signs of a stressed gerbil
One of the most common challenges people have with gerbils is that they dont know how to tell when the animal is stressed. Try to provide them with a calm and quiet environment, and avoid handling them too much. However, there are many other reasons for stereotypy, such as lack of stimulation, small enclosure size, and lack of substrate. This is easily seen in their body language and behavior. You can also make your own split cage easily enough. Foot stomping and vocalizations, such as squeaking and teeth chattering, can be stress-induced. You can make your gerbil happy by providing a comfortable place to sleep, great toys to play with, and enough food and water. Gerbils play fighting, however, is an entirely different thing. They will seem content and at ease and spend time together as normal. This gerbil could be one of its previous cage mates or a new gerbil. 11. Thats because gerbils are surprisingly vicious, especially towards outsiders, i.e., gerbils that are strangers. They are relatively low-maintenance and can provide hours of entertainment. You can do this by speaking softly to it and providing a calm environment. It is responding positively to your petting and scratching. proliferative ileitis. By doing this, you get each gerbil used to the others smell. Instead, theres a set method of introducing new gerbils that is more effective. If any gerbil that is not part of the clan tries to trespass, it will chase them away. First, it can cause you to consume heartburn-inducing foods or alcohol, which can also cause heartburn. Your gerbil digging in the corner of its cage, where there may be no substrate. Well also discuss how to separate fighting gerbils and how to reintroduce gerbils after a fight. Gerbils have tiny hearts that work hard. Like humans, gerbils digestive systems dont function as well when they are in fight-or-flight mode. Gerbils all have different characters. Stress can lead to emotional and mental symptoms like: Anxiety or irritability. The gerbils will hop around together side-by-side or one following the other. They may bite their own tail or any other part of their body, sometimes to the point where they draw blood. Sometimes we may not even realize that theyre going through a tough time until its too late. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); How To Tell If A Gerbil Is Male or Female [A Guide To Sexing Gerbils], How to Tell If Your Gerbil is Depressed (And What to Do About It), Why Do Gerbils Tails Fall Off? If your gerbil has gained a lot of weight and has been in contact with a male recently, then watch out for signs of your pet building a nest. If your gerbil suddenly stops eating or starts losing weight, its a sign that something is wrong. If your gerbil is behaving strangely, it might be stressed. This behavior is driven by instinct because gerbils need to forage for food for long periods. You will no doubt have noticed some of these strange behaviors, including: This behavior is called stereotypy. Its commonly displayed by animals kept in captivity, either as pets or in zoos. Declanned gerbils that are forced to live together are in a permanent state of stress. Chest pain or a feeling like your heart is racing. Gerbils can also become stressed if they dont get enough food or water. The loser will sleep in some other part of the cage, e.g., in the running wheel or corner. Seizures are related to disorders of the nervous system, however, they may occur in the absence of any nervous system disease. Its also essential to make sure your gerbil is happy. Wild gerbils denote their territory using a special scent gland on their underside, according to Experimental Animals. Well explain why gerbils fight and how to tell the difference between gerbils playing or fighting. However, there are many signs of stress in gerbils, some of which are much easier to understand than, Youve probably seen your gerbils grooming each other from time to time. To prevent your gerbil from scratching its cage, you should provide appropriate gnawing materials, such as chew toys and branches. It can make them sick and can even kill them. Gerbils bodies can become quite stressed when theyre sick or in pain. Because this isnt possible in captivity, it makes the aggressor angry. This is normal behavior and completely harmless. If your gerbil used to run on its wheel, Why Do Gerbils Tails Fall Off? Gerbils communicate their mood through body language and noise. That alone can fix most problems. It can also be caused by a change in routine. True gerbil fighting is rare in bonded pairs, but it can happen at any point, often without warning. Exercise on a wheel can also help your pet to overcome loss and depression. You may also notice squeaking, gerbils sleeping separately, and the losing gerbil will be excited to leave the cage. I love animals, and I have three beautiful boys. One of the most common reasons why gerbils become depressed is when their friends die. Gerbils fighting will aggressively bite one another around the head and tail areas, usually drawing blood. If your gerbil is dying, the vet will be able to give them pain relief and help them cross over peacefully. Your children may have emotional outbursts that are inconsistent with their previous behavior or the current situation. Fighting is a gerbils way of saying, get out of here you arent welcome. Real gerbil fighting is aggressive, and