabbing.)
Remove all the used bedding. Wipe the surfaces with a damp cloth or paper towel. Replace the bedding.
Don’t use any detergents or cleaning chemicals.
That’s it!
20 October 2007, 6:57 pmAlice:
hi!
25 October 2007, 12:34 amDoes it disturb gerbils if they are seen by a cat?
Our cat doesn’t see him out of the cage of course, but occasionally gets into my room and stares at the gerbils from the other side of their cage.
Does this really scare them or is it ok?
Scott Kirwin:
Alice
25 October 2007, 7:57 pmCat TV!
As long as the cat isn’t pounding on the glass with his paws and terrorizing them, I’m sure the gerbils don’t mind. Just make sure you give them a place that they can find some privacy.
Gerbil Woman:
I wanna gerbil! Everyone on this website has 1!
My mom won’t let me hav 1
28 October 2007, 8:04 amLuke:
Hello everyone. I had a great time reading everyones comments today, and learned a lot more about gerbils too. Me and my girlfriend had 2 gerbils (Chika and Chiclet) both females. Chiclet died June this year(2 1/2 years old) and Chika died just yesterday (3 years old). We really miss them both but they lived good lives, and they were definitely the best pets I could ever ask for.
28 October 2007, 8:55 pmScott Kirwin:
Gerbils make good, easy to care for pets. They are a good first step for teaching children (under close parental supervision) how to care for animals. This is a good lesson for some adults to learn too.
I firmly believe that children who learn to care for animals will become caring adults. Considering the state of the world, we can use as many of those as we can get!
29 October 2007, 3:26 pmAlice:
I’m back!(Again)
5 November 2007, 1:29 amHi, I was wondering if you could help me. My
albino (at least i think she’s albino- white with red eyes) gerbil has got orange stains around her
lower stomach. (Where her female parts are to be precise)
Is this normal?! I was really worried she has got a disease as I seem to recall reading something about it.
Please help!
Scott Kirwin:
Alice
You might be thinking of the term “wet tail” but before you look it up (and panic) note that the disease usually kills within 2 days – so chances are your gerbil doesn’t have it.
Let me caution you that I am not a vet, and if you really are worried that your gerbil is sick I would take her to one that treats rodents. However, before you start worrying about her, consider the following:
1. Is your gerbil eating? Does she drink?
2. Is she acting normal?
3. Is her cage clean, and are there things to keep her busy?
Pets can’t say “I’m not feeling well,” using words – but they can tell you a lot by how they act. If your gerbil is not acting normal, and it’s a change that occurred recently, then you may want to contact a vet.
However, if she’s behaving like nothing is wrong – she’s eating, drinking and playing like usual – then I wouldn’t worry too much. It’s possible that she’s having some diarrhea that will pass as long as she’s drinking water (mark the level of water in her waterbottle using a permanent marker if you aren’t sure.)
Finally… Something that keeping tropical fish has taught is the importance of a clean environment. Make sure you change her litter regularly (when it begins to smell “off” – then replace the litter after wiping her cage down with a wet cloth.
Good luck and keep me posted.
5 November 2007, 4:50 pmSloan Taylor:
Mousekin, my gerbil, sends a big, furry ‘Happy Birthday’ to your gerbil.
7 November 2007, 2:43 pmCaila:
OOO that sucks. My gerbils brother died from wet tail at only 1 month old
11 November 2007, 11:09 amCaila:
Alice, how is your gerbil? I hope he is okay.
11 November 2007, 11:12 amAlice:
hi Caila!
12 November 2007, 1:50 amMy gerbil’s doing ok. We have scheduled a vet appointment for Wednesday just to check… keep your fingers crossed.
One of our other gerbils though (male) has recently died during an operation to be neutered
What were your brother’s gerbils symptoms to wet tail? Maybe you could help me decide if mine has it.
Daisy S:
I have two gerbils!
15 November 2007, 10:25 amThey are called Alice and Molly.
Molly is brown (with a white belly) and black eyes, and Alice is white with red eyes. (she’s ALBINO!)
My kitty tries to eat them!
Love Daisy x
Daisy S:
I forgot to ask…do Albino’s live shorter lives than other gerbils..or is that just a load of rubbish my cousin made up?
15 November 2007, 10:30 amPlease reply!
I don’t want my ickle gorgeous Alice to die
Also, does a kitten watching them scare them…if so…I wont let her do it anymore!
Please REPLYYY!
Love Daisy S x
P.S I’m Only 11!
Hehe x
Scott Kirwin:
Daisy
As long as the kitty doesn’t get in the cage, I think that it’s good to let the cat watch them. I have 3 cats and they like to watch our gerbils sometimes, and it doesn’t seem to bother them. If the gerbils start running away or acting scared because of the cat, then move them away. However I’m sure they will be fine.
As for the lifespans of albino gerbils, relax. I could find no evidence for them having a shorter lifespan. Cousins are well-known for being full of rubbish, so I would always check with an adult (preferably not an adult cousin) before believing what a cousin says.
15 November 2007, 2:39 pmCaila:
Alice,
15 November 2007, 4:19 pmMy gergil no longer kept himself clean, or exorcised. I think I got him when he was sick. I was still worried that his brother might have it so i gave him a supplement to help prevent it. The one that died was actually the cutest. He was gray with a white diamond on his forehead and a white strip on his back.
kristen:
Im a big gerbil fan
! By the way, anyone that reads this, please please please go on youtube, i know this has nothing to do with gerbils, but please go, and type in ‘Free Zimbabwe’ you wont believe this. it is very emotional. k sorry back on subject
16 November 2007, 1:23 pmScott Kirwin:
Kristen
Yes I would believe it. I’ve posted about your comment, the video, and some links about Zimbabwe here.
This may surprise you, but I’ve been to Africa twice – and even lived there for a whole year, in Tanzania, a country that is to the north and east of Zimbabwe. Tanzania has always been poor, and was very poor in 1994-95 when I lived there. I visited just last year, and discovered that although still poor, Tanzania is improving. You can view a video here.
Zimbabwe used to be a rich country, but now it is poor. It’s leader has stolen land away from farmers and gave it to his friends, who didn’t do anything with it. His regime has used the police and army to beat – and kill – those who oppose him. Both Europe and the US have tried to pressure him to leave Zimbabwe, but his friend in South Africa, President Thabo Mbeki protects him.
I love Africa, especially the gem of Tanzania. However there remain thugs like Robert Mugabe who oppress the people on that continent in a modern day version of slavery.
16 November 2007, 6:23 pmDaisy S:
Thank-you for the advice.
I read in a booklet that they live in the Dessert in the wild, so, if I forgot to fill their water bottle up (I haven’t, this is just a random question) would they be fine … seeing as there isnt MUCH water in the dessert?
Or would they die of dehydration?
Daisy x
x
19 November 2007, 3:11 amP.S How many gerbils do you have?
..and what are they called?
xxxx
Scott Kirwin:
Daisy
Just over 2 years ago I started with 2 gerbils – both “boys” according to the pet shop I bought them from.
Within 6 months I was up to 30.
I am now back down to 9 and haven’t had a litter in over a year. The 9 are in 3 cages: 3 boys, 2 boys, and 4 girls. I’ve tried to get the boys – all brothers and their father – to live in one cage, but they fight to the death. One fight was so bad that their dad almost died, but I nursed him back to health in a small cage next to my bed where I kept him warm and gave him antibiotics from a syringe every couple of hours.
So I’ve learned gerbil care the hard way, which is why I try to give good advice to others.
In the desert gerbils can get most of their fluid from the seeds they eat. However they are not in the desert when we put them in cages.
Theoretically they should be able to live on seeds alone; however when they are given a bottle of water, they drink – which tells me they prefer extra water to be comfortable.
2 of my gerbils have names – both given to them by my son. Stewart and Silver. Stewart, the dad, lives with 3 of his sons I call the “Agouti Brothers” because of their coloring. Silver lives with her daughters – none of whom have names. One of the two males is named “Squint” because his right eyelids are permanently stuck together, making it hard for him to see.
19 November 2007, 8:41 amAlice:
I’m back again
20 November 2007, 12:51 pmGuess what? Pippin is fine! My dad took him to the vet and they even managed to do a urin test to check, and all is good!
I have yet ANOTHER question!
Is is OK to give gerbils shredded paper for bedding? (I mean paper that has ink on it- magazines, newspapers, notes etc)
I read somewhere that the ink can be toxic but if that’s not true then I could be saving loads of money on bedding!
Alice:
Oh yeah and what is that free zimbabwe video about? I’m too scared to watch it incase i cry…
20 November 2007, 12:53 pmScott Kirwin:
Alice
Don’t use the shredded paper. I know it’s tempting because it’s cheap, but there are way too many chemicals in it to make safe bedding. The cheapest stuff I’ve found is shredded pine – about 2 cubic feet for $10 at the local pet shop. That lasts me – with 3 cages – about 2 months.
As for Zimbabwe, this may surprise you but this website – The Razor – is actually about politics and other serious adult stuff. However this particular thread is my most popular – and is very special to me because it is so different from the terrible things I write about elsewhere.
Zimbabwe is a country in Africa that once was part of the British empire and known as Rhodesia. In the 1970s the British decided to allow free elections, and Rhodesia became a free country whose first president was Robert Mugabe.
For many years Mugabe ruled the country well. However as he’s gotten old he has gone crazy. He’s now destroying the very people he once helped, tearing down the nation he once helped build.
It’s a human disaster.
20 November 2007, 3:55 pmDaisy S:
Thank-you for the advice!
I also have another question!!
How long do gerbils approximatly live till?
People keep saying 1 – 2 years, but I have heard elsewear that they could live till 5 years!
What is the real answer?
Love Daisy x
22 November 2007, 10:51 amScott Kirwin:
Daisy
Some gerbils live very short lives – only a few months. Others live up to 4 or 5 years.
The average is between 2 and 3 years.
The key to a long life for a gerbil is good food, a clean cage, and careful handling. Provide all three and chances are your gerbil will live a long time.
22 November 2007, 7:20 pmLeanna:
that photo is sooooo cute,i have one in my room.
23 November 2007, 5:30 pmkristen:
it is about how poor zimbabwe is and how the country is poor but personally, it made me cry. your mind will go blank right after you watched it.
24 November 2007, 9:59 amAnna:
HELP
I have a strong male gerbil, about 1 1/2 years old. He’s all puffed up and wobbling around, and looks like he can’t eat very well. When I pick him up he feels very light, unlike yesterday. His eyes are partly closed. Whats wrong! What should I do!
27 November 2007, 6:05 amScott Kirwin:
Anna
First don’t panic. Your gerbil can’t lose enough weight in a day for you to feel the difference. He just feels like he lost weight to you.
Next, focus on the basics: clean cage, good food, clean water. Does he have all of these?
Next, does he live alone or with other gerbils? If there are others in the cage, check him for wounds. Maybe he got into a fight with another gerbil. Pay close attention to his neck area: that’s where gerbils tend to get bitten.
Next, has anything changed over the past week or so? Have you fed him a new food? Given him a new toy? Is there plastic in the cage?
When a gerbil is sick, you should take him to a vet that knows how to treat rodents. Check the phone book if you don’t know one, or call a vet and see if they can recommend one to you.
Caring for a sick pet is a big challenge, but you must not panic. You need to keep a cool head and do the right thing for your pet. Right now it sounds to me like that means you should contact a vet.
Good luck, and keep me updated.
27 November 2007, 7:50 amDaisy S:
I often think I am mistreating my gerbils, by forgetting to change their cage..but I do love them.
28 November 2007, 11:21 amWhat are their main predators in the wild?
xx
Scott Kirwin:
Daisy
Interesting question. According to this link their main predators are snakes, hawks and eagles.
Here’s another interesting tidbit from the link.
28 November 2007, 1:33 pmanon:
Hi
29 November 2007, 1:52 amis it safe to break off sticks from trees growing outside and giving them to the gerbils to chew on?
I’m worried incase the twigs have mites and bacteria living in them.
Scott Kirwin:
Anon
Hmmm… Good question. I would be more concerned with the natural oils that are in the bark and wood. I did a quick check and found this list of trees and plants that are poisonous to dogs and cats. Gerbils are much smaller than these animals and chew the wood more – so they could actually get poisoned more easily.
I think it’s not worth the risk.
What I’ve done is used untreated lumber cut and glued together with Elmer’s (white) glue. Most of the cheap stuff is kiln-dried pine which is safe.
No treated wood. If you have any doubt whether the wood is treated or not, don’t use it.
You can get a nice long piece of wood at Home Depot or Lowes for under $5 which you can then cut up and glue to make a fun house for your gerbs to chew and sleep in.
29 November 2007, 7:32 amDaisy S:
Hey, I heard you question, and my pet shop says it’s okay to give them twigs AS LONG as they’re from a FRUIT tree.
5 December 2007, 12:16 pmxx
Scott Kirwin:
Daisy
5 December 2007, 12:40 pmOookay… I still don’t agree with the pet shop. Chances are it will be okay, but I don’t like to gamble myself so I wouldn’t do it.
Alice:
Hi!
6 December 2007, 11:31 amIs it ok to photograph my gerbils with a camera with a very bright (and startling)flash?
It would be very handy if it was ok but I don’t want to frighten (or blind) them…
Scott Kirwin:
Alice
6 December 2007, 2:56 pmSure. The flash might surprise them a bit, but the light won’t hurt them. Consider: their native habitat is the desert where the sun is quite bright.
dani:
as long as it isnt an albino gerbil lol
8 December 2007, 7:41 amAlice:
Um… I have an albino gerbil! Can I photograph it?
12 December 2007, 11:48 amScott Kirwin:
Alice
12 December 2007, 12:46 pmDani’s just joking. Of course you can photograph it.
mykal:
hi
my name is mykal and i am 12 years old i have 3 baby gerbils and a male and a female adults.and i like the idea of the b-day cake and my gerbils names are smokey(female adult),texas(the male adult),(babies)lil mamma,papoose,chocalate~a.
12 December 2007, 7:32 pmGerbil boy:
I have two gerbils and I want a birth day party for them
16 December 2007, 6:44 pmmaxie:
hey i have a question, i have two gerbils a male and a female in the same cage, the female(shadow) is about 4 monthes now and my male (mickey) i have had for about 1 and a half years now. shadow is mickeys third companion one we had got when we got him we had for about 1 year and 3 monthes the, sadly he died from choing on a plastic tube and he accidentally got a piece of it stuck in his intestines, the other died 5 days after we got her, i dont know y she died. and now for my question: ive had shadow for about a month now and she just had pups( 7 of um
!)
?
?... i’ve heared people say that gerbils are good parents and take care of there young but… i just dont kno and im scared that they’ll die.. could u give me any advice
27 December 2007, 8:46 pmand i figured they were born about about 12 hours ago and the pups are sitting in one corner hurdle together barried a little while mickey and shadow are in an opposite corner of the tank… whats going on
maxie:
and ive also heared people say that for the first couple days that the female will pay all attention to the pups and stay with themm at all times and kick the male out opf the den for a few days…soo…..
27 December 2007, 8:49 pmScott Kirwin:
Maxie
28 December 2007, 8:49 amYes gerbils are usually good moms. It sounds to me like she’s buried them to keep them warm while she forages for food. I think that they will do okay.
maxie:
thanks so much
! : ]
( thanks! )
28 December 2007, 11:07 am…
…
(__/) ..
(=’.’=)
(“)_(“)
Daisy S:
Hi.
Imergancy.
I was looking at my gerbils, Molly and Alice, when I noticed that Alice (albino) had a yellow patch around her eye.
What is it?
And can she die from it?
Please help
x
29 December 2007, 5:46 amScott Kirwin:
Daisy
Die from it? It’s very unlikely. What is more likely is that she scratched her eye while digging in her cage, and what you are seeing is nothing more than a few tears her eye sheds to clean itself. Just watch that eye and see if it gets any worse. If it develops a crust over it, then she probably has an eye infection which must be treated with medicine from the vet.
But most likely it will go away on its own.
29 December 2007, 10:23 amDaisy S:
Thank-you so much.
5 January 2008, 10:34 amShe is better now, but I did notice that she was squinting the eye that was bad.
Is there anything I can do to comfort her?
Scott Kirwin:
Daisy
5 January 2008, 6:37 pmGlad to hear she is better.
Just keep her cage clean, give her good food and clean water, and maybe a nice new piece of wood to gnaw on.
Madison:
Oh My Good they are so cute I am going to celebrate for my gerbil het Birhtday is on AUG 27
:)
6 January 2008, 1:08 pmScarlet:
Wow, thats a cute picture. I havent tried anything like that with my gerbils, I currently at the moment have 16 gerbils. Two pairs, one pair having 5 pups, and the other having 7. Five of which still need homes. Adorable picture
Scarlet
8 January 2008, 12:45 amDenver, Colorado
Scarlet:
I have a question though, what is the cake made out of?
8 January 2008, 3:02 pmGerbil-lover:
OMG I want a gerbil SOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOoooooooooooooooooOOOOOOOOOOOOOOo bad but my mom will never let me
8 January 2008, 4:38 pmScott Kirwin:
Scarlet
The cake is a real one made from flour, sugar and eggs.
Oh, and we did eat it afterward – although I think we scraped off the icing where Bandit stood!
8 January 2008, 6:23 pmmaxie:
thanks scott my pups are doing good 13 days old now, they have all their hair, and there starting to play and run around on my pool table a lot now, although mickey and shadow still havent put them in their burrow yet :’ {
9 January 2008, 5:32 pmScott Kirwin:
Maxie
9 January 2008, 6:51 pmGlad to hear all is well. Enjoy them while you can. They grow up so fast!
Daisy S:
Thank-you for your advice.
My friend and I took my gerbils out of their cage yesterday, and they were fine but Alice seemed to be a little nervous. Is this normal gerbil behaviour?
Because my other gerbil (Molly) was just sitting in our hands perfectly normally and letting us stroke her, but Alice didn’t.
Daisy S x
14 January 2008, 3:23 amScott Kirwin:
Gerbils are a little bit like people. Some are nervous, others are friendly. Just be gentle to Alice and she’ll be fine.
14 January 2008, 1:14 pmBreanna:
I love gerbils
15 January 2008, 10:27 amAlice:
Hi!
17 January 2008, 12:53 pmI just wanna say thanks for all tha help from when i used to add a message like every day here!
I now have a website, so go to it Scott and you can see the gerbils you’ve been helping
GO to: http://www.enterthestory.com/pets
Click on gerbils
Watch the video!!
Scott Kirwin:
Alice
17 January 2008, 2:27 pmNice pictures. I like Frodo and Merry’s coloring, and Merry has nice agouti markings.
Laurie H.:
Hey guys!
23 January 2008, 12:55 pmAnyone need advice?Im an absolute expert!
Laurie H.:
Admin,
My gerbil,frisbee the nutter,came home with us when dusty(about 3 ys old), my gerbil chester’s(2ys old) compainon, went over the rainbow into gerbil heaven.
Confusing, huh?
well,so chester and frisbee were now buddies and both in great condition.
Suddenly, Chester snif! went over the rainbow into gerbil heaven.
My Daddy said that Chester go a sickness that Frisbee was ammune to.
What do you think?
Ps…this happend about a year ago…
28 January 2008, 2:33 pmLaurie H.:
Admin,
My gerbil,frisbee the nutter,came home with us when dusty(about 3 ys old), my gerbil chester’s(2ys old) compainon, went over the rainbow into gerbil heaven.
Confusing, huh?
well,so chester and frisbee were now buddies and both in great condition.
Suddenly, Chester snif! went over the rainbow into gerbil heaven.
My Daddy said that Chester got a sickness that Frisbee was ammune to.
What do you think?
Ps…this happend about a year ago…
28 January 2008, 2:33 pmLaurie H.:
sorry- pressed “submit comment” twice
28 January 2008, 2:34 pmBrandy:
the pic is so cute! i own 2 gerbils and they fight but never hurt each other. is this normal? please help!
28 January 2008, 3:36 pmBrandy:
Anna,
28 January 2008, 3:58 pmthis sounds like the same sickness my gerbil had! not to alarm you but to prepare you, he died the day after we took him to the vet, wich was 2-3 days after we noticed symptems, it was sad. but now i own 2 gerbils and they are so cut! OMG!
karen:
Please help me. We bought two gerbils for our kids for Christmas and one had 2 babies 25 days after we bought them. The pet store owner said he was sure they were 2 females and that there was an adult male in the tank at the store but he thought the girls were too young to mate(!)
Anyway now we have a baby girl and a baby boy, 2 weeks old. Do we have to separate the boy from all the females? (mother, sister, aunt) or can he stay? Will he mate with his mother, sister and aunt?
He’s a cute little guy and we don’t want him to end up as some reptile’s dinner (our worry if we took him back to a petshop)
What can you suggest??
thanks, karen
4 February 2008, 10:51 amScott Kirwin:
Karen
You don’t have to worry for another 6 weeks or so. However if you didn’t get Dad out of the cage within a few hours after the birth, chances are Mom is already pregnant with the next litter!
After he’s 7-8 weeks old though, you’re going to have to separate him from the girls. Inevitably you will have a “boy” cage and a “girl” cage.
Pet shops are infamous for doing this. I went from 2 boys to 30 gerbils until I figured out how to sex them myself. Now I’m down to 9 and haven’t had any more in over a year.
BTW that’s a small litter. Gerbs usually birth 6-8 at a time.
4 February 2008, 11:34 ammaxie:
hey i just wanted to check back in and all but… i have a imminant crisis
!... some of the pups are looking smaller and well there butts are covered with poo as the others arent. they’re squeeks dont sound as healthy as the other, and im worried its wet tail…... what should i do
Please respond fast….. :’ {
4 February 2008, 5:21 pmScott Kirwin:
Maxie
If it’s wet tail there’s really nothing you can do.
But chances are it’s not.
First thing: don’t panic.
4 February 2008, 6:29 pmSecond: observe the pups. Don’t worry about size: worry about activity. Are they acting like usual? Are their eyes clear? Are they nursing/taking water? If they aren’t then you might have to feed them; however chances are Mom will do that fine.
maxie:
owh my god i feal like crap…. i woke up and one was dead the runt that originaly had it. i told my dad to go to petsmart and see if there was anything he could do. turns out it was wet tail….
5 February 2008, 3:29 pmScott Kirwin:
Maxie
I’m sorry to hear that. Unfortunately pet ownership isn’t easy sometimes. They’ve broken my heart more than once but I still enjoy their company and have more pets today than ever.
You’ve got to take care of the remaining gerbils. Here’s some advice:
I’ve used tetracycline medication for fish with good results.
Things will get better.
5 February 2008, 5:15 pmBrennan:
i have a gerbil, his name is spincer. He is my only gerbil, i bought him a wheel to run on but he never pays any attention to it. I really wish he would run on it. Any help?
5 February 2008, 10:15 pmBrennan:
im 11
rofl
5 February 2008, 10:20 pmrandom stuff below
does anyone know the website
Gaiaonline?
Brennan:
:heart: :rofl:
did you get your icons from gaia?
5 February 2008, 10:21 pmScott Kirwin:
Brennan
He’ll run on it when he wants to. Gerbils are very independent creatures and hard to train.
As for Gaia, check with your parents before you go online. You should be doing that anyway.
6 February 2008, 9:29 amAli-Lou:
hey everyone. iv just got two black female gerbils hehe. they are six weeks old and really cute and tiny. i had a gerbil called Heidi about four years ago she lived to the ripe old age of five bless her then sadly she passed away. i rescued her from a mate who was gonna drown her cos she kept her up all night and im so glad i did, she gave me the greatest pleasure and even learnt how to play fetch hehe. i tried introducong her to another gerbil as they are not meant to be kept alone but she wouldnt have it. still as i said just now i now have two very cute littluns to keep me awake at night lol. dont have names as yet but will keep you all updated. Alison xxx
6 February 2008, 9:32 amterry:
hi
thanks for that.
how do u know if ur gerbil is pregnant???????????????????
and how many days do gerbil carry babies for???
7 February 2008, 9:52 amDaisy S:
Hi I just wanna say about the wet tail thing..you said they only sell it in American pet shops?
7 February 2008, 11:28 amWhat if you live in the UK?
:O
Tyy x
Scott Kirwin:
Daisy
As far as I know wet-tail isn’t limited to the US.
Terry
The gestation period (length of time a mom stays pregnant) for gerbils 24 days. That’s only 3 weeks! Pretty amazing huh?
For more info on caring for gerbil babies check out this site.
7 February 2008, 11:51 ammegan:
Hi, i have a male gerbil who just turned 1. He lost his brother when he was 2 months old. I just got him a 20 gallon aqarium, and he seems pretty happy with it,but i can tell that something is missing:another gerbil. before, he used to cuddle with his brother. I was wondering if it is a bad idea to use the split cage method to introduce a new gerbil. has it been to long? my biggest concern is that the new one could kill the old one. I really dont know what to do, please help. i want him to be happy. i had a gerbil b4 that never had a partner and he lived til 3. but i want this one to have one. should i get him one?
9 February 2008, 7:50 pmAli-Lou:
hey again guys,
my gerbils now have names…......Holly and Gemma hehe. my mumu named one holly after bruces wife in the die hard movies and i named the other one after my best friends sister lol.
Alison xxx
10 February 2008, 5:34 amScott Kirwin:
Megan
Yes the split-cage method is the way to go with introducing another gerbil. Just make sure the newbie is also male, and take your time introducing them to each other – at least a month. After they are together you’re going to have to watch them closely.
Honestly I haven’t had consistent success mixing gerbils together. Sometimes it has worked, but other times it hasn’t. The key I’ve found is observation. Watch them closely and separate them at the first signs of fighting.
Ali-Lou
10 February 2008, 9:58 amCongratulations! Take good care of them.
karen:
Hi Scott,
Thank you very much. We are suspecting that George may be pregnant again, so it’s a bit of a relief that we can just keep them all in 2 cages. BTW, I now have another question. In the last couple of days our confirmed female (George) has developed two spots on her back that look like the fur has been pulled out. Any suggestions? (I’ve uploaded a photo on flickr) http://www.flickr.com/photos/13818924@N03/2254784077/sizes/l
Thanks again, Karen
10 February 2008, 11:02 amScott Kirwin:
Karen
10 February 2008, 2:05 pmHmmm… I think George needs to go to the vet. She might have a skin condition that needs some medicine.
Laurie H.:
Mr. Scott Kirwin:
My gerbil,frisbee the nutter,came home with us when dusty(about 3 ys old), my gerbil chester’s(2ys old) compainon, went over the rainbow into gerbil heaven.
Confusing, huh?
well,so chester and frisbee were now buddies and both in great condition(so we thought?).
Suddenly, Chester snif! went over the rainbow into gerbil heaven.
My Daddy said that Chester probly got a sickness that Frisbee was ammune to.
What do you think?
Ps…this happend about a year ago…
13 February 2008, 1:00 pmScott Kirwin:
Laurie
First it sounds like Dusty died of old age. Gerbs usually live between 2-4 years on average.
Second it sounds like Chester was a bit old too, so he may have died of old age too.
But your dad is probably right. Frisbee probably came into your cage with a disease that Chester wasn’t immune to.
Whenever you introduce new pets – whether fish, cats, gerbils or whatever – into your home there is always a chance they will bring in disease.
That’s why it’s important not to bring in new animals and keep your old ones healthy so that they live a good long time.
13 February 2008, 5:59 pmAlice:
Hi
16 February 2008, 4:10 amMy gerbils sometimes all sit up (all scrunched up tight next to eachother) together and just stay still for ages.
At first I just thought it was a heat thing, so on days when the sun’s shining right on their cage, I put a blanket on it.
Is it just heat? Or is there a chance it could be wet tail??
Please help
PS Is wet tail contageous? (Sorry if i spelt it wrong:))
Scott Kirwin:
Alice
It’s not a good idea to put your cage in direct sunlight – especially if its enclosed like an aquarium. That could cause it to overheat – so be sure to keep it in indirect light. You want the temperature to be stable – room temperature is fine as long as the gerbs have plenty of bedding to get cozy in.
But gerbils are social creatures. They like each others company. They like to sleep together and snuggle with one another. They also like to groom each other. It sounds to me that what you are seeing is just normal behavior.
Wet tail is contagious, but it is only a problem for gerbils that are stressed. As long as you keep their litter clean, don’t introduce new gerbs alot you shouldn’t have problems with it.
16 February 2008, 10:09 amterry:
hi
if my gerbils have babies and l have got 2 spare cages. can l put all the female in one and all the male in the other???
or say if my gerbils has 4 females and 4 males .should l put them in pair’s like
2 females and 2 male in one cage and 2 females and 2 males in the ther cage.??????
l need a idea what to do when my gerbils have babies….
thanks
16 February 2008, 4:21 pmAlice:
[about sunlight] my cage is under a window, should I move it?
17 February 2008, 2:20 amAlice:
And it’s an aquarium type thing (rotastak and loads of other storage boxes fitted together)
17 February 2008, 2:21 amScott Kirwin:
Terry
Separate your babies after about 7 weeks into all males, all females. I do not recommend breeding because it’s hard to find homes for the babies when they grow up.
Alice
17 February 2008, 9:47 amDo yourself a favor and pick up an aquarium thermometer – one that is a black strip that tapes to the outside of the cage glass NOT a glass thermometer.
Your cage should always be at room temperature (68-75 degrees) and shouldn’t change that much.
I think that moving it might be a good idea, but if the cage isn’t getting strong sunlight for long periods of time the gerbs will be fine.
Emily Hogg.:
I have 4 gerbils they are so Kewl
Cocoa, Stuart, Mr.Orange, and Remmy are
!
17 February 2008, 12:45 pmtheir names. Their realy smart they have a knack of getting out but thats why
I love them
Katie stotts:
I have a gunie pig, shi-tzu, 2bettas, and 4 gerbils and they are freakin awsome
17 February 2008, 12:47 pmI had to beg to get my 3rd and 4th. But they are fun I love them
Happy Birthday!:
Administrater,
20 February 2008, 11:46 amPlease tell the gerbils I said Happy Belated Birthday!
Scott Kirwin:
Just did.
20 February 2008, 5:23 pmThanks!
Harper:
Cute!i love the idea of a cake! But may i ask what in the world do u think u r doing putting that gerbil so close to the flame? i want 2 gerbils. wich do u suggest? 2 males or 2 females? wich r freindlyer?
22 February 2008, 8:43 amcutie pie:
Harper,
22 February 2008, 12:26 pm2 girls would be best ‘cause they fight less than boys. girls also tend to be more adventerous and clever. i would reccommend girls.
cutie pie:
Harper
if you don’t know yet, here are some tips on keeping gerbils…. i own gerbils and ive done research.
*Use ASPEN bedding. cedar and pine will cause respitory problems
*DO NOT get a wheel with metal spokes, a gerbils tail can get caught and break off.
*NEVER EVER pick up a gerbil by the tail (except at the VERY base near the body.
*feed them a quality mix of seeds, corn, and vitamins (i recommend Kaytee or Nutriphase food mix)
*always keep gerbils in the same cage together.
*DO NOT separate gerbils in the same cage for more than 24 hours; they wil fight. you will have to us the “split cage” method.
you can learn more about gerbils at some of these websites
http://www.abcgerbils.com/care.html
http://www.agsgerbils.org/Gerbil_Care_Handbook/intro.php
22 February 2008, 12:40 pmHappy Birthday!:
Thank you!
22 February 2008, 12:42 pmdizzy:
im so dizzy from medicine (im sick, could ya tell?) my brother is stuck doing all the work 4 the gerbils….... i feel bad….. >:-P
22 February 2008, 12:54 pmdizzy:
i mean
22 February 2008, 12:54 pmdizzy:
in stead of >:-P
22 February 2008, 12:55 pmPerkey:
I have two gerbils when we got them we thought that they were both boys.A month later they had babys.They had 4.They just turned 14 days old.The mom Sparkey got mad at us becase we cleaned it for the first time in a week.
23 February 2008, 9:26 pmDaisy S:
I saw my gerbils sleeping in a weird position, I thought they were..*gulps* dead, but then I saw them breathing which was a relief..what “position” would a dead gerbil be in because both of my gerbils are one now, and I need to be prepared for…well…death
24 February 2008, 5:48 amScott Kirwin:
Daisy
24 February 2008, 6:45 pmYou can’t prepare for death. Just enjoy the gerbs while they’re with you.
anonymous:
DOES PINE BEDDING REALLY CAUSE RESPITORY PROBS???? OMG!! thats what i have been using for a while!! omg he wont get sick wil he? ive had him use that bedding 4 about 3 weeks
25 February 2008, 9:11 pmanonymous:
hey is my gerbil okay until the end of the week…we got 2 petsmart quite often so my parents get really sick of it s usually it waits til the weekend. now im stressing out oabout the pine bedding! please help!!
25 February 2008, 9:21 pmcutie pie:
anonumuos,
26 February 2008, 8:39 amdont worry, but yes pine DOES cause respitory problems. get to the pet store FAST!
cutie pie:
idk y pine causes problems though
26 February 2008, 8:47 amkaren:
Hi Scott,
I just wanted to thank you for your advice. It was very helpful. The “skin” condition turned out to be barbering and George is not pregnant and we do have 3 girls and 1 little boy who, get ready, we are going to get neutered. (we live 15 minutes away from the Canadian Veterinary College – which honestly is the only place I would trust to do such a tiny operation) it isn’t real cheap but we love him and couldn’t find a similarly aged male in any of the local pet shops to bring home for him to live with. FYI it’s $160 for assessment/surgery/anesthetic/ and 2 days post op care. Once again, thanks for your help…Karen
26 February 2008, 10:56 amDaisy S:
Heya.
) and her teeth were pretty small, so what size should Molly and Alice’s teeth be?
I know gerbils have to knaw on stuff otherwise their teeth lock together and they starve, but I was looking at one of my gerbils the other day (Molly, who is one now
Daisy x
26 February 2008, 11:19 amcutie pie:
Daisy
26 February 2008, 2:39 pmthere’s nothing to worry about unless Molly or Alice’s teeth are too big. so, unless they groww MASSIVE don’t worry.
Scott Kirwin:
Anon et al
First of all the pine bedding trouble is news to me.I’ve heard of it and cedar chips scratching the gerbils eyes, but honestly I haven’t had a problem – with cedar. But that’s my experience.
Karen
I’ve spent a similar amount at the vet on a gerbil – so I know exactly what you mean. I love animals; always have, and nothing makes me angrier than people who don’t bear the responsibility for caring for their pets. It’s clear that you are one of those who bears the responsibility well – so don’t feel bad. Pat yourself on the back for doing the right thing by the little critter.
Take care,
26 February 2008, 4:40 pmScott K.
Laurie H.:
I have a realy awesome gerbil Website,Mr. Scott Kirwin.
I dont know how to make this a link though…Could you help me?
Laurie
P.S. Thanks for responding on the 13 of Febbruary!
”
29 February 2008, 7:22 pmP.S.S. My current lonely,but happy,gerbil, Frisbee,says “hellowwwww
(he’s hyper!)(always)
Scott Kirwin:
Laurie
Just leave your site’s URL and name in a comment like this:
http://www.therazor.org
The Razor – Where Gerbils Rule – kinda…
And I’ll edit your link so that it looks like this:
1 March 2008, 4:57 pmThe Razor – Where Gerbils Rule – kinda…
Laurie H.:
Thanks,Mr. Scott Kirwin!
Okey-Dokey Then here it is…
Twin Squeaks
2 March 2008, 1:02 pmLaurie H.:
Mr. Scott Kirwin,
Your time is messed up on here…
Example- When it was 3:05, it said 1:05.
Thanks,Laurie
2 March 2008, 1:06 pmScott Kirwin:
What time is it? 6:30 EST
Looks like it’s set to Mountain Time. Hmm…
Found the setting in WordPress and fixed. Sorry ‘bout that.
2 March 2008, 4:30 pmScott Kirwin:
Time now – Fixed.
Oh, and BTW I inherited a guinea pig today – so if anyone has any GP comments, feel free. He’s all black and named “Mickey”. Right now he’s in a wire cage next to two fish tanks holding my male gerbs. One of them is black. I wonder what he thinks about Mickey…
2 March 2008, 6:31 pmcutie pie:
wow i wonder if the gerbils will like the guniea pig. its bigger than the gerbs.
3 March 2008, 12:07 pmcici14:
i luv guinea pigs! sadly, i just gave mine away. i did not have the time to take care of him, and i thought that he deserved better than where he was living. i wanted him to be happy so i gave him to someone who lives close by. it was really hard letting him go…
4 March 2008, 12:36 amanimallover:
Aww your gerbil is so adorable but why would you put your gerbil on a cake with a flame? what happend if the candle fell on top of him or her and I feel really bad for him because he passed away im very sorry for him R.I.P little one :[ Poor baby i’ll miss him but now hes put there with my baby boy Hockey he passed away from canser :[
5 March 2008, 7:23 pmScott Kirwin:
animallover
5 March 2008, 10:08 pmDon’t worry: the candle couldn’t have fallen over. It was stuck deep into the cake.
Losing pets is always sad, but it’s part of taking care of them. If you love them, it’s going to hurt when they die. But when they do you will know that loving them was worth it.
Tricia King of Gerbils:
i will tell you somthing that hopefully will help you people.I have 2 gerbils their names are Bubble and Squeak.Squeak is black and white Bubble is tan.they got out of their cage i think that most gerbils like hiding under the refridgorator because that is were i found them.i have ten books on gerbils and this really disgusting smelly bath crap.
6 March 2008, 12:31 amking of gerbils:
can you tell how old a gerbil is by how big it is?
6 March 2008, 12:41 amcutie pie:
it depends
6 March 2008, 10:16 amScott Kirwin:
After it’s an adult – which means after it’s 3 months old – you can’t tell how old it is just by size.
6 March 2008, 11:21 amcutie pie:
my gerbs r sooooooooo cute! the all black one is called Stripe (nicknamed Slippery cuz whenever you go to pick her up, she slips away from u), the all white one is called Snow, and the albino one is called Squirrelly cuz shes looks like an adorable little squirrell (duh!)
6 March 2008, 1:07 pmRosey:
My strongest male gerbil seems to be acting strangely lately. He has been slightly puffed up, and just basically slow. When he runs on his wheel, his pace if a fast walk. He also doesn’t seem to run as much anymore. I’m not sure whats wrong, and it has been about 1 1/4 days since it started. He is not quite lethargic, just slow. Any suggestions on what I should do?
6 March 2008, 6:45 pmAlso, he is separated with a split cage by one of my other gerbils. Occasionally, when I go to school, I come back and he is with the gerbil across from him, playing together or sleeping by each other. When there separated, he sleeps by the wiring with my other gerbil right by one another. Should I try to put them together for the day?
Scott Kirwin:
Rosey
Hard to say about your big male. As long as he’s eating well I wouldn’t worry too much.
You could try to put them together, but only do it while you are around and watching them in case they fight. If there are no fights, then increase their time together until you can remove the split permanently.
6 March 2008, 8:29 pmterry:
hi
7 March 2008, 11:31 ammy male and female gerbils are makin a nest.
does that mean they will be havin babies????
my female gerbils is called blackie because she all black and the male in all white and his called snowie lol
cutie pie:
Terry,
7 March 2008, 12:18 pmdidnt u say that u had a female and a male a while ago? well, my two female gerbs makes nests, and they dont have babies. but, if u have a boy and a girl, usually that means yes, unless they alaws sleep in a nest. once the babies come, Mom will usually move the nest every few hours to make sure her babies are safe from “predators”.
Harper:
still don’t have any gerbils-yet my dad says if i continue to do work without being asked and i can show i can take care of myself i can have a gerbil but mom says no so my questions are
9 March 2008, 8:56 am-what do moms like about gerbils?
-about how much will it cost to care for gerbils?
-do gerbils eat meat?
-is it safe to introduce gerbils to other pets such as rabbits, guiny pigs, and other gerbils?
Scott Kirwin:
Harper
Gerbils are simple pets to care for. Just keep their cage clean, feed them everyday and make sure they have water – plus handle them regularly – and they’ll do fine.
Cost depends on the number of gerbils. The initial costs of cage, water bowl, food dish, cage ornaments – will set you back between $40-100. After that a $5 bag of gerbil/hamster food will last two months or more for two or three gerbils. I have nine and that bag lasts about a month.
I might mention vet costs. Taking care of any animal means that you must pay for trips to a doctor when necessary. Most of the time you won’t need to do this – but you should know that a trip to a vet may be necessary during your time of gerbil ownership.
No. Never. Gerbils eat seeds and grains only.
No. You can keep their cages next to each other as I’m doing with a guinea pig and my gerbs, but they can’t live together.
9 March 2008, 11:31 amHarper:
my neibor has gerbils and they had babies! now he has to care for 20 gerbils! i might buy some from him but he needs a place for all of them! he can’t seperate the males from the females because no one can tell one from another! he needs help! pease write back!