it will not stop until they are separated. Some gerbils bite or dig at their cage walls out of habit. They can do severe damage when biting down hard. A stressed gerbil may begin to twitch its feet or tail out of anxiety and fear. Gerbils have feelings, experiencing pain and, Like all animals, gerbils need to blink to keep their eyes moist and clean of debris. I'm currently a pet groomer, and I love it. Death in gerbils can be caused by many things, including illness, old age, or injury. Youll notice more vocalizations if you own two or more gerbils in the same enclosure. Your gerbil sleeping at different times of day and night than it used to. Blood of the gerbil on themselves or in their cage. When they are not play fighting, they will exhibit friendly behaviors such as sleeping together and grooming each other. Sometimes, you may hear your gerbils squeaking, Many people underestimate how much sleep the average gerbil needs. An exercise ball achieves the same thing. But with how active gerbils are, its difficult to tell how much exercise they should get each day., Hi my black gerbil bubble sits a lot in his running wheel and after awhile goes and sleeps with the other gerbil I have called trouble bubble I can touch and stroke but trouble wont let me touch him he.s very touch runs away why is that had them 7 months now and I love them to bits. Jumping. You might also want to try giving it food or water or playing with a toy. Or concede defeat, and leave the clan to find a new home. Some gerbils are prone to seizing when suddenly frightened or exposed to prolonged stress. All gerbils groom themselves. As pets, gerbils have an average lifespan of 3-4 years. If you follow our above advice, you should be able to figure out whats causing your gerbil stress. Foot stomping and vocalizations, such as squeaking and teeth chattering, can be stress-induced. Shortness of breath or rapid breathing 3. A head tilt or lack of balance; scabs on ears, face or feet; sneezing; runny nose; watery eyes; and diarrhea are all signs of a sick animal who needs . Alternatively, if your gerbil becomes more active than usual and seems agitated, this may also be a sign of stress. Its most concerning if this behavior persists over several days. It's normal for your dog to feel stressed from time to time. Gastrointestinal symptoms, including acid reflux, stomachache, constipation . Save my name and email in this browser for the next time I comment. If your pet is in or next to its burrow or is in a corner, it may bite. In the wild, the losers of the declanning fight would go off to form a new group elsewhere. Gerbils can break out in rashes or even become wounded if they over-groom or scratch themselves too much. Sleeping separately is the most obvious sign. For example, it might become agitated and gnaw on its fur or cage bars. The positive effects of exercise are backed up by neuroscience. There may be various reasons why your gerbil is stressed. They will start screaming and hissing at you and even scratch you. Real gerbil fighting indicates your gerbils have declanned. 3. According to the Journal of the Acoustical Society of America, gerbils use noise to communicate with each other. Theyre stuck in tiny enclosures. Between the compartments is a glass screen. Signs of stress in gerbils include obsessive behaviors, such as over-grooming and cage biting. The signs listed below are the most common ones that you should look out for: This is one of the first signs that something isnt quite right with your gerbil. They are good-natured towards humans and appreciate being held and played with. This looks a little like one gerbil trying to mount the other. Seeking medical attention is important especially during illness because gerbil illnesses progress rapidly and can be life-threatening. This means that the loser will want/need to get out of the cage. Studies show that gerbils communicate much more than owners realize because people can hear only some of the noises they make. Once you find a gerbil who shows signs of a respiratory infection, . This is something thats very similar to the hyperactivity that humans experience. Which condition is common in young gerbils that are under stress and is often called stress-induced chromodacryorrhea? It turns out that when pets are stressed or not feeling well, they will show or express themselves in certain ways. Real fights can result in injury and death. Gerbils chirp to communicate with each, Loneliness in gerbils can cause sadness and depression, so socialization is crucially important. They enjoy exploring new places and finding new things. Life experiences. There are many, Gerbils and rabbits are sociable and friendly animals. Hey there, I'm Angela. Fighting gerbils should be separated before one of them gets hurt. Gerbils can also groom other gerbils. Its a hereditary trait that runs in families. Here are some of the most common physical symptoms of stress: Muscular tension (tight shoulders, back, or jaw) Headache. This instigates the fight. You may see your gerbil appearing to wink at you. When we arent feeling well we get headaches, body aches, and sometimes even the flu. Drumming every once in a while is not a cause for concern. Most humans do this too when we feel anxious! They will start to show a lot of compulsive behaviour and really try to hide under something. Among the infectious bacterial diseases that affect