9 March 2008, 3:04 pmScott Kirwin:
Harper
10 March 2008, 9:02 amFor learning how to sex gerbils click here. Note that it’s easier after they are 7 weeks old, but don’t wait too long or they will breed again. This happened to me and I didn’t figure out how to do it until I had 30 gerbils. That’s waaaay too many for any single household to have. Your friend has to learn how to sex gerbils before he has even more!
la la la la la la:
http://www.twinsqeaks.com
10 March 2008, 12:01 pmGerbilLuver:
Is my gerbil, Co-co okay? She has been so squirmy lately,(more squirmy than normal) and really sensitive around her stomach and I know that she isnt pregnant, for sure. i I think that she might have a scent gland tumor. Is that possible? I’m worried! HELP! Please!
12 March 2008, 2:15 pmHarper:
Just wanted to know if you knew any good sites for breeding hamsters. One of my teacher’s friend’s hamsters just had babies and I promised her I would type something up by tomorrow.
12 March 2008, 2:25 pmcutie pie:
harper,
13 March 2008, 7:57 amtry go google searching “hamsters”
terry:
hi again my male and femal is building a nest and l was looking at bthem today and the male looks bigger y????
15 March 2008, 3:57 amHarper:
I’m pet sitting my best friend’s rabbit, Dutch, for eight days. It’s Dutch’s second day here and we are trying to make him as comfortible as possible. But he’s doing something that we can’t quite figure out what it means. He starts running really fast and then jumps like six inches in the air. Then he just stops and goes on doing his own thing. I thought that maybe some of you have experience with bunnies and knows what it means.
15 March 2008, 10:39 amScott Kirwin:
Terry
15 March 2008, 3:52 pmMale gerbs are usually bigger than females – although yours might just be slightly fatter.
You do realize that if you have a male and female together you won’t have two gerbils for long, do you?
terry:
y want l have 2 gerbils for long scott kirwin??????????????
15 March 2008, 3:58 pmAlly:
i have two gerbils named Oreo and Nosey.
16 March 2008, 10:19 amScott Kirwin:
Terry
16 March 2008, 2:16 pmBecause when you mix boys and girls you get babies. I went from 2 gerbils to 30 in just under 4 months – which is why I now separate my gerbs into all-girls and all-boys cages.
terry:
yh l know. that is what l was gonna do when my gerbils have babies
16 March 2008, 3:56 pmBobyn:
I bought a female gerbil yesterday from petcetera (I normally stay away from big-box stores, but they were the only shop within miles that had gerbils in). They didn’t know her age, but I am assuming she’s around 2-3 months old. She is a really pleasant creamy yellow colour with a white belly, white star on her forehead, red eyes and white nails (sorry I‘m not 100% familiar with proper gerbil colouration terms). I normally do not like red eyes, but she is SUCH an impeccable looking gerbil.
She’s by far the friendliest gerbil I have ever encountered. She already hops on my hand when I place it on the floor of her cage and she rides on my shoulders and sleeps in my hair.
I’ve named her Lady.
I’m planning on buying her a partner come my next paycheque, whether another female or male I have not decided.
I have one twenty gallon tank and one eighty gallon tank, which could easily be divided off into sections (to put different same sexed gerbil pairs/groups after being weaned) if I were to breed.
I’m also quite interested in genetics so it would be getting two birds stoned at the same time, breeding- more lovely gerbils as well as being able to research dominant/recessive genes amongst gerbils.
I’m not rushing into anything, I have all the time in the world.
17 March 2008, 3:13 amcutie pie:
Harper,
17 March 2008, 10:46 ami dont know a lot about rabbits, but i know that it could be normal for Dutch. when the owner(s) get back or call ask them if Dutch normally does that.
Laurie H.:
Ally…
17 March 2008, 6:25 pmWhy is one of your gerbils name nosey? It sounds cute!:)
Laurie H.:
http://www.geocities.com/irishgerbilcentre/index.html
really cool site obove…it’s irish so they spell differently.
17 March 2008, 6:38 pmHarper:
Happy Easter everybody!
19 March 2008, 1:54 pmLaurie:
Mr. Scott Kirwin…
19 March 2008, 4:38 pmDo you give any advice on puddy tats?
Scott Kirwin:
Laurie
19 March 2008, 7:07 pmSure. What’s up with your pussycats?
cutie pie:
Harper,
20 March 2008, 7:28 amany gerbs yet? Happy Easter to u too!
Harper:
Nope. i might watch my cousin’s gerbils while he’s on vacation, but we’re not a hundred percent sure yet.
20 March 2008, 12:57 pmDaisy S:
Heya,
I was looking at my gerbil, Alice (albino), when i noticed some black little dots on her..are they fleas?
If they are..I didn’t know they even could get fleas!
Please Write Back x
..p.s I find it easy to pick up Alice, but not Molly. Why is this do you think?
xxxx
thankyoouuu x
20 March 2008, 2:24 pmLaurie:
Well,Mr. Scott Kirwin,
Mt “tat” drools when he’s petted well and being loved on. This is normal, right?
PS He’s About 5 (we think. he was abondoned in a ditch and sooooo cute and kitten like we couldnt help ourselves.We got him, thoughh it has been more like he “adopted” us:)he’s soooooo nice, too.he’s in my lap right now)
Laurie H.
20 March 2008, 9:11 pmLaurie:
Also…
20 March 2008, 9:13 pmMy gerb frisbee says Hiya
Scott Kirwin:
Laurie
It’s not common but yes, it’s normal for him.
Daisy
21 March 2008, 1:55 pmAll furry animals can get fleas, but I doubt that’s what they are. They are most likely specks of dirt; perhaps even of blood! The way to find out for sure is to touch them and see if they move. If they do, then they might be fleas or perhaps mites.
Laurie:
Happy Easter
!
-Laurie H.
23 March 2008, 9:30 amDaisy S:
Heya, thanks for the advice.
Turns out they were pieces of hay !
Another question!
Me and my dad were cleaning out their cage today and we didn’t have enough hay, so i said put some of last weeks in, and he didn’t like the idea, and neither did i really, but i thought it would be better to have dirty hay than hardly any hay..?
what do you think?
and as it was a bank holiday, all the shops were closed, so we couldn’t but any (we would usually do that but..)
so yeah, what do you think?
Thankyou.
Daisy xxx
24 March 2008, 3:24 pmDaisy S:
by the way i meant to say BUY not BUT!
24 March 2008, 3:24 pmScott Kirwin:
Daisy
24 March 2008, 8:07 pmYour instincts were right. It’s not the best way to do it, but it’s okay; I’ve done it myself, and it’s much better than using newspaper (never use newspaper!). Just change the litter a little earlier than usual. The cage will be fine.
Annie m:
Hi,
25 March 2008, 9:54 pmi really need to know this because i have 2 gerbils and i really need to know if they are boys are boys or girls and i am scared couz they might kill eachother if they are a boy or girl i have tried like every website and nothing tells me if they are boys or girl…................ps cute picture
Scott Kirwin:
Annie
26 March 2008, 5:41 pmWell… Do their “parts” look the same? If so you have either two boys or two girls. If they don’t you have one of each (and will probably have more in 3 weeks or so). They won’t kill each other – at least based on my experience they won’t. What they will do is make lots of baby gerbils. It’s fun the first litter you have, but then they have another. And another. And another… And suddenly you find yourself with dozens of the little critters – as happened to me.
terry:
hi
my gerbil had babies last night or this morrin and l want to know how to take care for thm.
how about if the mom don’t want to know. l got a lamp but it’s a 60w is that gd.
l don’t know how many babies.
27 March 2008, 6:53 amScott Kirwin:
terry
Mom knows better than you do how to take care of her babies. Just leave her alone for the next few days and BE CAREFUL WITH THAT LAMP!
If the cage has lots of bedding and it’s in a room that’s not cold, then you don’t need it. There’s a danger that you could make them too warm.
Mom should be burying the babies under the chips where they will stay warm. After about a week you can then poke a finger in the nest to count them. You should have between 5 and 8.
IMPORTANT WARNING:
Do NOT pick up the babies for the first 10 days, and when you do MAKE SURE THEY CAN’T FALL ANYWHERE. Babies jump! And when you handle them you must keep them only an inch or two above the ground.
The greatest danger the babies face is a human holding them right now and them jumping! So leave them alone for awhile and then pick them up carefully – only an inch or two above the floor/cage floor.
27 March 2008, 10:23 pmcutie pie:
Harper,
! 
29 March 2008, 10:07 amWell, its a good start sitting for gerbs
terry:
hi
my gerbils had 7 babies and they will be 1 week old thursday.
she keeps movein them from the bottom to the top why?????
1 April 2008, 9:45 amEmily bethell coventry:
arr soooo cute gerbill love it
1 April 2008, 9:46 ameMILY BENIT:
MY GERVBIL IS 1 MONTH AND SOOOOOOOOOOO CUTE LIKE THAT
1 April 2008, 9:48 amXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
cutie pie:
hey my gerbil escaped last night and we found her under my parents bed she fell a pretty long way from the cage she looks and acts normal do u think shes ok? she fell about 3 feet to carpeted floor plz help fast
1 April 2008, 12:24 pmScott Kirwin:
terry
Hmm.. Not sure. I suspect that it’s her instinct to avoid predators.
cutie pie
1 April 2008, 7:54 pmIf she looks okay she probably is okay. Falling 3 feet onto a hard surface is worse than falling 3 feet onto carpet. But consider yourself lucky! Falling while handling gerbils/hamsters/small critters is the biggest danger to their health – so be sure you handle them very carefully using both hands.
cutie pie:
thanks!
2 April 2008, 12:50 pmterry:
hi
l had a look in my babies gerbils nest and 6 look ok and just 1 look like it ain’t been feed that much. what should l do???????
the babies are just over 1 week old
5 April 2008, 8:35 ammakensey:
hi
5 April 2008, 11:47 ami have a gerbil named libby and is it bad to only have one gerbil.and is it bad for her to have long nails.please text back.
Scott Kirwin:
terry
Don’t interfere with the mother. It’s likely that one is just small and there is nothing wrong. Or perhaps there is something wrong with it, in which case it may die. Honestly there isn’t much you can do to help because they need the type of care only their mother can provide. So although it’s tempting, don’t interfere because you will do more harm than good.
makensey
Sorry I don’t use a texting program; I’m too old for that.
You don’t have to clip a gerbil’s nails. Just make sure she has lots of things in her cage to gnaw on. Since she’s alone, it will be tough to add another gerbil now. You would have to do the “split-cage” method described above; I’m currently using it to try to integrate a male with three other males, but so far I can’t keep them together without a fight breaking out.
So in short, I would keep libby by herself.
5 April 2008, 2:30 pmAlice:
Hi
My gerbils move things about in their cage- and I know that’s normal, but there’s this one log they love to push infront of the tube they used to get into the section they’re in. When they do this, no gerbils can get into the section, and the gerbils that are in can’t get out, because the entrance is blocked. There are small holes in the log, and I’ve seen one get in via these before, but I’ve a feeling they don’t like doing this because one gerbil was trapped because of the log yesterday, and missed his food. [I later gave him some extra
]
When I see this, I move the log back to its original place, but they just shove it back infront of the tube again! Any advice?
Also, I put a thermometer in one of the uppermost sections where the sun was shining, and it was 30 degrees celsius. I’ve a feeling this is too hot?
7 April 2008, 4:01 amcutie pie:
ummm hi is it ok if gerbils got a lick of watered down peanut butter? there was osme on my hand and i thought i rinsed it off then both of my gerbs licked it off it was just a teensie bit
7 April 2008, 1:01 pmterry:
hi
my babies gerbils are 11 days old.
when can l hold my babies gerbils???
7 April 2008, 1:21 pmScott Kirwin:
terry
You can hold them now. But they jump so be very careful. The best way to hold them is using one hand gently inside the cage only; keep them less than an inch above the litter and be very very gentle. If you want to remove them from the cage use two hands – one over the other like a cup with the baby inside. Don’t play with each too long – about 5 minutes max – and then put it back.
cutie pie
Yes, no problem. Peanut butter is quite a nutritious food, but honestly, it’s messy and they don’t need it so don’t give it to them on purpose. But a little is fine.
Alice
7 April 2008, 9:21 pmMove the log when you feed them so that no gerbs are trapped. Other than that they’ll be fine.
About the temp. Yes! Too hot! Keep them out of direct sunlight. Temps should range between 22-25c. Good job on getting a thermometer to check. You’re thinking ahead. Great!
terry:
hi thanks
l had a look in the nest last night and l only can see 6 babies.
she had 7 babies before
and l don’t know where the other babie has gone
do u think that the mother has eaten it???????????????
thanks for your time
8 April 2008, 11:05 amScott Kirwin:
terry
8 April 2008, 11:20 amAh… welcome to the wonderful world of rodents… Yes it is possible, although unlikely. I’d count again. The babies are also old enough to be moved around in the cage, so move them and check for a dead one. It isn’t the most pleasant task but it’s part of owning pets. An important part.
Alice:
The cage has been moved now. (My whole room was rearranged a bit to fir them in somewhere else
)
9 April 2008, 10:20 amThere is now only one main bit where the sun is shining, a Rotastak “attic bedroom”. They are TINY but all 4 gerbils squeezed inside and huddled up in the sunlight
Alice:
*Typo. “fir” = “fit”
9 April 2008, 10:21 amScott Kirwin:
Alice
9 April 2008, 8:37 pmGood job! A little bit of sun is okay.
terry:
hi my babies gerbils are 2 weeks old today.
when does there eyes open???
when they am 5 weeks old l am goin to put the boys in one tank and the females in the same tank.
where can l get that thing wot gies in the middin of the tank?????
thanks
10 April 2008, 2:13 pmScott Kirwin:
terry
10 April 2008, 5:21 pmTheir eyes will open around the 18th day.
Good plan for the babies.
As for the divider… I made one from plexiglass and cut it to fit the aquarium, then glued it with silicone (aquarium grade – so nontoxic). You might be able to find one premade, although I’m not sure where.
terry:
hi
got my new tank.
can l put mesh in the middin ?????
my gerbils are 16 days old now can l move them in the new tank ????
12 April 2008, 10:01 amScott Kirwin:
What kind of mesh? I’ve used the tank dividers sold to separate fish before if that’s what you mean.
12 April 2008, 2:03 pmAnd yes, you can move them, but be sure to set both tanks on the floor in case one of the babies jumps while being moved.
Harper:
We’re pet sitting my cousins’ dog Olly for a whole week! He’s so cute!
13 April 2008, 1:00 pmp.s. no gerbs yet
parker anderson:
i have 2 gerbils 1 named diglet and 1 named paublo.they love 2 dig.and no paublo is not mexican.they have 2 cages.1 has a mixture of sterilized dirt in it .they make tons of burrows.
13 April 2008, 6:36 pmScott Kirwin:
Parker
13 April 2008, 6:45 pmSterilized dirt is an interesting idea. Isn’t it difficult to keep their cage clean?
Alice:
Hi
While the other gerbils just sniff/nibble, this one gerbil bites really hard until I shake her off!! Advice??
15 April 2008, 10:19 amWhen I place my hand in the gerbil cage, they sniff/climb on me, along with the occasional nibble, but my youngest gerbil has an obsession with trying to chew through my hand. It really hurts
Scott Kirwin:
Alice
15 April 2008, 1:37 pmObedience classes for gerbils?
Other than holding her with heavy gloves, or not holding her at all I’m not sure what you can do. Gerbil teeth are extremely sharp, so it’s best to avoid getting bitten.
Every gerb has its own personality, so I guess your little one doesn’t like to be held.
terry:
hi
my babies gerbils are now 3 weeks old
when can l sell them to my mates ??????
be back soon
19 April 2008, 6:40 amScott Kirwin:
Your mates? Aussie or Kiwi?
Once they are eating only solid food you can give them away. Make sure they aren’t nursing and they should be fine. My guess is around 6 weeks or so.
19 April 2008, 12:03 pmBrennnan:
Hey I got a new gerbil that is younge and I have already had another who is FAT and about 1 year old. They have been doing fine and not fighting. Is it cool to keep them together?
20 April 2008, 10:19 pmScott Kirwin:
Brennan
21 April 2008, 2:16 pmKeep an eye on them and watch for any trouble. If they’re getting along well, then they should be fine. Watch them closely though.
terry:
hi
my babies gerbils will be 4 weeks old thursday.
l think l saw them eat on the own.but they still feed off the mom.
l cor tell if they am male or fmales.
be back soon
22 April 2008, 2:42 pmMargaret:
Just a friendly warning. Don’t use metal wheels for gerbils. My friend Danielle had two (I’ve had many) and it was running on the cage and it’s foot got caught and snapped off. It was very sad and he bled to death. Please make sure to get plastic wheels or avoid the metal wheels (with spaces). I don’t want the same thing to happen to your little friends. The metal wheels are great for hamsters, who don’t have the kangaroo-proportioned feet.
Oh! And gerbils love to play and chew on cardboard/toilet paper rolls, so save your empty toilet paper rolls and hand them over to the gerbils.
Good luck to everybody. Yay for gerbils and good pet-owners
24 April 2008, 7:27 pmScott Kirwin:
Margaret
I’ve heard warnings about the metal wheels occasionally, but given the gerbs propensity to chewing I think the risk of the metal wheel is less than that posed by plastic. It’s a tough call: possible plastic ingestion danger vs. metal danger. I personally worry about the plastic more than the metal, but I recognize that there are dangers with both.
I’m a big fan of the cardboard rolls too. Think of it as recycling!
24 April 2008, 7:37 pmterry:
hi
my babies gerbils are 5 weeks old thursday
can l sell them yet???
l am goin to put mesh in the middle.
l am goin to put wood on the side to hold down the mesh
l am useing that mesh that u use for brids. will that be ok????
be back soon
25 April 2008, 12:45 pmScott Kirwin:
I think they are big enough. Just make sure that they can’t chew through the mesh.
25 April 2008, 2:28 pmterry:
hi
can gerbils chew on any wood or not ????????????
26 April 2008, 9:10 amHarper:
Still no gerbils (sigh).
26 April 2008, 1:28 pmScott Kirwin:
Terry
Not any wood. Don’t use pressure treated wood (it contains preservatives including arsenic which is poisonous). The untreated stuff you find at a lumberyard is fine though, as are the branches and twigs of common trees (oak, maple, pine, cherry, cedar).
Harper
26 April 2008, 1:44 pmHang in there!
cutie pie:
Harper,
28 April 2008, 10:33 amstill keep up responsibilites.
cutie pie:
Harper,
28 April 2008, 10:34 amsorry other art ended up somewhere….... and try to stay in good spirits k?
Brennan:
Hey my gerbils were fighting(males) so I tried to pull them apart and I did I got ‘’Spincer’‘(big) and then ‘’Ace’’ (small) And “”Ace” Bit me and my finger started to have an allergic reatction and sometimes my stomach hurts(It might be from worrying though), Should I be too concerned
btw it happen last night and the swelling went down a little.
Btw again this is kinda Embarresing but I also have diarea
Btw AGAIN-im 12
28 April 2008, 3:39 pmScott Kirwin:
Brennan
28 April 2008, 6:16 pmTell your mother but I’m sure you’re fine
Brennan:
Ok thankyou soooo much. And I told her.
28 April 2008, 7:36 pmLaurie H.:
Mr. Scott Kirwin,
Do you know if gerbils can climb trees?My gerbil certainly likes climing a huge dogwood tree at a farm next door.
Laurie
1 May 2008, 6:44 pmLaurie H.:
Mr. Scott Kirwin,
also…can gerbils swim! mine some times doesnt smell toooooo good.Should I give him a bath?
Laurie
1 May 2008, 6:48 pmScott Kirwin:
Laurie
It wouldn’t surprise me if gerbils can climb trees. They have sharp claws to dig into the bark, and powerful legs. However if they fall they can injure themselves so I don’t recommend it.
Also, I don’t recommend bathing gerbils. What you should do is keep their cages clean and use a cedar or pine bedding. Another option is to use critter dust bath, which I’ve seen recommended but haven’t tried myself. I’m a firm believer in keeping cages/aquariums/litter boxes clean for all pets. It’s the best way of keeping them healthy, so make sure you keep your cage clean.
1 May 2008, 8:22 pmterry:
hi
my babies are just over 5 week old
can l still sell them if the ain’t drinking water but they am feed myselfs
2 May 2008, 10:43 amterry:
myselfs l ment to say but theam feeding them selfs
2 May 2008, 4:36 pmLaurie:
Mr. Scott Kirwin…
!they can enhale it,and countless other things.Use sand baths, instead.
4 May 2008, 1:05 pmThanks.But DONT use dust baths
Harper:
HELP
!! theres a stray cat up high in a tree! its been there since 6 oclock this morning. we called the fire department and tried to loer ot down with food but its too scared too move. and every time we try to clim up a ladder it just goes up higher. please someone help! i know this is totally off the gerbil subject but you guys are our last hope! PLEASE!
5 May 2008, 6:36 pmBrennan:
Hey I noticed that when I first got my gerbil he would eat out of my hand and let me hold him but now he just runs off and tries to hide from me??? Im never mean? What do you think is wrong???
5 May 2008, 8:25 pm[IMG]http://i295.photobucket.com/albums/mm136/tmc0117/gerbil.jpg[/IMG]
Harper:
the cat climbed down from the tree by itself lastnight. Hooray!
6 May 2008, 7:02 amcutie pie:
Yay!! Huzzah!!(Medeval talk for Hooray)
6 May 2008, 12:45 pmScott Kirwin:
Brennan
Try playing with him more – just be careful. As long as he’s eating/pooping I wouldn’t worry too much.
Harper
6 May 2008, 5:42 pmGlad to hear that.
Alice:
GERBILS ROCK! WOOH! I HAVE 4 AND THE BIGGEST CAGE IN THE WORLD! WOOOOH!
7 May 2008, 12:09 pmHUZZAH FOR RANDOMNESS!
Alice:
How do I upload photos? I wanna show you my gerbil cage!
7 May 2008, 12:29 pmScott Kirwin:
Alice
Well you can’t upload them – yet. What you can do is post them at a photo hosting service and then link to them here using HTML code.
It’s a pain, I know.
The good news is that I’m working on a better way of discussing pets.
7 May 2008, 7:48 pmScott Kirwin:
Everyone
I’ve added a Bulletin Board/Forum to discuss pets. It’s pretty bare right now, but if you have any questions/comments please visit and post them here.
(http://www.therazor.org/pets)
This will allow me to answer questions about all the animals I know about including dogs, cats, and fish. Did you know that I started raising tropical fish when I was 9 years old and haven’t stopped? I now have 3 aquariums and a large pond – and have learned quite a bit in the past 30 years about fish.
And cats… The Wife and I have rescued about 30 stray cats – some of whom I’ve written about on this website (click the animals & pets category top right).
7 May 2008, 10:01 pmKatelyn123:
AWWWWW SO CUTE BUT HAW IS THE GERBIL GOING TO EAT THE CAKE
9 May 2008, 12:17 pmCutie pie:
:’-( my gerbil, cocoa, has a flap of skin and fur on her head. it doesnt hurt her, but im still worried.
15 May 2008, 12:35 pmcutie pie:
PLEASE HELP ME
16 May 2008, 10:28 amScott Kirwin:
CP
I can’t get to the internet at my office during the day.
I would have your mom/dad look at it (I assume you are a kid). If it’s scabbed over or not that deep it will heal fine on its own and the flap will fall off. If it’s bleeding or looks deep, then you need to take it to a vet. Taking a pet to the vet is part of being responsible pet owner. It may cost a little money but that too is part of taking care of pets.
More importantly you have to figure out how the gerbil got hurt. Usually a fight with another gerbil will show bites around the face, neck and butt area. Look for sharp edges in the cage, especially around plastic and wooden buildings.
Gerbils are pretty tough little animals, and it takes a lot to really hurt them.
16 May 2008, 10:16 pmCuite pie:
My dad told me its ok but it doesnt look deep but it looks like is had bled but no signs of infections thanks!
18 May 2008, 7:25 pmAlice's Dad:
Sorry to bother you (you probably realize that your gerbil page is a lifeline to thousands of gerbil owners) but I’d appreciate an opinion. Two of our gerbils were fighting for dominance today. Both are girls. They were scent marking everything, trying to mount each other, etc. The normally submissive one gave the normally dominant one a nasty bite on the neck and it’s bleeding. The injured gerbil seems perfectly happy, but we’ve separated them anyway and if it hasn’t cleared up we’ll take her to the vet in the morning. My question is, is it best to let them sort this out together? Or is this a sign that they should be separated forever?
22 May 2008, 5:24 pmMore details: We have four gerbils, one neutered male (clearly dominant) and three females (one is younger and clearly submissive). It’s the middle two who are close in the pecking order and fought today. They have lived happily together for a year until now. They only started fighting today when my daughter came back off holiday, it’s the first time their owner has been away so I’m assuming this is a one-off thing caused by a disruption to their routine? Sorry this is so long! I bet you regret making this web page now
Scott Kirwin:
Alice’s Dad
My feeling is that they should be able to work out their disagreements without blood. If you are seeing blood, then they have to be separated – and it might be permanent.
What I’m wondering is what triggered the aggression. It’s possible that your daughter handled one sex then handled the other, thereby setting off the aggression since her hands had the scent of the first sex. Most of the aggression I’ve experienced with mine is due to either unfamiliar gerbs of the same sex OR gerbs of the opposite sex.
For example, I keep mine in old fish tanks – one for boys and another for girls. I once had a bloody coup d’etat in the boy tank, and I had no idea what set it off – until I realized that I had moved the girl tank closer to the male’s.
Make sure your daughter handles the boys and girls separately, washing her hands in between.
22 May 2008, 7:33 pmAlice's Dad:
Thanks for the prompt reply. Much appreciated!
23 May 2008, 2:06 amAlice:
:(:(:( Bad news
:(:(:(
23 May 2008, 5:10 pmWe tried again putting the gerbils in together to see if any more fighting would occur. Within 10 minutes or so the 2 females were rolled up in a ball trying to kill each other. So much for a friendly dispute.
So, now we have Pippin + Merry in part 1 of their now separate cages, and Sam + Frodo in part 2. I can’t believe they suddenly turned against each other… They used to be such a happy gerbil family
Scott Kirwin:
Alice
I think that people who have pets like to think they are like little people. Unfortunately they aren’t. Try not to be too disappointed. The best thing you can do is watch your gerbs carefully, learn from them and enjoy them for what they are.
Good luck.
23 May 2008, 9:52 pmAlice:
Both sets of gerbils now groom each other and curl up to sleep together. Success! Happy families at last
27 May 2008, 2:53 amHarper:
no gerbs yet, but im not givin up yet! ill keep ya posted….
28 May 2008, 8:11 pmStarGirlAngel:
i have a gerbil but he hung off my finger once and i still have a scar and won’t stop shaking even though it was 1 year ago, we had to ply his jaws open to get him off!! i won’t hold him now so he’s left in his cage cos no one dares to hold him cos he still bites so we wear gardening gloves to feed him cos he’s very territorial. His name was Scamp but now its Biter
29 May 2008, 7:27 amScott Kirwin:
StarGirlAngel
I know your pain – literally. About two months ago I tried reintroducing a male whose cage mate died with another group of males. He and the alpha-male of the party started fighting, and I tried to separate them. He got a hole of my finger and bit down so hard that his top teeth almost went all the way through my fingernail, and his bottom teeth sunk so deeply in my flesh that it was hard to pry him off.
Lesson learned. I still handle them all – just carefully.
29 May 2008, 12:23 pmterry:
hi
my gerbils had babies again and she had 6.
one of them hasa bad paw and it lokk’s bad
wot can l do ???????
29 May 2008, 3:42 pmScott Kirwin:
Terry
29 May 2008, 7:02 pmNothing. Don’t handle the babies for a week or so. Let mom get used to their smells and take care of them without your “help”. As for the bad paw, it might open up later so just keep an eye on it.
vlada:
omg!! thats is the CUTES thing EVER
! i have 2 jirbles(a boy n a girl) n she had birth 2 monthes ago she had a birth of 5 babys but 2 of them died n one was an albino so he died 2 so now i have 2!! a boy n a girl
so cute
7 June 2008, 2:52 pmmina:
Hi. I have 4 guinea pigs. The two parents and two of their babies. The dad is about 3 years the mom 2 and the babies (1 boy,1 girl) are just a little over 1 year old.The boys share a cage an the girls share a seperate cage.I am worried that the son might be sick because his eyes are black and creamy tan instead of black and white.Is there anything I can do to tell if he is sick or not besides going to the vet?
9 June 2008, 3:38 pmScott Kirwin:
Mina
9 June 2008, 4:58 pmAre both eyes the same color?
Has the color of his eyes changed? Is he behaving normally? Do you see any gunk or tears coming out of his eyes?
Katie:
Hi, i have 2 gerbils, peanut butter and jelly.
. J is the girl and is much much larger than pb, the boy. But her tummy isn’t rock hard and it has been over a month. Is she pregnant? I have no idea! Please help…Katie
14 June 2008, 6:24 pmScott Kirwin:
Katie
Don’t be in such a hurry; if you really have a boy and a girl you will have babies. Don’t be poking her tummy all the time now either; just handle Jelly gently.
Most of the time you won’t even know that the gerb is pregnant until you find babies in the litter. Just relax and enjoy your gerbils.
14 June 2008, 7:02 pmAlice:
Hey
15 June 2008, 1:06 pmMy 4 gerbils started fighting, so we separated them. (I’ve told u this before) Obviously, their cages are now smaller. (Although it’s half as big as it was, it’s still reasonably large.) Recently I’ve been noticing they’re looking all greasy and scruffy, and not their usual shiny, perky selves. Apart from that there’s no obvious health problems. (Except that 2 of them aren’t seeming to eat as much as the others…)
It’s worrying me to see their coats like that, especially after seeing photos of v.v healthy, shiny gerbys. What can I do?
Scott Kirwin:
Alice
They’re probably not as well-groomed because they are separated. Grooming is a social behavior, so they can’t do it if they are separated. But you’ve done the right thing by separating them.
You might want to try cedar bedding. Cedar has natural oils that are anti-bacterial. You could also try brushing them while you hold them – maybe by putting a sock over your hand. Better yet try two socks on your hands and gently role each critter between them.
15 June 2008, 8:39 pmAlice:
Thanks, I’ll try that.
16 June 2008, 2:11 amBy the way they aren’t alone- they’re still in twos and I’ve seen them grooming a few times but not very often.
I’m glad it isn’t anything like they’re depressed or something!
Angie:
That picture is so cute!! I have two gerbils-Honey and Sunny, that will be a good idea on their birthday
16 June 2008, 2:41 pmAngie:
I thought my gerbils were both females, but it turnes out one is a boy and one is a girl
How would I be able to tell if one is sick? Also, how would I tell if one is pregnant?? One last question-is it better to leave the father with the mother to help take care of the babies(if she has any)?
16 June 2008, 3:02 pmScott Kirwin:
Angie
Gerbils are rodents and rodents don’t show illness easily; any weakness would be exploited by a predator – so they tend not to show it as much. What you will see is eye discharge, diarrhea or a sudden change in behavior. The best thing you can do is keep their cage clean and feed them food formulated for hamsters/gerbils. In an emergency I recommend vets who specialize in rodents (they’re around).
Chances are she’s pregnant. If the pet store has kept males & females together, and they are older than 7 weeks or so, they will mate. Females get a little fatter when pregnant, but often you won’t notice one is pregnant until you find the babies in the litter. If you suspect a female is pregnant, separate the male from the female. The male will impregnate her just after she gives birth, so it is imperative that you get him away as soon as you find the babies. Mom will be able to care for the kids all by herself.
16 June 2008, 6:15 pmScott Kirwin:
Angie
That’s very good. I usually go by smell. If the cage smells bad to me at all I change it. That’s another reason why I like cedar chips: it smells good!
However if you don’t mind changing it weekly then keep up the good work.
17 June 2008, 6:56 pmAngie:
I had the cedar chips for my hamster in the top part of her cage, and she never leaves that part of her cage except to eat and drink,but when I used cedar chips, she made a nest in the first story of her cage
Could she be allergic to it , or something? When I put her usaul beeding in the top,she went right back up! Also, my hamster never goes on her wheel, or anything! Her cage isn’t that great for her and is a pain when it needs to be cleaned out, should I get her a bigger, and better cage with more space??
18 June 2008, 8:54 amScott Kirwin:
Angie
18 June 2008, 1:37 pmGet a cage that’s easier to clean for you and make it fun for your gerb by putting lots of chewable buildings and bedding that she can dig in. That way she has fun and you spend less time cleaning. It can be a plain cage that you make fun with wooden buildings; it doesn’t have to be anything elaborate.
Angie:
Thank you!! The cage was actually for my hamster not, the gerbils! The gerbils live in a glass aqurium!I was wondering about the cage for the hamster because she seem’s board with the cage-she doesn’t do anything in it
18 June 2008, 2:55 pmAngie:
Is it true that the male and female gerbils may just become companions and not breed?
19 June 2008, 8:54 amKatie:
Ok thanks. Now J has a bloody nose! Is this bad? Is she sick?
19 June 2008, 10:56 pmScott Kirwin:
Katie
If it doesn’t dry up and appears “fresh” over two days or so then she might be sick. However she may have just scratched herself.
Angie
All my gerbs are in old aquariums (I also raise tropical fish and have lots of glass tanks laying around). Just put in lots of wooden buildings and structures for them to chew.
As for your second question… No. If you have a male and female and they are both sexually mature (older than 7 weeks) they will breed. There is no such things as gerbil “friends”.
20 June 2008, 9:30 amKatie:
Ok. it dried now but it has been dry and now wont go away!
21 June 2008, 1:39 amScott Kirwin:
Katie
21 June 2008, 9:07 amIt will. It’s an injury that scabbed over. She should be fine. Just check the cage to make sure there isn’t anything sharp that she could cut herself on.
Katie:
Alrighty. Still no sign of babies
22 June 2008, 6:26 pmSanne:
haha Echt grappig XD
23 June 2008, 12:58 pmZo’n Gerbil op zo’n grote taart.
Ik vind hem echt goed!
Scott Kirwin:
Sanne
23 June 2008, 1:24 pmDe cake proeft heerlijk.
Gerbil proeft slecht – ik denk.
Katie:
Wow, what language is that???
!!
23 June 2008, 10:31 pmKatie:
No Gerbil babies yet…:(
23 June 2008, 10:56 pmI am so prepared i already found homes for them all so i dont have to give them to the pet store and she just doesn’t seem pregnant. Is there ANY chance she would NOT get pregnant? (The girl is much older than the boy and i introduced them much after i had the girl for a while.) I have never seen them mating..I hope she is pregnant though I am gettin impatient!
Katie:
sorry for all the comments but 1 more thing. I have a little brother about 18mos. old. He has opened the cage before (it is at his level) I now put a clip on the door so he cannot open it but he sometimes pushes the cage over. I am afraid that he will do this when (well if..) the mom has her pups and will injure them. Any advice?
23 June 2008, 10:59 pmScott Kirwin:
Katie
The language is Dutch.
I suppose it’s possible that the female and male are incompatible – but unlikely. Don’t rush them.
And definitely keep the toddler away from the cage. Kids that small don’t know their own strength and he could easily hurt the gerbs. The cage should be moved out of his reach.
24 June 2008, 8:28 amKatie:
Would age have any thing to do with it? As I said before the female is much older than the male. Some other websites say that if they dont have babies within a month then they wont have babies at all. Is this true?
24 June 2008, 7:10 pmScott Kirwin:
Katie
24 June 2008, 8:23 pmI don’t see how it could be, but in all honesty most of my experience is from trying to stop gerbils from breeding.
Give it some time, and if it doesn’t happen in a month or so then you might have to reconsider.
Angie:
I DID GET MY HAMSTER ANOTHER CAGE, BUT SHE DOESN’T SEEM TO USE IT EXCEPT FOR THE WHEEL! I CONNECTED BOTH OF THE CAGES SO THAT SHE HAD A BIGGER CAGE
BUT SHE STILL ONLY SEEMS TO BE SLEEPING IN THE SAME SPOT! NO GERBIL BABIES EITHER.
25 June 2008, 5:39 pmAngie:
I noticed that my hamster has a scratch kind of in her ear, could it have been from her scratching her ear, and it isn’t a big deal? Also, is it true that you should cut my hamster’s nails if they get to long?
26 June 2008, 11:23 amScott Kirwin:
Angie
26 June 2008, 7:54 pmYep, small cuts are no big deal. As for the nails, I would leave them alone unless they are way too long. If you think they are way too long then only cut them a little bit using nail clippers for babies.
Angie:
If I got another hamster, I have a black bear, like a teddy bear hamster, could I let them be near each other, and would they be able to share a ball?
27 June 2008, 1:41 pmAngie:
help, my hamster is missing
i don’t know what to do!
28 June 2008, 10:37 pmAngie:
Okay we found the hamater
She was in a closet.
30 June 2008, 10:32 amNoodles:
noodles is adorable
1 July 2008, 7:31 pmKatie:
Hello again. Still no babies. The girl gerb has been acting weird lately though, she tends to like her water a lot and she kinda hides food in these nest like things she builds in the corner of her cage. Also her belly isnt that fat but looks round. Is there any actions gerbils take differently than normal when they are pregnant? If so what are they? Do they act different? Thanks
3 July 2008, 11:45 pmKatie:
O yes one more thing; i have breed rats before. Is that eaiser/harder?
4 July 2008, 1:45 pmKatie:
yoo hoo? anyone there?
6 July 2008, 8:47 pmLaura:
i have one that looks just like that one her name is Pixi! but we have 4 1 month baby gerbils and 4 week old babys they are sooooooooooooo cute!
7 July 2008, 10:36 amLaura:
im here!
7 July 2008, 10:37 amScott Kirwin:
Katie
I’m here too.
As for the actions of pregnant gerbils, I really don’t know. I haven’t noticed anything different – but I could be wrong.
As for rats, I’m afraid I don’t know much about those either. Just dogs, tropical fish, guinea pigs, gerbils, koi… And chimpanzees. I helped study those a long time ago.
7 July 2008, 8:58 pmAngie:
Do you think if i got this male syrian hamster that i found on petfinder, he is 9 months, my black bear hamster would get along with him? i really wan’t to breed her, but before i got her she was breed and killed all of her pups!! would she kill them again if i breed her?
8 July 2008, 12:10 pmScott Kirwin:
Angie
8 July 2008, 2:54 pmI researched this and based on what I’ve read I wouldn’t recommend breeding her. It seems that Syrian hamsters have this kind of trouble and many people report that the mother keeps on killing her young in subsequent litters.
Katie:
OK, thanks. This may sound kinda gross but my female gerbil is bleeding at her vagina…does this have anything to do with pregnancy? What does this mean? I have only saw it once then she cleaned it all off, but i dont know what it was and am worried!!
8 July 2008, 6:50 pmAngie:
the father would be the syrian, the female is a black bear! would that make anything different? also, could it hurt her being breed a second time?
8 July 2008, 8:52 pmScott Kirwin:
Angie
Again I’m not sure it’s a good idea to breed her given her past experience eating her pups. Some people also don’t believe that it’s right to breed two different types together, producing mixed pups.
My main problem with breeding any pet is what are you going to do with the babies? You must have a plan for where you are going to place them BEFORE you breed them. They are cute for awhile but within a few weeks you have to separate them to prevent them from breeding with each other and making MORE babies. Please take a moment and ask yourself “What am I going to do with the babies?” before you breed.
Katie
9 July 2008, 10:13 amIt’s possible that 1. She had the babies already. Check the litter to make sure. 2. She miscarried. 3. She mated.
Watch her carefully.
Katie:
ok, some stuff i have read say that this means they have a urinary tract infection, this is not the case right?
10 July 2008, 7:45 pmScott Kirwin:
It’s possible but usually they clear up on their own as long as you are giving them plenty of water. However if the bleeding has gone on for more than a couple of days, I think you may want to call a vet that knows rodents.
11 July 2008, 9:38 pmScott Kirwin:
As for pine bedding, I think it’s a myth that it’s bad for small animals. See this link.
11 July 2008, 9:43 pmAmina:
I love that gerbil on the cake
!! It is so cute! I have i gerbil named pete! but i’m afraid to hold him in my hands because i think he might scratch me or run away. how do i hold him? plz answer
12 July 2008, 6:25 pmAmina:
Hi again, i waz reading the other comments and i have a plastic wheel the my gerbil chews on, is that a bad thing, he’s healthy and stuff, but will anything happen to him bcz of the plastic wheel? plz answer
12 July 2008, 6:36 pmScott Kirwin:
Amina
Practice holding the gerbil with your hands completely in the cage so that he gets used to you and you get used to him. That way he can’t escape and you won’t drop him.
Once you relax, he’ll relax and you will both enjoy each other’s company.
As for the plastic wheel. I don’t like them, but if he’s doing fine with it then I wouldn’t worry too much about it. Many owners don’t like wheels at all because they are afraid their gerbs can injure themselves. I’m not one of them; but I do prefer a metal wheel.