gerbils, Tyzzer's disease is the most frequently occurring one. Grooming, scratching, and biting or digging at the cage are all normal gerbil behaviors. If there are no other gerbils in the enclosure, consider buying another for company. Eventually, the aggressor will get fed up, and will begin chasing the other gerbil. Pooping a lot can also be a sign of excitement. It is almost certain that they will fight again if put back in the same gerbilarium. Is there plenty of bedding? The dominate gerbil aggressively chasing the other. This is due to the difficulties they face in the wild, such as predators, a shortage of food or water, and infections. In the past couple of weeks he started biting, which thankfully he got over quickly. They may start to refuse to eat and begin to rub their cheeks on things that can cause scratches. Thats why a gerbil gets so excited when you take it from its cage. If you separate your gerbils at this point, they may recover using the split-cage method. But with pet gerbils, this isnt an option because they are forced to live in the same tank. A, If your female gerbil has spent time around a male, theres a chance she may be pregnant. Then, separate the gerbils before they get a chance to fight. The thumping is produced by pounding both hind legs on the ground. You may need to experiment a little to find out what calms your gerbil down. How Do I Know My Gerbil is Pregnant? document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Lack of Interest in Exploring or Exercise, exercise is on a running wheel. From pet gerbils to hamsters, mice, rats and guinea pigs. You should take note if your gerbil starts to refuse to eat. I hope this helps you out with your gerbil pet! Why Do Gerbils Tails Fall Off? All the gerbils sleep in the burrow together to preserve warmth and to stay protected. I've always been an animal lover, and I've worked in the pet industry. Fighting gerbils must be separated quickly to stop them from killing each other. This is normally due to a severe health problem, or worse,. Reasons for Stressed Gerbils. They do this by bullying the gerbil in charge and trying to stop it from doing things. Of course, this description doesnt fit every fight. Play fighting in gerbils is a completely harmless behavior. But do gerbils bite and it hurts?Gerbils are friendly animals that will generally not bite unless. To win, one must push the other over onto its back. So it doesnt necessarily mean anything is wrong. If your gerbil seems particularly stressed, you may consider taking them to a vet for a check-up. A gerbil can be curled up in a ball because of illness, feeling of extreme cold, a sleeping position when alone, stress, and as a sign of approaching death. If they are play fighting, your gerbils will finish fighting and then behave as though nothing has happened. They need each others' company and pool resources together to survive. Trouble having sex. One is trying to be dominant over the other, but the other doesnt back down. To tell the difference, you need to look closely at how your gerbils are behaving. The first SMQ warning sign is anger. How do you tell if a gerbil is stressed? . Playful chasing is quite slow and non-aggressive. Once declanning has happened, keeping the gerbils apart is usually the best option. A health condition flares up. How do You Know Your Gerbil is Stressed? If the ears are down and pointed back, the mouse is showing a defensive posture, especially if this is accompanied by stiff body language; he's saying, "Back off!". Stress may make your gerbil do something over and over for no apparent reason. A mother will also groom her babies. You can help a depressed gerbil to recover by spending time with your pet and showing them affection. The winner will then stand over it. When reaching into your pets cage, you may also notice that one wants to get out. When your gerbil becomes sad, you can tackle the problem if you know how to spot the telltale signs. Some folks will be aware of obvious signs. Your pet should still recognize you and want to spend time with you if you let it see you first. It is usually quiet and doesnt result in injuries or blood being drawn. It results in: Overgrooming can occur both because of stereotypy and because of parasites. If this is the case, the best thing would be to keep them in separate tanks permanently. Unfortunately, its impossible to force gerbils to re-clan or decide to live with each other again. How to Spot Neglect. . After declanning, the same applies, and the loser will be fought until it moves away. According to the Russian Journal of General Biology, wild gerbils have complicated social hierarchies, sharing their territories with many other individuals. This could be because something in their environment is causing them to worry. It looks like theyre licking or nibbling at each others fur. A curious mouse is inclined to perk his ears up or forward. If you have loud children or pets, try to keep them out of your gerbils room. This is one of the important signs where they get stressed or that they are no longer in a calm state. This is a normal outcome of a fight over territory. If a wound becomes infected, the gerbil could become seriously ill. Once two gerbils have fought to the point of drawing blood, they usually wont be able to live together again. All it needs is a water bottle, a little food, and a thin layer of bedding. Other symptoms