12 July 2008, 7:38 pmAmina:
thanks scott that was good advice, ur website ROCKS!!
13 July 2008, 9:05 pmJ:
OMG what an adorable picture, such a cute gerbil
I’m assuming only the gerbils are going to eat that cake…I love my gerbils but I won’t eat a cake they ran all over haha…never made a cake for my gerbils but I do bake birthday cakes for my cockatiels 
Very cute!
23 July 2008, 3:01 pmAngie:
Is it true that one gerbil alone might not live as long as it would with another gerbil?
23 July 2008, 3:10 pmScott Kirwin:
Angie
I haven’t seen a study done on gerbils, but I have seen them done on people – and the more social a person is, the longer life expectancy s/he has. Could it be the same for gerbils? I suppose it’s possible.
The problem I’ve found is that sometimes you’ll find a gerbil “bully” that just can’t get along with others. I have a solitary male that is separated from his father and 2 brothers by an acrylic divider. I’ve drilled holes in the divider so that they can smell each other. He’s been separated from his family for many months after my attempt at introducing him to his father/brothers ended with a nasty bite-fight in which I ended up getting a really nasty bite while trying to separate him from his father!
Last week I cleaned the cage and somehow one of his brothers managed to get over the divider – and got into a nasty fight.
This is why it’s important to not force the critters to get along. We might think they are lonely, but when we try to force them to live in one big happy family, they prove that they are animals – and act accordingly.
24 July 2008, 10:33 amaubrey:
hi!! i have 2 gerbils named skittles and snickers they r sooooo cute. by the way that gerbil on the cake is sooo adorible that sucks that it died.
24 July 2008, 12:58 pmScott Kirwin:
Aubrey
24 July 2008, 6:51 pmBandit lived a good life, and unfortunately everything we love eventually dies. That’s why it’s important that we treat everyone – little critters and big ones – with respect and love.
Laurie:
Dear Mr. Scott Kirwin…
Natrully i am notorious for writting Long Long notes, so i hope you like reading- at least i do…heres my story…..Recently i have recived a bunny from my next door neighbor (poor bunny who wasnt taken care of 
)... named daisy-renamed timothy after we fount out she was a boy.im so happy i mean, hoppy, at his progress..he’ll come right up to any one to be petted 
. My awesome daddy is building a humungus out door winter house for him. we have reserched alot,and know she-sorry-he will love it- the thing is, we made a “buget for bunny”...and ended up spending more than it would cost to just buy one. Also- do you have any ideas for toys- he doesnt seem to like toilet paper rolls. i think he wanted to be petted by my cat, cause he chased our cat down the hallway, and now my cat cant be in the same room
Rememember me? Last time i wrote was may 4th
or wontwith the bunny-and my gerbil and the bunny seem quite interested by each other, but im afraid to introduce them again, in which the first time i receved several deep, painful gerbil bites…OUCH!My daddy said kiddingly that the gerbil thought i was feeding him to the rabbit…and i dont know that this could happen…..do you?thanks….Laurie
26 July 2008, 1:20 pmScott Kirwin:
Laurie
Your dad was probably right; the gerbil was afraid of the rabbit – which is why you got bitten.
Mixing animals isn’t easy; in fact in most cases it’s a bad idea. For example, I have dogs, cats, gerbils, tropical fish, pond fish and a guinea pig. One of our dogs shows a lot of interest in the guinea pig, but that’s because I think she wants to eat him! I also keep the gerbils away from the dogs – and cats (of course). And while their cages are close together, I don’t mix the guinea pig and gerbils.
You have to remember how these animals live. Gerbils don’t live with rabbits or guinea pigs. And usually, anything bigger than them in the wild probably ate them – so they get nervous around creatures that aren’t gerbils and bigger than them.
Play with your rabbit, and play with your gerbils, but don’t mix them together. You might want them to be friends, but I’m afraid that they can’t be.
26 July 2008, 8:30 pmAngie:
I know not to force them to be friens, but my dad said that I would have to get rid of pretty much all of the pups:( So I just want to know if the mom and dad will be okay seperated from each other. My gerbils get along great, even though sometimes they nip each other!
27 July 2008, 8:35 pmScott Kirwin:
Angie
29 July 2008, 9:27 amThey’ll be fine.
Ashely:
hi people i have a gerbil too, (obviously) and i’ve tried to hold my gerbil like a million times but i’m afraid it’ll scratch me. i mean he’s scratched me like once before but it didn’t hurt. Is it not healthy to hold gerbils because i’ve had him for 4 months and i’ve never held him. Any advice? Thanks.
P.S. The gerbil on the cake is soooooooooo cute! its exactly like mine! Bye!
4 August 2008, 8:04 pmScott Kirwin:
Ashely
4 August 2008, 8:55 pmIt’s important that you feel comfortable and confident when you hold your gerb. If you feel nervous, it will panic and either scratch or bite you.
I would recommend wearing some light gloves when you hold your gerbil; also start by holding it for less than a minute, then next time a little longer – and the next time a little longer. That way you get used to holding your gerb, and it gets used to being held by you.
Good luck!
Angie:
My best friend just got her first hamster:) It is a male, do you have any advice?
5 August 2008, 7:17 pmKatie:
Hello again, at last she has had babies (baby) < - thats the down part, she only had one and i was told that if the litter is that small they wont survive, she has been alive for about two days and she is still alive but very skinny. I was told that if they are well fed you can see the white in their bellies, but this little guy’s belly is all black. I dont know if i should try to feed him milk from the pet store or let him die , hope he survives or what!??
6 August 2008, 2:22 pmScott Kirwin:
Katie
6 August 2008, 7:42 pmLet nature take its course. It may seem tough, but it is the best way – trust me.
Katie:
OK, he died earlier today
The good news is that im pretty sure she is pregnant again (since they mated pretty much all day) and hopefully this litter will be much bigger and healthier 
6 August 2008, 10:37 pmMaddy:
Im planing on having a birthday party with 4 friends and their hamsters. Is that a good idea ?
8 August 2008, 8:55 amAngie:
Is it okay to give hamsters/gerbils toilet paper rolls? Someone told me that the glue on the roll can be toxic to little animals, is this true?
8 August 2008, 8:57 amScott Kirwin:
Angie
8 August 2008, 10:02 pmThey’re fine. I feed them to mine all the time.
Katie:
Hey again, more bad news. Man, my gerbil has had the worst week!! Yesterday, we went to visit my Aunt and came home and the cage was tipped over on the floor. The male gerbil was sitting in the bottom part of the cage, unharmed. However, the female was very bady hurt. I have two cats and one of them got a hold of the female gerb. When i went in i sat down and she immediately ran under my legs. I picked her up and her left eye was swollen shut and all bloody. She had a big cut on her ear and her lip was really swollen. She has cuts all over her body as well. It seems as though the male has cleaned her off well, but she looks terrible. Should i take her into the vet or let her handle it herself?
11 August 2008, 9:27 amScott Kirwin:
Katie
11 August 2008, 11:56 amCall a vet. See what they say.
tracy:
i have 3 gerbils 2 females and a male. the male is grey the one female is black and the other is tan with black streaks they had babies tonight. only 2 but im not sure which one is the mother. it’s so cute how the dad helps take care of the babies with them he lays over them/wrapped around them and cleans the mothers fur at the same time.
13 August 2008, 11:58 pmbenji:
hi guys im gonna get a gerbil but i dnt know anything about them any advice? plz reply
16 August 2008, 3:27 amScott Kirwin:
Benji
16 August 2008, 9:28 amThere’s lots of advice here and on the internet in general.
The only advice I’d offer is to read up on the critters before you buy them. They are living creatures and need to be cared for properly so that they can live happy and comfortable lives.
benji:
kk thanks scott any website suggestions?
16 August 2008, 9:43 amScott Kirwin:
Benji
This is one of my favorite sites:
http://www.agsgerbils.org/Gerbil_Care_Handbook/index.php
This one is also good:
http://www.twinsqueaks.com/guide.php
Same with this one:
http://www.abcgerbils.com/care.html
If you have any specific questions, feel free to ask. Oh… One more thing..
16 August 2008, 11:13 amPlease don’t mix boys & girls! Baby gerbils are cute but they grow up in 7 weeks to make more gerbils. Pretty soon you’ll have too many, so please don’t breed them.
Brennan:
Hi. What all do gerbils like to eat?
19 August 2008, 6:04 pmBrennan:
hello
19 August 2008, 6:05 pmScott Kirwin:
Hello Brennan
19 August 2008, 6:39 pmGerbils like seeds – especially sunflower and pumpkin seeds.
Brennan:
ok thankyou
19 August 2008, 8:06 pmBrennan:
How many gerbils do you have?
19 August 2008, 8:07 pmScott Kirwin:
I currently have 8. All are separated – boys with boys, girls with girls. One boy is alone because he fights with the other boys. He’s in the same cage but separated from the others by a plastic divider.
19 August 2008, 8:51 pmAngie:
Can I use gorilla glue on my wheel in my gerbils cage, or would it be haremful, because they chew on it?
25 August 2008, 5:50 pmScott Kirwin:
Angie
26 August 2008, 10:18 amI don’t know about Gorilla glue; does it have any warnings on the label?
Can you use Elmer’s glue instead? Elmer’s is safe.
Aly:
hi umm i have a male gerbil(dexter(hes about 4months and 5weeks-just a guess though) and i heard tht gerbils r usually happier in pairs so im planning on getting another male. the pet store owner said tht it would b easier 2 introduce a baby 1. should i dare?? i already have 2 cages just in case. but if i do decide 2 introduce them how should i go abut doing so?? ps im 11
27 August 2008, 6:00 pmScott Kirwin:
You can try to introduce another male.
27 August 2008, 7:52 pmThe best way to do it is with a divided cage where they can see and smell each other – but can’t attack each other. Then after a few days of that you remove the divided for a few minutes while watching them carefully. If they start to fight, separate them (use gloves – you may get bitten). If they don’t let them go for awhile but watch them carefully.
StarGirlAngel:
Scamp died the other day so i’m getting a hamster.
28 August 2008, 2:24 pmScott Kirwin:
StarGirlAngel
28 August 2008, 5:43 pmI’m sorry to hear about your loss. I hope that you had good times with Scamp before he died.
tracy:
one of my baby gerbils died but the other seems to be doing well…when do the babies start drinking water? the surviving baby is now 16 days old
29 August 2008, 1:16 pmScott Kirwin:
Tracy
29 August 2008, 1:19 pmAround 3 weeks or so. As long as they are suckling they get enough water from Mom. Even when they start nibbling on seeds they’ll get moisture from those too. Remember that gerbs are desert critters, so they tend to conserve water. Still, keep a full water bottle in the cage that’s low enough for the baby gerbs to reach.
Scott Kirwin:
Benji
NO CHOCOLATE
Chocolate might be good for people but it contains a chemical that can make animals sick – or worse! Do not give chocolate to any animal except people.
It takes a long time for gerbils to get used to being held; be patient. Handle your gerbs carefully making sure that you don’t accidentally drop them. After several weeks of doing this everyday they should get used to you.
Good luck (and NO CHOCOLATE
) 
2 September 2008, 4:04 amScott Kirwin:
Imi
2 September 2008, 9:51 amBe nice to your brother?
tracy:
my gerbils gave birth to 2 more babies sometime today hopefully they both live this time
7 September 2008, 11:58 pmScott Kirwin:
Tracy
8 September 2008, 9:49 pmGood luck. Remember to leave mom & babies alone for at least 5 days. Then it’s okay to poke around and check on them.
tracy:
5 more gerbils born last night total of 11 now
12 September 2008, 9:19 pmLenny:
I use to have 4 gerbils
!Are you going to eat that gerbil????Please donot eat it
!Is it your gerbil???Ehat is it’s name??Girl or boy???It is sssssssooooooooo cute
14 September 2008, 2:34 pmimi:
hi guys
20 September 2008, 9:08 amimi:
soz i didnt reply
20 September 2008, 9:08 amEmilia:
I have 2 gerbils called Micky and Midge, they are not shy at all. They also enjoy climbing ontop of everyone – including climbing up your trousers. Micky is addicted to iced gems, she started biting my hands because I ate some.
20 September 2008, 4:13 pmEmilia:
Gerbils enjoy chewing so give them a toliet role to chew on, it will be gone by the morning. My gerbils won’t chew any wood though. They won’t use a running wheel either! I had a sleep-over and a peice of popcorn got stuck to their special castle so when I cleaned them out they both starting eating it….then they went hyper.
20 September 2008, 4:21 pmAngie:
My gerbils keep chewing on their metal water bottle holder! Will this hurt them?
21 September 2008, 11:36 amScott Kirwin:
Angie
21 September 2008, 5:24 pmNope. In fact it could help wear down their teeth.
Harper:
Man I havn’t been on this site for ages! But i’m sorry to say that my parents still havn’t changed their mind about the way the feel about gerbils. Any more ideas? Someone? Anyone? PLEASE
!!
2 October 2008, 5:47 pmAngie:
Harper, did you explain to your parents that it would be your resposebility to have gerbils, and that you are old enough to deal with your own pet? My parents said that I was not aloud to have any rodents at all, but I mad a promise that I would make sure that their cages were cleande out and did not smell, and within four months I had three rodents, and proved that I could handle the responsebility:)
4 October 2008, 11:58 amGeribil Luver:
umm did the gerbils actually eat that cake?if so was it safe for them?cant they get sick from cake with all the sugar in the frosting and stuff?
6 October 2008, 8:22 pmScott Kirwin:
GL
6 October 2008, 8:25 pmNo the gerbil didn’t eat any of the cake. Cake isn’t good food for gerbils. They get seeds.
tracy:
my 11 gerbils (i think) are all doing well eyes open the first one is nearly 2 monthes old and getting pretty big and the younger litters that are nearly a month old seem to be getting around good too. question though my adult gerbils are black, brown, and grey and so far only black and brown babies will i ever get grey ones?
7 October 2008, 1:12 amScott Kirwin:
Tracy
Hmmm… Good question.
I think you will because I started with an agouti and a silver and have since had nearly every color out there. I’m checking these color pages to see if any predict colors.
This site has a good breakdown of all colors:
http://home.wtal.de/ehr/gerbils/colors.htm
I haven’t found a gerbil gene predictor site yet, but I’ll update this post when I do.
7 October 2008, 8:37 amGeribil Luver:
I had a white gerbil and an orange gerbil and their babies were 5 brownish colored ones and 2 completely black ones.Gerbils are very unpredictable
7 October 2008, 3:33 pmGeribil Luver:
Also umm the gerbils’ mom went missing when the 7 babies were like 2 weeks old.we had to hand feed them so they wouldnt die and we never found out what happened 2 the mama…i have a cat and we think he mightve eaten her but we never found her body and every single time the cat’s killed something he leaves it lying around.do u think she would run away under the stress to feed 7 baby gerbils/could she be depressed since my cat killed the papa gerbil?
7 October 2008, 3:37 pmScott Kirwin:
Geribil Luver
The fact that your cat killed papa gerbil leads me to believe that your momma gerbil ended up the same way.
I have four cats myself and haven’t lost a single gerbil to them. Cats are natural killers and it’s important that your gerbil cage be completely secured. Also do not handle a gerbil outside of the cage when a cat is around.
I love cats, and I love gerbils but you cannot mix them together!
7 October 2008, 6:57 pmGeribil Luver:
Ty for your help i just found it really strange that we never found her body…
8 October 2008, 3:13 pmScott Kirwin:
GL
It’s possible that she escaped on her own and lives in your house. But… I’m sorry.
Don’t blame your kitty. Cats are by nature rodent killers. Just make sure that your cage is escape proof. I recommend using either an aquarium with a lid (I raise tropical fish and had several extra tanks laying around that have been perfect for gerbs) or a cage bought from the store specifically made for small rodents.
Good luck!
8 October 2008, 3:35 pmimi:
hi guys my gerils are getting a lot tamer
9 October 2008, 1:44 pmimi:
hey guys my gerbils are growing up and getting tamer
11 October 2008, 4:35 amBrennan:
Is there a way you culd make gerbils safe bedding?
11 October 2008, 5:46 pmBrennan:
sorry I said,”Culd.” I meant “could”
11 October 2008, 5:46 pmScott Kirwin:
Brennan
11 October 2008, 8:41 pmUse only bedding made for gerbils and small animals that you buy at pet stores.
Scott Kirwin:
imi
11 October 2008, 8:41 pmKeep up the good work!
Brennan:
Okay thankyou. I have a few questions. Could you help please?
My gerbil Spincer that I have had since December has been acting strange. He won’t come out of his house ever anhd runs away from me. I have never done anything to make him dislike me. He is pretty fat. Should I put him on a diet? Should I tke him to the vet? Why won’t he move that much? Poops evertime I pick him up?
I really want him to like me, like my other gebil Ace. Ace runs all over the place. Thanks.
Btw: Ace and Spincer are in seperate cages.
13 October 2008, 10:49 amBrennan:
At the end of, “Why wont he move” I forgot to put a question mark. and when I said ,”that” after it I dont know why.
13 October 2008, 10:51 amScott Kirwin:
Brennan
Ace likes you, right? Maybe Spincer just is harder to get to know and more shy than Ace. Animals have different personalities. Just like people we can’t make every single one of them like us. Don’t take it personally. You’re probably treating him fine – it’s just that he’s a shy gerb.
It’s possible that he’s bored and stressed out. Make sure you have some toys to play on and chew in his cage. Also pick him up for a few minutes every day. Be gentle and perhaps give him a nice fat pumpkin or sunflower seed while you’re holding him. It may take some time but eventually he will warm up to you.
Good luck!
13 October 2008, 2:08 pmBrennan:
Thankyou! :]
13 October 2008, 9:17 pmArala Warren:
I had two gerbils, Snickers and skittles, and they were extremly friendly and always let me hold them. A week ago, skittles passed away and snickers got very sad. Snickers in no longer friendly and when i try to scoop him up he runs away like i was trying to hurt him! He barely eats or drinks or runs on his wheel. What can I do to help him?
19 October 2008, 4:48 pmAlice:
Hi everyone!
) with gerbil issues and queries. You do a great job!
21 October 2008, 8:14 amTo Scott Kirwin: you do such a great job helping all these kids (including me
I just want to say that if any gerbil owners here would like to read about other gerbil owners experiences and find out about questions, check out this very useful forum…..
gerbilsuk.proboards15.com/
It is so handy, like this one!
(And if you don’t like ‘advertising’ on the forum, Scott Kirwin, then feel free to delete my post:) Sorry if this isn’t allowed!!)
Scott Kirwin:
Alice
21 October 2008, 9:36 amNo worries. Thanks for the link!
Kate:
Hey! Cute gerbil! did you eat the cake?
lol! To bad he was killed. =( But I have 4 gerbils, two in each cage, and things like that do happen every once in a while.
21 October 2008, 11:10 amlauren:
i have my FIRST gerbil and i got hi 3 weeks ago. He’s small and white and fluffy and his name is Montgomery. I love your gerbil, he’s so cute! I wanted mine to have babys, tiny white ones but my mam said NO and NEVER
21 October 2008, 2:27 pmlauren:
SHE WOULDNT LET ME GET BOY AND GIRL…ONLY A GIRL, OR A BOY, EITHER, I CHOSE BOY.
21 October 2008, 2:29 pmAdam:
My mom said no never to my first gerbil also when i asked two have babies!
21 October 2008, 4:01 pmScott Kirwin:
Adam and Lauren
No babies! You start with two and before you know it you have 8 then 32 then 128! All within the first year!
One gerbil is best: two girls or two boys is okay. But never make them have babies. Sure the babies are cute but they grow up quickly (in less than 2 months they can have babies of their own).
So your moms are right! No babies!
21 October 2008, 8:34 pmlara:
A really really good website for learning more about gerbils is http://www.twinsqueeksgerbils.com. Scott I like this website and you give out great info, but I thought it would be ok if i gave this out. (hope it is!) P.S. My gerbil died of old age at 5 1/2 years. I will be getting a new one tommarrow. My first gerbil was a gift, so i don’t know what to look for at the store. What are the signs of a healthy gerbil at the store? My mom says I should get two so one won’t get bored, But i just want one! Is it true two is better?
21 October 2008, 11:17 pmLara:
http://www.twinsqueaks.com is what i meant sorry!
21 October 2008, 11:20 pmCutie Pie:
Hi! sorry I haven’t been on in a while! My gerbil just pooped. I know what you’re think why do you have to know this but get this; the poop was WHITE. crazy huh? i just wanted to know if she’s ok or what.
24 October 2008, 12:49 pmthanks!
Daisy S:
Heya
1 November 2008, 2:42 pmIt’s me! I Have Not Been On For Aaaaaages
My gerbils are well at the moment which is good.
But a few weeks ago, Alice (albino) was standing up when I saw her private part (not her bum) and it was a blackish colour and it looked slightly wet..so I got worried. Everything is fine now, but I was just wondering, what was that?
Sorry this sounds very strange, but I just want to find that out because I have been wondering about that for a while.
Thanks.
Daisy S xxx
Scott Kirwin:
Daisy
1 November 2008, 3:31 pmProbably wet from grooming. I wouldn’t worry about it unless it begins to appear bloody. Then she might have an infection.
Geribil Luver:
OMG!I dont know what 2 do!my gerbils had babies!theres 13 now but the bad thing is the babies are incesed kids so what should ido
4 November 2008, 7:32 amScott Kirwin:
GL
The kids are probably fine.
What you must do as soon as possible is separate the boys from the girls. If you need help sexing gerbils, Google “sexing gerbils” – there are plenty of sites with pictures out there.
4 November 2008, 3:03 pmGeribil Luver:
Ty but they were just born today so its kinda hard 2 sex them.Also dont inbred animals get diseases sometimes tho.
4 November 2008, 6:58 pmScott Kirwin:
GL
4 November 2008, 7:25 pmInbreeding is generally to be avoided, but when it happens it’s not a disaster. You’ll need to separate the babies into sexes though sometime between 3-6 weeks.
Geribil Luver:
TY so much 4 ur help
5 November 2008, 4:01 pmDaisy S:
Hey, it’s Daisy
?!
:(:(
9 November 2008, 10:19 amUm..just wondering, I haven’t seen one of my gerbils for a day or two, and was wondering…is she ok?
Sick? or..even..dead
please help
Scott Kirwin:
Daisy
10 November 2008, 11:33 amLook around the cage. Be gentle but you really should make sure that everyone’s okay.
someone:
awww! i am such a fan of rodents!! some people think it is gross, but they are so sweet!!
10 November 2008, 8:47 pmCutie pie:
Ummmm im still waiting for the white poop thing, but get this: ITS RED NOW
! so ummmm… PLEASE HELP ME
! :’-(
13 November 2008, 11:44 amcutie pie:
and i mean BRIGHT red
13 November 2008, 3:32 pmScott Kirwin:
Cutie Pie
Show it to your mom or dad and ask them if they think it’s blood.
Normally blood in your poop looks black – not bright red.
Check for injuries around the bottom.
It’s possible that the blood is coming from somewhere else.
If your mom/dad thinks it blood, you might want to call a vet who handles small animals.
Good luck and keep me posted.
13 November 2008, 6:21 pmBrennan:
Hi everyone!
15 November 2008, 2:14 amBrennan:
Sorry I thought hat wass a smiley… :sweat:
15 November 2008, 2:14 amGeribil Luver:
How old do little baby gerbils have to be til u can start handling them?
15 November 2008, 8:43 pmScott Kirwin:
GL
You can check on them – move them around in the nest gently – after a week. After about two weeks you can handle them gently with your hands in the litter. Don’t pick them up – just let them crawl on your hand in the litter.
After about three weeks its okay to play with them – but be careful. They jump and if they fall more than an inch or two they can die. The best way to play with them is in their cage; if you want to play with them outside of the cage, place the cage on the floor and then lift them out carefully onto the floor.
They will jump! So handle very very carefully.
15 November 2008, 10:02 pmGeribil Luver:
TY but is it true about the falling thingy cuz the first baby gerbil litter that i had i was playing with one on top of my dresser and i dropped it and it fell like 6 feet and lived.
16 November 2008, 10:28 amScott Kirwin:
GL
One of my babies from my first litter leaped out of my son’s hands and fell three feet onto the floor. It broke its back and had to be put to sleep at the vet that night.
You got lucky.
17 November 2008, 12:33 pmGeribil Luver:
wow thats very sad im quite fond of the gerbil that i dropped im glad he didnt die his name is dragon
17 November 2008, 8:34 pmGeribil Luver:
My mom gave my gerbils a washcloth to help keep em warm (it was a dry one) and the mama gerbs shredded it up and 2 of the baby gerbils got their paws stuck in it and 1 of their paws fell off and the other ones paw is twisted backwards. Do you think the gerbils paw that was twisted ever heal again or will it always be deformed like that?
17 November 2008, 9:03 pmLaurie H:
Mr. Scott Kirwin,
I know you havent heard from me in ages. I am really upset becase my gerbil frisbee died. We are not sure what happened.Well,let me tell you this. When we normally put frisbee in his ball, he normaly sits and cleans himself so we put him back in his cage. when we put him in the day before yeseterday he ran around the house for 3 hours. at abut 8 o”clock and the next day we found him in the top of his cage really cold… and i thought he was dead. we put him on a heating pad and his ears came up, is nose twiched and his eyes opened.I sat there for an hour talking to him. we turned him over every now and then, and when i came back a few minutes later he wasnt breathing. since i wasnt sure if he ws dead or not, i kept him there. To my unfortune,he wasnt-well you know-alive.Im so depressed and i cant really talk about it without getting upset.
laurie
19 November 2008, 9:19 pmLaurie H:
Sorry! i ment to say we put him in at 8 o’clock(pm)! We found him at 6:00(pm).
19 November 2008, 9:26 pmScott Kirwin:
Laurie
Losing a pet is tough; don’t let anyone tell you that “it’s just an animal.” It’s okay to feel sad when a pet dies just like it’s okay to be sad when a person dies. Sure the love is different but it’s still LOVE; it’s just as real.
Here’s an essay I did when my dog Curly died two years ago. I still miss him.
19 November 2008, 10:37 pmGerbil Luver:
OMG
!!My gerbils had another litter
!Unfortunately the baby gerbils that were already in there keep smushing the newborns
Wgat do i do ? should i take the older babys out and put them with their dad? How old do gerbils have to be til you can take them away from their mama?Will the daddies be mean to the babies if i did put them in there?????Will the older Babies hurt the newborns????Help Me plz
!!
20 November 2008, 12:20 pmScott Kirwin:
GL
Don’t mess with the babies. Let the moms handle it. If the dads are in a separate cage don’t move the babies into their cage!
If it’s less than 8 weeks or so then the babies are from a different mother and should be okay. If it’s greater than 8 weeks then the older babies should be ready to eat solid food and Mom will make sure they do.
Either way just make sure that you’ve got all adult girls in one cage and all the adult boys in another. Gerbils get pregnant immediately after giving birth so hopefully there aren’t any adult boys in the cage with the moms – but double check.
20 November 2008, 1:06 pmGeribil Luver:
there are no adult boys in the cage ive checked a cajillion times to make sure they are all females and how old do the older babies need to be before i seperate them because they keep rough housing with the newborns
20 November 2008, 1:51 pmGeribil Luver:
hi
20 November 2008, 3:00 pmtracy:
i cleaned the gerbil cage and found i have 7 gerbils now i dont know where 3 of them went. there is no way for them to escape. they haven’t had babies in quite a long time and i am certain there are males and females present … wonder what happened. I have plenty of facilities to care for alot of them and was hoping to raise many litters
21 November 2008, 1:54 amScott Kirwin:
Tracy
21 November 2008, 9:36 amGerbs aren’t known for cannibalism. I suppose it’s possible but sounds to me like you have yourself a mystery.
Madalyn:
i’m getting 2 male gerbils soon, probably before Christmas arrives. i’m sooo excited, i have never had one before! i have been researching them like crazy, but i was wondering if you had any advice that i might not have seen that you think would be good for me to know?
22 November 2008, 9:40 pmBitsy:
My gerbils had babies a week and 2 days ago. I was wondering when can we separate the mom and the babies?
23 November 2008, 3:38 pmMadalyn:
I was also wondering if anyone could find any pictures of 6 week old gerbils, preferrably male but female is fine, i guess it doesnt really matter. i have been looking for a while but can only fing one picture. i want to know what they usually look like around that age because that is the age i am probably going to get one at.
23 November 2008, 4:01 pmScott Kirwin:
Bitsy
After 7 weeks. Here’s link on how to wean the babies.
Madalyn
24 November 2008, 10:38 amJust make sure you get two males. Look at their bottoms and see that they are the same to be certain. Here’s a link that shows you what their bottoms look like.
Daisy S:
Hey
?
?
?
??!?
Yesterday I saw the weirdest thing
EVER
My two FEMALE gerbils ewre humping eachother, yes, actually humping eachother
And they both did it to eachother so it’s not like one of them is a boy
and anyway i know girls because boys have genitals!
anyway, WHY WERE THEY DOING THAT
Please answer!!
24 November 2008, 2:40 pmDaisy S:
sorry i meant to put were not ewre
24 November 2008, 2:40 pmMadalyn:
yes, i am getting two males. thanks for the link.
24 November 2008, 8:24 pmHarper:
Hey! Just here to say I still have no gerbils. My dad said I’d be bored with them in a matter of weeks. Just like my cousin did with his gerbils. My mom said you can’t cuddle with them nor can you barly hold them. Is she right? I don’t think so. My cousin just doesn’t know how to train them properly and if you really try hard they can be great companions. I need something that will really prove to them that gerbils make great pets. You know, the really should have things for just this situation. Some sort of thing that lends you an animal for a few weeks. If you like them, you can keep them. If you decide their boring, you can return them. Wow, that would be so much easier than to but it then decide you really are bored with them. Man, I’m smart!:)
25 November 2008, 3:57 pmMadalyn:
nooo, you can totally cuddle them and hold them. but some gerbils are not so cuddly. but to make sure they are, when you get them, hold them for a little while and see if they like being held by you, if so then they are obviously great for cuddling. If not, then don’t get them! p.s if youre not going to take care of them you shouldnt have bought them because if u wanted them then you cant just give up and sell them later. They are not toys they are living creatures that have feelings
25 November 2008, 8:52 pmGeribil Luver:
When ur getting a gerbil it would be a good idea to get one from a breeder so that way when theyre really small u can visit and hold them so they get used to u.Thats wat im doing with my friend
26 November 2008, 9:27 amMadalyn:
oh thats a good idea, gerbil luver. i think i will do that if i end up getting my gerbils from a breeder not too far from here.
26 November 2008, 10:07 pmLeah:
I have a gerbil i named him google…
27 November 2008, 2:26 pmGeribil Luver:
Hi
Happy Thanksgiving People
27 November 2008, 3:31 pmpengu146:
I have a gerbil.I learned afterwards that the people at the shop lied saying that it was solitary. so if i buy another one from the same litter will they attack each other on site. it will have been 2 days
28 November 2008, 12:23 amScott Kirwin:
Pengu
28 November 2008, 12:22 pmIt’s hard to say. You would have to put them in the same cage with a divider separating them, and then gradually allow them to spend time together while watching them – ready to separate them should they fight.
pengu146:
thank what do you reccomend for a good divider
28 November 2008, 2:27 pmDaisy S:
Hey
?
?
?
??!?
28 November 2008, 4:15 pmYesterday I saw the weirdest thing
EVER
My two FEMALE gerbils were humping eachother, yes, actually humping eachother
And they both did it to eachother so it’s not like one of them is a boy
and anyway i know girls because boys have genitals!
anyway, WHY WERE THEY DOING THAT
Please PLEASE PLEASE answerrr
Scott Kirwin:
Pengu
Here’s a link that explains how to to build a divider.
Daisy
28 November 2008, 5:38 pmMounting can be a sign of dominance; it’s a way to determine who’s the boss. Watch for any signs of biting or fighting. They should be fine but it’s important to keep watching them.
pengu146:
I put them together and right now i watch them when they are together and they sniff each other and go on with theyre lives. they really like each other. the new one is bigger than the older one and i think he took over the cage.
28 November 2008, 7:59 pmGeribil Luver:
The new litter of gerbils that my mama gerbils had died the day after they were born
I dont know what happened to them but do you think that the mamas stopped caring for them because they already had other babies in there?
28 November 2008, 10:35 pmScott Kirwin:
Pengu
As long as they aren’t fighting they should be okay; but keep watching them.
GL
29 November 2008, 9:50 amI think it’s possible they were born too early. Gerbs usually don’t have another litter until the last one is weaned.
Geribil Luver:
OMg if anybody knows plz answer this is a life and death matter here.My baby gerbil isnt moving im trying to feed it something and i need to know if its okay to give it honey.i already gave it some water know im making cream of wheat
30 November 2008, 3:05 pmGeribil Luver:
Never Mind guys it just died
30 November 2008, 3:53 pm^
Geribil Luver:
30 November 2008, 3:53 pmGeribil Luver:
hey cool smileys
30 November 2008, 3:54 pmMadalyn:
oh god im sorry they died GL!! D:
1 December 2008, 8:16 pmMadalyn:
im getting my two male gerbils soon!! i really hope i can beg my mom and dad to get them either this weekend (i highly doubt it) or next weekend. i dont want to wait until christmas!!
2 December 2008, 7:41 pmcutie pie:
Well, she seems ok but her poop is dark red every so often and yesterday she pooped white again so can someone please help me?
?
?!? ive been waiting for almost a month….. plzzzzzzzz hellllllllpppppp meeeee
8 December 2008, 1:46 pmScott Kirwin:
CP
8 December 2008, 9:34 pmI’ve Googled this and found no answer. I suspect that it may be due to what she is eating and may be okay. But if you are worried then you should consider taking her to the vet for a checkup.
Rachel Chavez:
Hey Ed i love ur gerbils but i am still mad at you 4 breaking Becca’s heart
10 December 2008, 3:44 pm!!
alyssa biskner:
aaaaaaawwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwww i just bough this same gerbil today
14 December 2008, 5:31 pmAngie:
i haven’t been on for a long time, but one of my gerbils, and my hamster died. i have one gerbil left, and i think that she killed the other gerbil, and she may even be pregnant! she made this huge nest in the corner of her cage, and she doesn’t leave it unless she is drinking or eating! oh and the hamster died from old age:( i mess them both VERY, VERY much:(
20 December 2008, 1:17 pmmaddy:
why do hamsters eat so much ? I know thats a dumn Question
21 December 2008, 6:48 pmScott Kirwin:
Maddy
It’s not a dumb question. The reason why hamsters, gerbils, mice and other small rodents eat alot is that their bodies need lots of energy. The energy a living body uses to survive is called “metabolism” and small rodents have high metabolism. Consider that a resting mouse’s heart beats about 500-600 times a minute; it can go up to 700 when the mouse is active. That’s 10x faster than yours.
Since rodents like hamsters and gerbils are small, they tend to lose heat much faster than large animals. To generate that heat they need lots of energy. That’s why seeds are so good for them. Seeds are packed full of energy that they need to survive.
22 December 2008, 10:44 amMadalyn:
i reeeally want two male gerbils for christmas. i have researching them and watching videos of gerbils and looking at pictures of them like crazy. i told my mom about them and how much i wanted them and she said probably i could get them for christmas. i showed her the gerbil cage i liked best. and now i pretty much ruined the surprise because when i was looking at my moms emails, i saw a confirmation email of an order she made on amazon of the cage! i was happy but mostly upset because i completely ruined the surprise D:
23 December 2008, 8:13 pmLohen'smom:
wow, this is a great little site! i just bought my son a gerbil for xmas, after researching extensively. i have one question-”houdini” is OBSESSED with his dust bath. he just loves it so much! is it harmful for him to have more than one bath a day?
28 December 2008, 8:11 pmScott Kirwin:
Lohen’smom
28 December 2008, 9:08 pmGerbils are desert dwellers so tend to like dust baths. What kind of “dust” are you using?
Lohen'smom:
kaytee chinchilla dust bath.
29 December 2008, 8:48 amScott Kirwin:
Lohen’smom
29 December 2008, 10:52 amI haven’t found anything bad about excessive dust bathing so it should be okay.
Lohen'smom:
lol @ “excessive dust bathing”
pretty funny. i think it’s so great that you have this site! the kids all seem to adore you!
29 December 2008, 11:13 amScott Kirwin:
Lohen’smom
29 December 2008, 3:06 pmMy serious writing about politics is nowhere near as popular as my postings on gerbils. LOL. I’m just glad to help.
Lohen'smom:
hi
29 December 2008, 6:32 pmLohen'smom:
that was lohen. he loves the page too!;)
29 December 2008, 6:33 pmbenji:
hi guys havnt been here in a while… see ya lol
2 January 2009, 12:32 pmCutie pie:
hey guys…................ ummmm my gerbil has a HUGE scab and we’re all worried about her. we’re wondering what we can do. I’m goning to post it on the the other picture blog thingy but if we need to take her to the vet, can you tell me what vet you would reccommend best thats in Ohio? Okay, thanks.
2 January 2009, 5:43 pmGerbil Luver:
Omg i was scrolling up and reading past comments that i wrote and realized ive been spelling gerbil wrong!anyways my gerbil is sick and i dont know whats wrong with it… its heartbeat is really slow and its pretty much lethargic but its breathing is shallow and fast and its also a male if that has anything to do with it…(all the other gerbils that had the same sickness were males
) plz help me!
11 January 2009, 5:38 pmGerbil Luver:
11 January 2009, 7:20 pmScott Kirwin:
GL
Well… If things are as bad as you describe chances are that he’s gone by now. If not, you can take him to a vet or you can keep him warm and hope that whatever it is passes.
Sometimes being a pet owner isn’t easy.
11 January 2009, 10:22 pmDaisy S:
Hi.
I am worried.
My gerbils have not been sleeping together and they usually do, they usually snuggle up together, so I have a few questions, and I really hope you can answer them.
1. Can gerbils..have arguments, and fall out?
2. If the answer to number one was yes, how long does it take for them to be friends again?
3. Do you have a reasonable explenation for why they’re not sleeping together?
(and also, I hardly ever see them come out anymore, they’re always sleeping..apart of course
Molly is always in the coconut house upstairs, and Alice is in the nest downstairs.)
4. Could any of this be controlled by dominance, like Alice doesnt want Molly to go near the nest for example?
I hope you can answer these few questions, and get back to me quickly.
15 January 2009, 10:14 amDaisy S.
Scott Kirwin:
Daisy
1. Honestly we don’t know. It’s clear that gerbils are social animals that tend to like the company of their own kind, but do they have non-violent disagreements? We know they can fight – but argue? I don’t know.
2. That’s a hard question to answer for people – let alone little critters. Much of it depends on the cause of the dispute (not sharing the pumpkin seeds, poor grooming technique…)
3. Is their cage too warm? If it’s close to a heater or the heating vent it’s possible that it’s too warm in the cage. Check the air in the cage with your arm. If it feels warm to you it probably is HOT to your gerbs. That would keep them apart.
If they truly were unhappy with each other I think they would fight. However it’s possible that they simply need some “space” or time apart.
Keep an eye on them and if they meet AND fight – then you have a problem.
15 January 2009, 11:38 amDaisy S:
Thankyou very much, they seem to be sleeping together now;
16 January 2009, 7:19 amThey are by a heater, but their glass cage is not hot.
Daisy S
CUTIE PIE:
HELP
HELP HELP HELP FAST
!! my gerbils tail is bald in spots she claense her tail alot and may just be pulling out hair… but im willing to spend any money to help her get better…. her tail is normal looking i mean its not bent awkwardly at least…..... but please please please please respond ASAP
! im worrying sick about her
! and im in hyterics
:’(
23 January 2009, 1:04 pmScott Kirwin:
CP
Excessive grooming could mean that your gerbil is bored. Make sure her cage is clean and that there are things to do in it (a wheel to run on, lost of things to chew on, etc).
If there’s another gerb in the cage, watch for signs of aggression. She may have had a fight and could be stressed out by that. Separate the two if you see any signs of fighting.
Finally, she could have mites. Mites are tiny insects about the size of the period in this sentence. Examine her closely; if you notice anything tiny and moving on her, then you will need to get special powder.
Gerbils are pretty tough, and she should be okay once you make a few changes to her cage.
23 January 2009, 3:49 pmGerbil Luver:
my gerbil didnt die it just passed its ok now
23 January 2009, 8:41 pmcutie pie:
thank you soooo much we concluded that it was excessive grooming…. we did a simple test(gently rubbing a paper towel on the furless area, and if ther are no things moving on the twel, no mites….) hey if ther are non-moving black spots on a bald area on a blacked-furred gerbil, are they still mites? how long can they stay still?????? well, thanks anyway that took most of my worry away!!
p.s. the other gerbil is too lazy to start a fight….. 
and there is plenty to do in the cage we made sure of it since Cinderella had the scab….... 