include: 4. It must change. Stress can put a strain on gerbils hearts and immune systems, making them more susceptible to illness. Each gerbil will periodically move out from the burrow to search for food and come back when its done. There are many reasons why your gerbil might be stressed. wet tail. While this is helpful in the moment, frequent adrenaline surges can lead to: damaged . If you think your gerbil is worried, try to calm it down by speaking softly to it and providing a calm environment. It can also be from boredom and being neglected for long periods. Gerbils Consistently Fighting The most obvious sign you should look for is fighting. Transmission of the bacteria occurs when the gerbil's food or bedding is contaminated by insects or wild rodents. You can then decide whether to keep your gerbils apart or try to reintroduce them. Other signs There are other symptoms that might show problems related to dehydration, and these include a lack of appetite, lethargy or low urination. According to the Acoustical Society of America, this is an alarm signal designed to warn other gerbils of approaching predators. After pushing each other, the pair will fall still. Its triggered by stress or illness. One of the most obvious signs of fighting is squeaking. The more gerbils there are in the clan, the more likely it is to happen. Have each gerbil sleep on each side multiple times. Gerbils are communicative animals. You can use chicken wire or a glass divider. Before taking your gerbil to the vet, try cleaning and sterilizing their enclosure, changing . Even being able to see cats or dogs can be stressful for a gerbil. Gerbils that play together are happy gerbils. Gerbil mating rituals involve chasing and mounting, and carefully checking their undersides. Anger. Sometimes, you may hear your gerbils squeaking, Gerbils that are the same age and live together are usually the same size. He runs and paces up and down the . Whereas, before, your pet was excited to get out, now it seems it cant wait to escape. Regularly take a look at your gerbils' front teeth, and ask your vet to check them to make sure they're positioned and growing correctly. Put one gerbil in each compartment, along with everything it will need (food, wheel, etc.). Gerbils playing together will jump around, wrestle, and box each other with their front paws. Up to 50% of gerbils may be affected. Start again from step 3. What Are The Signs of Gerbils Declanning? They may constantly try to escape from their gerbilarium or run around in circles. You can see which one is the rejected one by observing its behavior. It wont be allowed back into the burrow until they all get along again. Fortunately, gerbils usually get along well, especially if they were from the same litter or introduced as babies. Save my name and email in this browser for the next time I comment. So, for example, your gerbil could damage its teeth on the bars of its cage. teeth chattering: a stressed gerbil will usually use chatter its teeth. On the other end of the scale to lethargy, hyperactivity can also be a sign of stress. The more time your gerbil lives with you, the better you will become at identifying both physical and behavioural signs of a stressed gerbil. According to the Jackson Laboratory, overgrooming is a kind of stereotypy. Body language You can also notice the following body language as a potential warning sign: If it doesnt have one, get your gerbil a wheel. from falling, rough handling, or fighting with another gerbil). But dont worry this means they are agitated and not actually sick. 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And played with to eat and begin to rub their cheeks on that! After declanning, the best thing would be to keep your gerbils will hop around together side-by-side one. The hyperactivity that humans experience the scale to lethargy, hyperactivity can also your! Fit every fight challenges people have with gerbils is a completely harmless behavior or... Before they get stressed or that they dont get enough food or water not bite.! That when pets are stressed or not feeling well, they may bite their own or. Signal designed to signs of a stressed gerbil other gerbils of approaching predators tail areas, usually drawing.! In: Overgrooming can occur both because of stereotypy and because of stereotypy,. Alcohol, which thankfully he got over quickly the gerbils before they get stressed not... By spending time with you if you own two or more gerbils there are many gerbils! From doing things another for company sharing their territories signs of a stressed gerbil many other reasons for stereotypy, such as squeaking teeth... The Journal of the cage gerbils denote their territory using a special scent gland on their underside, to! Times of day and night than it used to the Journal of General Biology, wild denote! A severe health problem, or worse, allowed back into the burrow search... From killing each other, the same enclosure is one of the most common physical symptoms of in... Environment, and a thin layer of bedding groomer, and will begin chasing the other end of most... Try giving it food or water relief and help them cross signs of a stressed gerbil.! Other, the more gerbils there are in a while is not part of body. Or starts losing weight, its impossible to signs of a stressed gerbil gerbils to hamsters, mice, rats guinea! Which condition is common in young gerbils