23 January 2009, 9:13 pmScott Kirwin:
CP
23 January 2009, 9:21 pmGlad to hear. I’m not sure how to entertain a bored gerbil.
Sounds like you’re taking good care of her.
cutie pie:
thanks!
p.s.
24 January 2009, 11:51 amshes acting normal
cutie pie:
hey, again! ive been on this iste a lot lately…... i have just a few more questions about mites…....I f there are non-moving black spots on a black gerbil, are they still mites? How long can mites stay still? How long do mites stay on pets? What can I do to make them go away? plz answer…...
thanks for all the help youve already given me
! 
you guys the best 
i wouldve gone mad with worry by now if you guys hadnt helped me 
ill bet my gerbils are happy too! 
26 January 2009, 11:42 amcutie pie:
P.S. ........i like the smileys
!! 
26 January 2009, 11:43 amcuite pie:
im going to see how many smiley thingys there are…......
>:( XD :B B) ok thats 8…...
26 January 2009, 11:47 amlol…......
cutie pie:
only 4 worked…... oh well…...............
26 January 2009, 11:48 amGerbils r Cool OMG:
Hiya that gerbil is sooooooooooooooo cute! Poor him gettin killed
but anyway think on the bright side 
17 February 2009, 9:25 amcutie hello:
Poor gerbil its me Gerbils r Cool OMG! but a different name
:* 
:8 8):@ :#
i like smileys too cutie pie!
17 February 2009, 9:27 amcutie hello:
ONLY 3 WORKED DAMN
;( 
17 February 2009, 9:29 amcutie hello:
YES 5 NOW kinda cheated from cutie pie hehe lol OMG
17 February 2009, 9:30 ambuzzer:
i have two gerbils, fudge and marshmellow, they rock and fudge is the same colour as the lil gerbil on the cake. Although mine are cute they both bite me alot.:)
28 February 2009, 3:32 pmLOL:
:rofl:
1 March 2009, 6:59 pmHarper:
i havnt been on this site 4 years
!! just here 2 say, no, plan T isnt workin out so well either 
. but im not givin up yet 
! time 2 move on 2 plan U. i’ll keep ya posted.
2 March 2009, 7:59 amMeghan:
Hi i just LOVE it!! I was just browsing images on google and BOOM there it was! ALL CUTE AND FLUFFY ON A CAKE
Bandit is the cutest little thing!! sorry about his death though…. I know what it feels like. I have had 10 gerbils 3 of them i have now but one of them.. sugar…... i’m sorry hang on a minute. WAAAAAAAHHHHHHHH
!! SUGAR
! ok thank u for waiting. She died in 2008 and my whole worldwas inside her. I wanted to die. I think one day i will beacause of her…. anyway sorry this letter is so long i’ll jjust stop typing now. BYE
3 March 2009, 8:31 pmamberz:
wow i love this cute little picture!!
18 March 2009, 1:04 pmi have 2 gerbils pumpkin and midnight i have recently bought a wheel (a silent one made of hard gerbil proof plastic) and it has been in the for 5 days and they dont go on it at all, and they both are fat yet they have now a wheel and running balls , pumpkin like picking out the seeds and nuts then eating anything else and they usually go through a hole bown in a day!
they have many toys like wooden balls and vegetables a wooden cube 2 ,wooden logs, one little log, a wooden bendy bridge which i secured to one side of the glass cage so they can scratch at it and manymineral blocks.
And because they have a glss cage they have about 3 inches or more of sawdust so they digg alot and it has 3 shelves to jump on (i make sure the food is at the top one so they work for it )
amberz:
EDIT: * i mean a whole bowl not bown XD
18 March 2009, 1:06 pmBrennan:
My gerbil spincer got out of his cage and my cat got him, then I got another gerbil and her death was a mystery, then my gerbil I had gotten when spincer was still around got killed by th cat also..
Im done…
20 March 2009, 4:02 pmEmotes:
:domo:
): :bigreen: :heart : :rofl: 
23 March 2009, 8:50 amEmotes:
23 March 2009, 8:50 amEmotes:
:.:
23 March 2009, 8:51 ambuzzer:
I absolutely love erbils and feel that this web page is not for emotions but for the gerbil lovers so pease may all emotions stop. thank you.
23 March 2009, 9:04 ammadalyn:
hello
!! since i have last posted on this site, i hadnt even gotten my gerbils yet! but i got them on january 2nd ‘09 and one of them died at the age of like 2 and a half months D:
23 March 2009, 4:38 pmit was soooo terrible i was breaking down in tears. but his brother is still going strong he has had some close calls. he suffered through a huge depression after his brother died and i was so worried he would die too. all he wanted every single day was to be held and loved by me. he would climb his cage for up to a half an hour after i would leave the room. he was so pathetically clingy and needy. then he snapped out of it and started acting normal. then he slid into depression again then out. he kind of goes in and out of it sometimes but at the moment he is doing good….he is sleeping right now
Scott Kirwin:
Madalyn
23 March 2009, 5:50 pmGlad to hear all is well.
Aly:
i had a gerbil named Joey and he mysteriously died. i went to feed him and there he was dead. :,( i didn’t notice any strange behavior or anything. (keep in mind this was x-mas ‘08 hard to remember) i was just wondering if you could help me figure out why. thanks in advance. bye.
p.s. i currently have 3 gerbs, Tilly and Tiny about 2-3 months(the twins), and Dexter:D he’ll be a year on May 6th.,
again thanks
bye
25 March 2009, 8:35 pmScott Kirwin:
Aly
Was he with Dexter or was he alone? How old was he?
Sometimes you can treat your pet the best and it still dies too soon. For example my son’s cat recently died. She was 13 which is somewhat old for a cat but not ancient. We took excellent care of her. We gave her good food, changed her litter box regularly and most importantly did not let her go outside. She was snuggling with my wife in bed, sat up suddenly and died. My wife’s a doctor and there was nothing she could do – it happened so suddenly. She was the best cat, and there’s a hole in my heart from her death.
Death is part of pet ownership. It’s important to treat your animals the best you can – good food, clean places to live, giving them lots of love and affection. Enjoy them for as long as you can because someday they will be only a warm memory. I hate Death, but as my son wisely said, his cat died to make room in our home so that another cat can have a good life. He’s a very smart 12 year old and I’m very proud of him.
25 March 2009, 10:06 pmAly:
he wuz alone but the cages were next to each other so they wouldn’t have to be lonely and he wuz abot 2 monthes old
27 March 2009, 8:37 pmAly:
about* and thank you
27 March 2009, 10:19 pmkayla:
aww..i had a gerbil once that died after a seizure. i miss him so much. now i have another thats 2. He is so fat though!!
11 April 2009, 6:41 pmAngie:
Is it possible to put a couple of same sex gerbils in a cage with one that is about 10 months old? We previously had 2 sets of 3 male gerbils—all living 3-4 years. When it was time to get new gerbs, the pet store was selling females, so we got 3 more. They were so much more active and mischievious than the previous sets of males we had. What we mistook for rough-housing ended up being aggression. One of our gerbils ended up killing her sisters over a 6-8 week period of time. She’s really cute, but we’re so mad at her. Plus, she seems bored—duh, here’s a thought-play nicely.
23 April 2009, 8:40 pmSince she’s so aggressive, is it a bad idea to give her 2 more targets. Or is it possible that the siblings could equalize her, and they all get along? We miss having more than one gerbil, and she’ll live at least 2 more years—if we don’t put her ouside to play with the owls first (just kidding, we’d NEVER do that)
Scott Kirwin:
Angie
23 April 2009, 9:50 pmI’ve had spotty luck when it comes to introducing new gerbils. You could try it, but be prepared to separate them at the first sign of trouble. The divided cage method has worked the best for me. Have them live side by side but separated for a few weeks, then put them together for an hour or two. Watch for any sign of aggression and separate if necessary. It may take some time, but it can be done.
laura:
im thinking about getting a gerbil and is it ok if i get one instead of two? and also how often do u have to play with them? i dont want to sound like i dont want to because i do its just im at school and activities and things…
6 May 2009, 8:25 pmScott Kirwin:
Laura
Sorry I waited to reply but one of my cats is having kittens! So I’m a bit distracted.
Get at least two gerbils – but make sure they are both boys or both girls. Go to a good pet store that knows how to tell their boy parts from girl parts. Two or three gerbils will live very happily together.
7 May 2009, 9:50 pmJade:
hi im 14 and my brother has had experience of breeding mice in the past, are gerbils similar in caring and breeding terms? i know some friends that want the baby gerbils and would give them great homes once they are of age, thanks.
15 May 2009, 5:51 pmJade:
oh and i hope your kittens are fine!
15 May 2009, 5:54 pmScott Kirwin:
Jade
The kittens are coming along nicely, thank you. Their eyes and ears just opened yesterday.
As for breeding… I don’t recommend it because it quickly gets out of hand. Note that gerbils get pregnant within 24 hours of giving birth – so unless you are very, very careful you can go from 2 to 30 in about 6 months like I did.
IMHO gerbils are easier to deal with than mice. Mice tend to cannibalize more than gerbils do. It’s not fun raising cute little furry Hannibal Lecters. So I prefer them over mice.
15 May 2009, 9:48 pmJames:
Aww. I have one gerbil. I use to have two but one died of a scent gland tumor. poor gerbil. He was only 3. My little brother was so sad it was his gerbil. My gerbil is tough. but im a little worried. Man hes smart. Hes house trained. His name is kerry.
31 May 2009, 12:23 amCherry:
I just got 2 female gerbils a few days ago, but I’m afraid one of them is a male because they keep sleeping on top of each other. Is this normal? What should I do?
8 June 2009, 12:48 pmCherry:
A while back u said that there should be no plastic in a gerbil’s cage. My gerbils have a plastic kind of mini house that they sleep in, and there hasn’t seemed to be a problem. I really want 2 keep it in their cage so they have a special place to sleep, but I don’t want 2 be putting them in danger. What should I do?
8 June 2009, 7:00 pmScott Kirwin:
Cherry
It doesn’t matter whether the gerbils are males or females; all gerbils sleep together. Gerbils are very social creatures and like being close to other gerbils – especially when they sleep (it’s warmer.)
As for the plastic… If there doesn’t seem to be a problem, then don’t worry about it. But when you go to a pet store, check out the Cozy Cottage and other all-wood houses. Gerbs love to sleep in them and chew them to pieces!
8 June 2009, 7:37 pmHarper:
No gerbil yet
i tried the power-point presentation like you suggested but i dont think its working
10 June 2009, 6:45 pmbunnylover:
omg that is a cute gerbil on the cake!! u should make a cake-like thing that the gerbils can eat!!
there both girls and there sisters
11 June 2009, 5:01 pmi have 2 gerbils, blackie and cupcake
ur gerbil is sooooooooooo cute!!
ANON:
Wow I can’t believe people have been commenting on this photo since 2007 lol it should get an award. I have rats, I’ve never been a fan of gerbils or hamsters just because they bite (hamsters at least) and I find them less affectionate then rats (hell what do I know I’ve never actually owned a gerbil
) But my cousin did, and I remember one eating the other one. Then like the sixth comment on here is about a son gerbil killing his father… Is it common for gerbils to kill each other? Why??? Rats would never do this! :S:S:S:S
2 July 2009, 11:20 pmANON:
Oh and the only thing I have to say (after going through and actually reading a lot of these posts) No offense Scott, I think you’re wonderfully educated on the whole gerbil thing. But you really can’t see the mites, they are way smaller then a period. If the gerbil has scabs (usually around the face and back of neck (in rats at least)) it’s a sure sign of mites. I wouldn’t use the pet store powder stuff because that’s more likely to kill your pet. Go to your vet and get a drop of revolution. It should clear those buggers up in a matter of a week or two.
2 July 2009, 11:48 pmScott Kirwin:
Anon
Thanks for the advice on the mites.
I don’t know much about rats but from what I’ve seen there does seem to be dominance issues with males – especially with females in nearby cages. I have seen several fights between males – but not a single one with females. This kind of fits the patterns I’ve seen with other animals.
As for cannibalism, I had mice once and that was quite common with them. But I’ve never seen one gerbil actually eat another. It may be possible, but I think it’s extremely unlikely.
My gerbil crew is down to 4 – 3 males and 1 female. All are approaching 4 years old which is quite old for them. Once they are gone I’m done with rodents.
My next project is going to be horses!
3 July 2009, 9:51 amANON:
Ah you can’t be done with rodents if you’ve never had rats
Yeah I had male rats a long time ago and they would fight often. Nothing too bad really, there would be a few squeaks then a lot of noise then you would just see one rat being help down and groomed by the other one. So long as they like each other while establishing dominance they never really hurt each other just “I’m the boss now let me clean you” Don’t get me wrong I’m not trying to make rats seem like angels, I’ve heard some nasty stories about rat fights. I’ve just never had the first hand experience (thank goodness).
And I’ve actually just gotten a new rat tonight (I own females now) And while trying to introduce her she got a little cocky and got put in her place (again this just consisted of being over powered then groomed)
I’m not 100% sure that the gerbil ATE the other gerbil, so much as ripped him apart. I didn’t know that about mice either : good thing you mentioned that because I’ve been thinking about getting some (even though I know they will never be as good as rats)
I’m shocked gerbils live that long : it’s longer then the ‘average’ lifespan of rats (that all of my rats have outlived ;P)
6 July 2009, 1:00 amcutie pie:
AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!
!! WAHHHHHH!
:’( 
:’( 
7 July 2009, 9:49 pmMY GERBI LOST ONE OF HER FRONT TEETH AND THE OTHER TOP TOOTH IS LOOSE
IM SO SCARED SHE MIGHT DIE OF STARVATION PLEEEEASE HELP
FAST PLEASE!
Scott Kirwin:
CP
How did she lose her tooth? There must be something in the cage that is hurting her teeth. You must figure out what is damaging her teeth and remove it from the cage.
In the meantime try feeding her soft unshelled seeds like unshelled sunflowers and fruit like bananas.
8 July 2009, 8:11 amThe good news is that a gerbil’s teeth regenerate: they will come back – and she will eventually be able to eat hard seeds again.
cutie pie:
okay thanks, the other one fell out this morning. i just fed her some lettuce. thanks!
8 July 2009, 5:55 pmSarahhh:
Im getting a gerbil soon some people have been telling me not to get one! but i still am they say that there really vishius!? and some one told me to get a hamster WHEN THERE EVEN WORSE can i have someone’s advice hamster or gerbil? x
14 July 2009, 10:18 amScott Kirwin:
Sarahhh
14 July 2009, 2:56 pmIf you read some of the comments above you will see that gerbils make good pets. Although they can nip you, they are generally not vicious. Just handle them carefully and treat them well and you will do fine.
Sarahh:
Okay thanks
now i cant wait
18 July 2009, 4:19 amJadeee:
Hii ,, i have been wondering if i get a plastic cage for my girbil when it gets bored will it chew throught it ,, give me some advise on wether to get a plastic cage or a metal cage or a glass cage ????
! 
18 July 2009, 4:21 amDevon.S:
ohhhhhhhhhh thats so cute i just got my gerbil its 1 month and a half old. now i now what i’m doing for his b-day
!! 
25 July 2009, 8:39 pmSarah :):
Hello im getting my gerbils in like one month and I don’t know what cage to get because im scared if I get plastic incase it chews threw it and im bothered if the metal cage is to small please I really need some good advice like soon!! :S
xx
20 August 2009, 6:54 amScott Kirwin:
Sarah
20 August 2009, 8:28 pmHow about a 10 gallon aquarium? They are cheap, safe for your pets and won’t make a mess.
Sarah :):
Thanks Scott Thats helped alot!!
xx
28 August 2009, 7:36 amkory:
i get two tomorrow and i’m going to name them tank and herman
12 September 2009, 7:10 pmi used to have three named mr. squeeky elvis and spike
Anonymous:
I have a gerbil her name is zoey, i have had her for maybe 4-6 weeks. When I pick her up she moves arund alot. She wont stay still. When she sleeps she sleeps in the corner of the box house in her cage with her face in the corner. Normal?
If you want to see a picture of her I got one.
Thankyou.
12 September 2009, 9:36 pmScott Kirwin:
All gerbils are different. Zoey sounds like she is a very normal little gerb. Just be nice to her and hold her every day and she’ll get used to you. Try hand feeding her pumpkin or sunflower seeds – all gerbils love those.
13 September 2009, 10:20 pmcrasherpro:
omg my gerbil is called bandit and he looks simular to him i have 3 gerbils crash,bandit and coot
18 October 2009, 12:08 pmmome:
We have fleas in the house, and my gerbils may have them. I will have the house treated, but how can I treat them for fleas? The mom has 3 week old gerbil babies.
Thanks!
9 November 2009, 10:26 pmScott Kirwin:
Mome
First confirm that your gerb has fleas. They should be pretty easy to see. If s/he does have fleas, then get some flea shampoo specially made for small animals. You might have to ask at your local pet shop or even vet to get it.
A flea infestation is a nightmare. Be sure to treat your house thoroughly, and use Frontline Plus on all your cats/dogs. But first make sure your gerb really has them before you treat him/her.
10 November 2009, 11:00 amGerbil Advice Needed:
I have 8 gebils. I’m about to have more. My 2 gerbils in the begining were supposed to be males. BUT one had a litter of 7 pups. Peanut is an Argente golden. SHE is the mom (that’s why she is capslocked). And Oreo (I didn’t pick the name, I know it’s cute but it’s not exactly Oreo’s fur color) is the daddy. He is a pied lilac. I love them soooo much. When they had 7 babies, I jumped up in down with joy. But later along the line one baby gerbil got a disease and wouldn’t eat or drink and he would always sleep. So he died and Peanut ate him. But now they are almost 5 weeks old now. And the mom is really fat. I think she’s going to have another litter. But the problem is I don’t want to put the babies in the other cage with their dad. And I don’t have another cage. Is it okay if I leave the entire 1st litter in there with the second? If not I’m sure I can just buy another cage and put all the baby boys in that. But I heard that you can keep the baby girls in with the mom to help with the litter. Anybody have advise???
15 November 2009, 10:41 amcutie pie:
PLEASE HELP things had been going ok with our gerbils, but now the really fluffy one is lighter than they crazy active one and shes not moving mery much her eyes are almost alyaws closed or half closed and if you lay her on heer side, she just lays there instead of flipping right side up like she used to PLEASE HELP WE’LL TAKE HER TO A VET IF WE NEED TO PLEASE GIVE ADVISE ON WHAT TO DO UNTIL WE CAN GET HER TO ONE!! PLEASE
17 November 2009, 11:44 amcutie pie:
we’re worried it’s her leg or spine shes still putting out waste, but not eating. shes trying to move but she cant she could move yesterday. shes drinking though we made sure we’re really worried since we’re first time gerbil owners and
17 November 2009, 11:54 amcutie pie:
we just want to know shes gonna be okay
17 November 2009, 11:55 amScott Kirwin:
Gerbil Advice Needed
17 November 2009, 5:23 pmYou will need to separate the gerbs into separate cages: boys in one cage, girls in another. Otherwise you will keep having babies. My guess is that your mom gerb is pregnant again. Put her in a cage with only girls. After she has her babies, put the boys with the boys and dad after about a month. Good luck!
Harper:
I HAVE AN EMERGENCY
!! I know, this is totally off the gerbil subject, but I don’t have a yahoo account or anything that I can ask this question on, but I thought you guys may have experience with this situation. I have a VERY old common goldfish, and I have one of those algae magnet cleaners for her tank because cleaning her tank the normal way causes my old lady goldfish tons of stress and she usually doesn’t recover from shock for a few days. Well, I was scrubbing her tank and trying to get the magnet around the corner of the tank when the magnet on the inside of the tank fell and hit my fish while she was swimming by. I noticed a tiny spot of blood on her back, and I started freaking out. We have an algae problem, and I’m worried it could get infected. Normally I wouldn’t be worried, by she is SO old I’m worried it won’t heal. I left the tank light on for her because she is most active when the light is on and maybe if she’s swimming the blood will clean out the cut. I’m sooooo worried about her. She’s the only fish in the tank so I won’t need a quarintine tank, but if any one has any siggestions of some medicine I could put in the water to heal the cut faster I’d be so grateful. And also, please tell me if she’ll be ok in the long run with her cut. I love this fish like any other family member cus I’ve had her for so long and I need help now more than ever.
23 November 2009, 12:50 pmsarah:
I have 3 gerbils toffie, goldie and patches. I looked at the cage and found half of patched tail under a toy.Im not putting it in again. What do I do? its been 4 weeks now. he seems okay. but some times he tripps because i heard gerbils need tails to balance. i saw that gerbils tails arent normally pulled off but i read its so if a preditor catches it it will come off. only the skin and fur came off. tofie chewed the dry bone off but it has to come off anyway he just has a shorter tail now. he seems ok.
11 December 2009, 4:20 pmScott Kirwin:
Gerbils can lose their tails in accidents and they do indeed grow back.
11 December 2009, 4:29 pmPatches should be fine.
Beth:
Hi, I’m Beth. I’m 13 and I had a gerbil about 7 years ago (who died of cancer at the age of 2, but that’s not what this post is about). I’m getting 2 in January, but I was just wandering if anyone could give me some tips on how to make their lives as fun and happy as poss. My first gerbil was really easy to take care of, she was really passive and she niver bit or anything, so I’ve had good experiences with gerbils, but I haven’t had a pet in a while and I’m a bit unsure about how to start handling my new gerbils, any tips for that?
14 December 2009, 2:51 pmBeth:
Oh and sarah; my gerbil, Smokey, lost some of her tail too. Patches will be fine, Smokey recovered without any problems, and it might take a while for patches to get used to it, he’ll find his balance again, probably within a couple of weeks. If you’re worried about it getting infected, add some salt to water and wash the end of the tail in it, it’ll help stop infections and help it heal.
14 December 2009, 2:58 pmScott Kirwin:
Beth
15 December 2009, 12:41 pmFirst get more than one gerbil. Gerbils are social creatures and need to live with others. Second, make sure you get gerbils of the same sex. Don’t breed them because they reproduce very quickly and can create all kinds of problems (read the posts above). Third, make sure there is a lot for your gerbs to do in their cage. Give them places to explore, things to chew, and places to hide. Finally, handle your gerbils daily. Let them crawl on you and hold them – just make sure that they can’t fall. Remember, a fall of even two feet is about the same as you falling 30 feet.
Harper:
Hi! I’m pet sitting two female gerbils, anad since it’s a holiday I wanted to give them a special treat. I tried giving them a cheerio but they aren’t showing much interest. So my question is, what’s a healthy treat that gerbils love?
25 December 2009, 10:21 amScott Kirwin:
Pumpkin seeds. A close #2 is sunflower seed.
25 December 2009, 9:13 pmBeth:
Thanks Scott.
29 December 2009, 2:26 pmWe’ve decided on two females, one black and one almost white, we’re calling them Pixie and Sprite. We’ll be buying them at the end of the week when their cage arrives. We’ve bought some ladders, tunnels and chew toys for their cage, and we’ve got a wooden climbing frame for outside the cage.
I’ve been reading through a book about the best way to handle and pick up gerbils, so I don’t think I’ll have any problems there.
Beth:
Oh, I forgot to add this to my last post:
Harper, almonds are a good treat for gerbils.
29 December 2009, 2:28 pmHarper:
Okay, thanks Scott. Thanks beth
29 December 2009, 6:33 pmBeth:
Pixie and Sprite are home! They are THE cutest ever (though I bet we all think that about our gerbils, eh?)!
31 December 2009, 9:52 amThey are currently exploring their cage and getting over the shock of a bus-ride home!!
Beth:
Errr… I think Pixie may actually be male. She keeps mounting Sprite and chasing her around the cage, and it says in my gerbil book that that is a sign of mating.
2 January 2010, 3:44 pmCould this mounting just be Pixie displaying her dominance or are they trying to mate?
We have sexed them, we are know that Sprite is female but we really aren’t sure about Pix.
Oh and they are about 3 1/2 months old, therefore sexually mature.
mome:
My previous gerbil female died, and we got a replacement from a pet shop. They have had 4 litters already, but none of the babies have survived. The longest they have lasted is about 3 weeks. The dad had many litters with our previous female. What is going on? Sometimes the babies look sickly just before they “disappear”, but not always.
13 January 2010, 12:25 pmScott Kirwin:
Mome
14 January 2010, 12:25 pmIt’s possible that there is something wrong with the female either physically or with her instincts to care for her young. If it’s the former, then she will most likely never be able to mother successfully. If it’s the latter, she might eventually succeed, but there is no guarantee.
Sarahh:
Hello I have had my gerbil’s for 3months now I like them but everytime I go near them they always hide and when I hold them they try to escape it’s really annoying is this normal or should I make them feel more safe around me? Please write back it’s really annoying me that I can’t go near them
:/
16 January 2010, 8:28 amScott Kirwin:
Sarahh
16 January 2010, 7:55 pmYes it’s normal. Gerbils are wild animals and by nature don’t care for humans. However if you are nice to them, hold them a lot and give them treats, they will warm up to you.
Abby:
so cutee i got my gerbils yesterday but i dont think they like me because when i went to hold them 24 hours later like the pet shiop told me all they did was bit me x also ive got a tube going down the botom of the tank but one always hides there i dont even no i s hes in there hes callled cornflake they other one who comes out though is cherio i think he likes me
<3 anyone no how to help anout cornflake :( :'(
31 January 2010, 10:04 ammome:
About 8 months ago I got 2 gerbils from a friend. They, and some of their children have died. My friend still has his gerbils, the parents and siblings of mine. Am I doing something wrong that mine keep dying? It seems like I feed them the same kind of gerbil diet, give them paper and boxes to chew just like my friend does.
15 February 2010, 9:07 amScott Kirwin:
Mome
16 February 2010, 10:44 amIt’s hard to say. As long as you feed them enough to eat daily, provide them with water, and change their litter every week or so, they should do fine. Watch the gerbils and make sure they aren’t fighting or stressed in any way; too much stress will kill.
Daisy S:
Hey, I wonder if you rmember me? I always used to comment up to about a year ago when I just completely forgot about this site, anyway, one of my gerbils (Molly) just died of a tumor in her lungs, and now my other gerbils (Alice) is all alone. Molly died about two months ago, I was just wondering .. do you think Alice is ok? I handle her everyday and give her treats and she seems fine but I was just wondering whether she is lonely, I definately don’t want to get another gerbil and I don’t want to go through the pain of seeing them die, and the other be alone, so what should I do?
27 February 2010, 5:19 pmThankyou x
Scott Kirwin:
At her age I think that adding a companion would be a bad idea. Handle her and love her and let her live out her days in peace.
27 February 2010, 6:39 pmilsa:
i know what it’s like to lose a gerbil. we have a gerbil named voldomort b/c he
i wonder….. why do boy and girl gerbils fight?? each of my gerbils is in a seperate cage!! and i want to reunite them but how?? help!
28 February 2010, 11:33 amkilled his brother.i had 2 litter’s.the first litter was 5 pups (one died)(runt).
the next was 4 pups(one died the runt). at that time we had 11 gerbils plus the perents.now we have 4,bitsy,(the only yellow – orange one)rose,(gray),shilo(gray),and of corse volomort(gray) he is FAT
Daisy S:
I’m sorry to say that I had to put Alice down today, the vet said she had heart failure.
18 March 2010, 8:02 amGerbil_lover!:
Hi, my name is Sophie and I am 11 years old….I was wondering if i can get a new gerbil and put it in the same cage as me recent one> My mom said Zoe (my recent gerbil) will die. Is that true?
24 March 2010, 6:08 pmScott Kirwin:
No, but they may fight. You might want to read in the comments above on how to introduce a new gerbil. It’s not very easy.
24 March 2010, 7:46 pmGerbil Lover:
I have 20 gerbils.
16 April 2010, 11:00 amemma:
I have 2 gerils one is fluffy and tiger . Fluffy is black with 1 white spot on his back. Tiger is tanish color with tiny , thin black stripes
18 April 2010, 2:09 pmcutie pie:
hi! i havent been on in a long time! my three-year-old gerbil is taking in the two not-quite-one-year-old gerbils as her own. there is not a problem there, but the two younger ones seem to be fighting. is this normal??? only Squeak has (noticable) scabs, and Pip is the one thats always fighting her. Belle tries to stop them, but she was recently bitten by one of the younger two. i really dont want o separate them again, because i know theyre not territorial against each other, but this is starting to worry me. i thought they just might not have enough to do, so i started to put boxes in the cage for them to cew, but Squeak has a brand-new scab! please help, if you can, and how can i (if i can) safely and non-toxically clean their wounds?
18 May 2010, 11:00 amthank you~
~CP
Scott Kirwin:
Watch them carefully. Make sure that the wounds aren’t from something in the cage or from playing. If they are from fighting and it worsens then you will have to separate them. If the wounds scab over then they don’t need cleaning. If they look infected though then you might have to apply a bit of antibiotic cream on the wound – like Neosporin. Just use a tiny amount on a Q-tip.
18 May 2010, 11:21 amSarah Fields:
Hi, I’m hoping someone can help me out here. I recently bought 2 female gerbils, they are about 6 or 8 weeks old now. I am wondering if it would be okay to separate them in 2 months. I want to keep one at home, and take one to college. They could be reunited every 2 weeks or so. Is this a bad idea? Thanks
22 June 2010, 9:32 amScott Kirwin:
Sarah
Sorry about the delay. The spam killer app I use flagged my own comment for review…
That’s a very bad idea. Once they are separated, reuniting them might be impossible.
Besides, gerbils are social critters. They need companionship.
Take both or leave both.
22 June 2010, 11:52 amLaurie H.:
Wow, I havent posted in two years-I read my old stuff and my first comment makes me seem like a snob! Anyway—-
Mr. Scott Kirwin—My two gerbils, Pippin and Merry, have been pampered by me. I think they need a diet ( my friend Bailee calls Pippin Fatso). Any diet advice? And what is a healthy gerbil weight?
Thanks!!
Laurie :”)
18 July 2010, 10:49 pmScott Kirwin:
Laurie
19 July 2010, 8:50 pmDon’t worry about their weights, seriously. Just make sure they have plenty to do in their cage and they’ll do fine. Our you can put them in a roller ball and have them roll around a safe room. Healthy gerbil weight is between 60-100 grams (2 1/2 to 4 oz).
Laurie H.:
Thanks! Will do.
One more thing—is it Ok to give my gerbil cotton balls? Merry likes to shed them for bedding.
Laurie
20 July 2010, 9:12 amLaurie H.:
Oops, I meant shred!
20 July 2010, 9:13 amScott Kirwin:
I’m not sure about the cotton balls. S/he could swallow them and they could get stuck in his or her intestines. I would stick to wood shavings.
20 July 2010, 9:56 amElizabeth Reyes:
that is soo cute i hav gerbils my self and they had babies and that cake is soo cute haha
24 July 2010, 11:28 amHarper:
Heyyyy, no ones posting here for a while! Anyway, Jingle and Bell are coming to stay for a few months tomorrow and I was watching some how-to videos online to get some more info and I found a girl who’s like 11 years old and was doing these great gerbil vids! However, she had three MALE gerbils in one cage, and they were getting along fine, even though there was some fighting the first few days when she brought in the last one. I was wondering if doing that would be too risky or perfectly fine because my cousins have one male gerbil who is getting lonely but they’re worried that they could be problems with a second male. Is this true?
7 November 2010, 7:14 amP.S. I forgot to say that she brought in each gerbil at a different time
Thanx
Scott Kirwin:
Harper
Speaking from my experience the girl got lucky. You could try what she did, but be prepared to pull them away from each other and put them into separate cages. You’ll have to watch them for any signs of aggression and separate them them immediately when you see it.
Good luck,
8 November 2010, 3:53 pmHarper:
Thank you!
8 November 2010, 6:05 pmHarper:
Please help me I need help FAST I got home from school today and found one of my gerbils dead and the other is dying she can’t open her eyes and is walking weird with jerking jump-type things and she won’t sit still she keeps pulling herself around the cage now she’s asleep. I’ve checked her breathing every once in a while and it seems normal but she’s VERY thin and is very unresponsive, like she won’t lift her head when I stroke her (though she usually runs away). They were fine this morning but lately they’ve been acting weird they would both bite me really hard and climb up my arm to jump out of the cage which is not normal for them. I’m really worried its dehydration but she’s ignoring the water on my fingers and she’s trying to eat but shes too weak even with a shelless seed. I really need help and quickly I don’t want to loose both of them and even if it’s too late please tell me what’s wrong with them!
22 December 2010, 4:31 pmHELP PLEASE
Scott Kirwin:
Harper
I don’t know what’s wrong with them, and there isn’t much you can do. All you have to remember is that whatever happens IT IS NOT YOUR FAULT. Everything dies, and I hate it. Most everybody does. But this is the way life is.
First off, remove the body of your dead gerbil. Next change the litter (if it hasn’t been changed in a while). See if your mom or dad has an eye dropper. Use that to try to get water into your gerb.
22 December 2010, 5:56 pmHarper:
Thank you. Bell is still breathing a bit but I don’t think she’ll last the night. I’ll let nature take its course. She’s old…Thank you anyway though
22 December 2010, 6:19 pmScott Kirwin:
Harper
Hang in there. Taking care of pets can make you very happy. But sometimes it can make you sad when they get old and die. All you can do is treasure each one throughout its life.
All my gerbils eventually died, and I didn’t get any more. Instead I bought a farm and now I rescue dogs and cats. Each dog and cat is unique with its own special personality. I love each and every one of them – just like I did Bandit, Silver and the other gerbils. I hope that when you grow up you remember the good times you had with your gerbils and have even more animals. There will be many that need good homes by then, and the lessons Bell and the other gerbils taught you will be useful.
Good luck!
22 December 2010, 7:09 pmLaurie H.:
OK gerbil emergency!! My gerbil Pippin’s leg is messed up, and he has sores around his neck. Him and Merry are both two and have Never fought as far as I can tell. He cant move his leg and the sore around his neck looks raw…(bacterial infection ??) What should I do? All that is in his tank is a wheel, tp tube, and cedar chips, and a bottled water and food.
Please respond
27 January 2011, 4:56 pmScott Kirwin:
Laurie
First remove the wheel. It is possible that he injured his leg using it. Next try cleaning the wound on his neck with hydrogen peroxide or some other type of antiseptic that doesn’t leave a greasy or oily residue that Merry could lick and get sick on.
Make sure the cage is clean and that he has lots of fresh litter.
Finally, watch them for any signs of fighting. Those sores are probably bite marks from Merry. It is very possible that they are fighting, that Merry senses weakness in Pippin and is trying to be the boss. If you see them fight, you will have to separate them.
27 January 2011, 5:22 pmLaurie H.:
Okay!!
will do. Thank you so much for the quick reply.
Sincerely, Laurie Howard
27 January 2011, 9:07 pmLaurie H.:
However, Im still having problems with Pip’s leg/foot. Its all swollen around the ankle. COuld it be an infection? is there anything I could do about it? Pip is about 2 1/2.
Thanks, L.H.
29 January 2011, 6:27 pmScott Kirwin:
Laurie
29 January 2011, 7:50 pmIt would be best for you to take him to the vet, but I know that costs money. Rodents have remarkable healing powers, so he probably will get better on his own. Just watch it and see if it gets worse. If it does you may want to call a vet.
sasha:
I have to gerbils (girls), I have had them for like two years so far… they are so cute! What is the cake made of?
27 February 2011, 6:45 amScott Kirwin:
Sasha
27 February 2011, 8:26 pmIt was a regular store-bought cake. We didn’t give any to the gerbil though because cake is not good food for gerbils. Gerbils like seeds – especially pumpkin and sunflower seeds.
Laurie H.:
Dear Mr. Scott Kirwin,
12 August 2011, 3:09 pmLaurie H.:
sorry… as you might recall, I asked a question about my gerbils earlier. Now they are 2 1/2 and 3 years old! One of them, Pippin, the eldest, seems to really be aging. He wobbles a bit and his scent spot is rash-y looking. However, the big things are that his nails are growing drastically and I dont know if I should trim them. He has also lost a tooth
! He cant “shell” anything and he weighs much less than he used to. What do I do?
12 August 2011, 3:14 pmScott Kirwin:
Laurie
12 August 2011, 3:45 pmAs long as his nails aren’t keeping him from moving around I would let them alone. The stress of trimming them might make Pippin feel worse.
As for the food, feed him nuts that don’t have shells like unshelled sunflowers or other soft nuts.
3 years old is a very long time for a gerbil; he’s an old man! So treat him like one. Give him lots of love and treasure the time you have together.
Laurie H.:
Thank You, and i will make sure to do that. I appreciate the quick reply.
12 August 2011, 5:36 pmLaurie H.:
Dear Mr. Scott Kirwin,
Pippin died today around six. He died warm and safe and I want to cry but I am not going to because I know he had a pretty good life. With all the turmoil in the world now, I think someone else needs to be pitied more than he does.
Thanks for the advice, he enjoyed several pumkin seeds before he died. : )
Laurie H.
The only problem is that Merry is really acting wierd, but I dont think I should adopt another gerb because Merry is 2 1/2, and I dont want to leave a younger gerbil alone either, if you know what I mean. Do you think he will calm down himself and I should leave him alone? Or should i do something?
15 August 2011, 8:31 pmScott Kirwin:
Laurie
You took wonderful care of him, and the lessons you learned from Pippin will carry on through your life as you grow up. When I was 5 I received a small, sickly kitten who I had to feed milk to with a doll bottle because she was so small. She was sick and her mother wouldn’t feed her so I did. She grew strong and became my best friend, and lived for 17 long years. I have had many pets, and each is special in his or her own way, but that cat… I still think of her even though she’s been gone for a very, very long time.
There are many things in this world that you can’t do anything about. But you could do something about Pippin: You took care of Pippin and he lived a long happy life because of your love. You should be very proud of yourself.
As for Merry… I don’t recommend adding a new gerbil. Let him settle down and give him lots of love. Somewhere up in the hundreds of responses we’ve talked about adding new gerbils, and I don’t think it works although some people disagree.
And it’s okay to cry.
15 August 2011, 9:00 pmHarper:
Hi! So my cousins are over with their gerbil, a three year old male. Today, he’s been acting kind of strange. All day, he’s been super limp, and suddenly froze and started drooling. After that he perked up a little but we’re still kind of nervous. He went back in his cage and started shaking for a minute or so and then stopped. We gave him a lot of toilet paper tubes yesterday, but could that have anything to do with it? My cousins love their gerbil more than anything, so we really need him to get better. Please respond ASAP. Should we call our vet?
4 September 2011, 6:02 pmScott Kirwin:
Harper
4 September 2011, 8:12 pmIs it possible that he got too hot in his cage? Has he been drinking water? Since he went back in his cage, have you seen him move?
If you’ve taken gerbils to your vet before, you might be able to reach him/her on an emergency number – but most vets do not see small animals like gerbils.
Harper:
YAYYY! Cloudy is 100% better today. it’s like it never happened! It turned out to be a seizure. If it happens again, we will for sure take him to the vet.
5 September 2011, 8:30 amScott Kirwin:
Glad to hear he’s better.
5 September 2011, 1:13 pmThe Razor » Blog Archive » The Razor Celebrates 10 Years Online:
[...] Popular Posts For all of my ranting and raving about politics and economics, I am the King of Gerbils. As of this writing there are 777 comments in that thread mostly from kids worried about their pet [...]
4 October 2011, 1:27 amgabbyg:
i have two gerbils and i just made a HUGE MISTAKE
i used pine bedding!! aaaahhhh i am soo worried all the websites say its so bad for them i have to be more careful
18 December 2011, 10:33 pmgabbyg:
by the way i am ten
18 December 2011, 10:34 pmMaddy:
I currently have 1 gerbil, two died just recently, on January 7th, 2012. Another in September, 2011. Piper, Fudgie,and Caramel. I miss them SOOO much!
My last gerbil, Peach (Peaches) is happy in her cage, in my room, and I take her out to run around in her pen, which i fill with books to let them explore. Since everyones writing their age, I guess I will too. Im 11.
9 January 2012, 7:59 pmDavid:
waiter, there’s a cake on my gerbil.
18 April 2012, 10:36 amLaurie H.:
My last gerbil, Merry, died yesterday. He was 3 1/2. I think that will be the end of my 8 total gerbil streak started when I was five. I’m gonna miss you, buddy.
22 April 2012, 3:58 pmIs it just me or has this post slowed in its activity? I remember when I was in 5th grade it was constantly being commented on.
Scott Kirwin:
Laurie
The thread has slowed down considerably. I’m still amazed at its length. It is by far the most popular post in the 10 1/2 years of this website. The Internet is a strange place.
I don’t keep gerbils anymore myself. I live on a farm now and continue rescuing animals, mostly dogs and cats but even chickens too. The great thing about gerbils is that the love you have for them will stay with you and be given to other animals that come into your life. It will never be wasted.
22 April 2012, 7:45 pm