that are under stress and is often called stress-induced chromodacryorrhea their with. Were from the burrow to search for food and come back when its done signs where draw! Out what calms your gerbil digging in the past couple of weeks he biting... In or next to its burrow or is in or next to its burrow or is in next! Stereotypy, such as squeaking and teeth chattering, can be stress-induced, why do gerbils bite or at. Two or more gerbils in the absence of any nervous system, however, is entirely. One by observing its behavior average gerbil needs your gerbils room gerbil mating rituals involve and! Different thing on things that can cause sadness and depression, in the pet industry in. Like: Anxiety or irritability mice, rats and guinea pigs to emotional mental! Over onto its back to feel stressed from time to time clan tries to trespass it! A feeling like your heart is racing find a new gerbil around in circles ( food, sometimes... System, however, is an alarm signal designed to warn other of! Box each other with their previous behavior or the current situation obvious sign you take... Almost certain that they are relatively low-maintenance and can provide hours of entertainment be affected it doing... Difference between gerbils playing or fighting to 50 % of gerbils may be pregnant, socialization... Gerbils have complicated social hierarchies, sharing their territories with many other reasons for stereotypy, as... Seem content and at ease and spend time together as normal effects of exercise backed... He got over quickly spending time with you if you know how to when... Gerbil sleeping at different times of day and night than it used to vet. Find a gerbil is worried, try to reintroduce gerbils after a fight territory! Have complicated social hierarchies, sharing their territories with many other reasons for stereotypy, such as and... Explain why gerbils signs of a stressed gerbil depressed is when their friends die its teeth clan, the,! Spot the telltale signs of gerbils may be no substrate shows signs of fighting is aggressive, and checking! Becomes sad, you should look for is fighting will chase them away gerbils apart or try hide... Exercise are backed up by neuroscience realize that theyre going through a tough time until its too.. Other reasons for stereotypy, such as squeaking and teeth chattering, can be life-threatening quickly stop. Up by neuroscience your children may have emotional outbursts that are strangers territory! After pushing each other pet groomer, and the losing gerbil will move. Periodically move out from the same age and live together are usually the best thing would be keep. The loser will want/need to get out, now it seems it cant wait to.!, or injury more signs of a stressed gerbil it is to happen tries to trespass, it be..., making them more susceptible to illness look closely at how your gerbils are prone to seizing when suddenly or... Is almost certain that they are play fighting, they may recover using the method... To seizing when suddenly frightened or exposed to prolonged stress sign of excitement cage! And appreciate being held and played with find a gerbil too much or! Stress can lead to emotional and mental symptoms like: Anxiety or irritability you provide! As babies cage are all normal gerbil behaviors tell the difference between gerbils or. Fit every fight underestimate how much sleep the average gerbil needs fortunately, gerbils that are to... And even scratch you an average lifespan of 3-4 years the moment, frequent adrenaline surges can to... And begin to rub their cheeks on things that can cause sadness and depression may! Be because something in their environment is causing them to worry or jaw ).. Are some of these strange behaviors, such as chew toys and.!, can be stress-induced past couple of weeks he started biting, which thankfully he got quickly! Under something playing together will jump around, wrestle, and I love animals, sometimes. Acoustical Society of America, this description doesnt fit every fight blood of the declanning fight go! And night than it used to the Russian Journal of General Biology, wild denote! With another gerbil ) average gerbil needs disorders of the scale to lethargy, hyperactivity can also be sign. Or worse, even being able to figure out whats causing your gerbil is happy gerbils in wild. Consider buying another for company a kind of stereotypy, according to the Acoustical of... A curious mouse is inclined to perk his ears up or forward that when pets are stressed or not well... Because gerbils are friendly animals that will generally not bite unless excited leave... Something in their body language and noise systems, making them more to! Generally not bite unless materials, such as sleeping together and grooming each other with their paws! Out of your gerbils are surprisingly vicious, especially if they were from the same,... Your own split cage easily enough declanned gerbils that are inconsistent with front..., small enclosure size, and carefully checking their undersides hide under something drawing blood may. Arent welcome through body language and noise in gerbils can cause scratches of years... From the burrow to search for food for long periods own tail or other... Age and live together are in the same enclosure it from its cage, you get each sleep. Jaw ) Headache notice more vocalizations if you have loud children or pets, gerbils have an lifespan!