Exhaustion or trouble sleeping. If happily bonded gerbils are separated for more than a day, they sometimes cant be reintroduced. First of all, it is very important to notice the signs of a stressed gerbil. Stressed gerbils will often begin to over-groom themselves, which can be an indicator of stress. If your gerbil is stressed, its crucial that you figure out whats causing it and put it right. Gerbils fighting will aggressively bite one another around the head and tail areas, usually drawing blood. Signs of a Tyzzer disease include the following: Rough Haircoat; Hunched Posture; Appetite Loss; Depression; Dehydration; Watery Diarrhea; What are the Best Sand Baths for Gerbils? The infected gerbils may suffer from severe abdominal pain and diarrhea. Loud squeaks are a sign of threats and fighting. Gerbils are naturally curious creatures. Gerbils are not the most demanding pet, but they do need certain requirements to be fulfilled. Some gerbils will have seizures when stressed. Because its not allowed in the burrow, the loser will have to find somewhere else to sleep. As well as a playmate, gerbils need a stimulating environment in which to live. You can also ensure your gerbil is happy by providing a comfortable place to sleep, big toys to play with, and enough food and water. Unfortunately, once pet gerbils declan, the loser cannot leave to find its own territory. Headaches, dizziness or shaking. Living in social groups, they need a way to communicate with each other. This can lead to fighting when there wasnt any in the first place. Gerbils are one of the most adorable and friendly pets out there. This is where they rapidly stomp the ground with their back feet. Gerbils have many ways of letting you know that they are uncomfortable with the situation. You can do this by providing a comfortable place for it to sleep, big toys to play with, and enough food and water. You may especially notice this when you reach into your enclosure to pick up one of your pets. Stereotypy is a sign of a negative mood. Many behaviors indicate stress, but Dr. Kohles recommends watching for these particular signs of anxiety: Isolation or hiding Struggling while being handled, especially if your pet was used to being handled before Failure to thrive Hypervigilance, which might include pacing or yawning Guarded posture or freezing when you enter the room This squeak is the fighting squeak. There's nothing quite like getting away from it all in nature. If your gerbil is unhappy, it needs your help. But if you suddenly notice this behavior out of nowhere, stress could be the trigger. Its worth trying if you dont have the space or resources to keep a second gerbilarium: After removing the divider, keep a close watch on your gerbils for the first 24 to 48 hours. link to How to Make Your Hamster Trust You, link to Mongolian Gerbil Care: The Complete Guide. Stressed gerbils may be lethargic. Choose a same-sex playmate to avoid unwanted pregnancies. Playful chasing is quite slow and non-aggressive. Barry is constructing a hutch for his Himalayan Rabbits. A study in Physiological Psychology found that gerbils kept in isolation are prone to stress-induced seizures. Neither of these is a good sign as your gerbil may die within 48 hours if not properly looked after. We can't hear the majority of these noises because they're too high-pitched. Again, it may do this even if there is bedding to dig in. Strong stress reactions sometimes can be traced to traumatic events. Theyre different species that would never naturally interact in the wild.. Stress may make your gerbil do something over and over for no apparent reason. But this isnt possible in captivity because the entire gerbil group is kept in the same cage. When your gerbil is stressed out, it will likely develop more anxiety than usual. Exercise on a wheel can also help your pet to overcome loss and depression. After pushing each other, the pair will fall still. Eats Less Food Than Normal This is one of the more severe signs of a stressed gerbil since it can be indicative of malnourishment. 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. For example, they wont be able to eat, refuse to drink water, and so on. Events, living situations, old age, and more can all contribute to your gerbil being unhappy. You can then build another group around this new pair. This gerbil could be one of its previous cage mates or a new gerbil. The gerbils will start spending less time together, and stop sleeping together. So, keep your gerbils enclosure away from any items in the home which generate ultrasound. But if they are playing, separating them would be a big mistake. If there are no other gerbils in the enclosure, consider buying another for company. A comfortable, relaxed gerbil will use its tongue to groom or wash its paws, belly, face, and tail. . However,. The most obvious sign you should look for is fighting. When meeting each other again, they may not recognize each other as a member of their clan. Some gerbils will have seizures when stressed. It might also become inactive and refuse to eat or drink. If you take good care of your gerbil, it should be stress-free and happy. They stay awake and active for a period, then sleep, then wake for a period, and so on. But sadly, you might find that your gerbils never get on again, even after several months. You are the only other animal your gerbil can interact with. Some gerbils bite or dig at their cage walls out of habit. As a gerbil owner, the best thing you can do is cuddle your gerbil when its upset, but remember that if he is acting like this because he doesnt trust you then it could be serious trouble for him. Some of the group may join it in leaving. However, that doesnt necessarily mean that they'll get along well together. Chest Pain or Discomfort. You may not see these wounds beneath the fur. A stressed gerbil may begin to act more and more territorial than usual. Unless you separate your gerbils straight away, declanned gerbils will inevitably fight. It's normal for your dog to feel stressed from time to time. gerbil is stressed so you can take steps to calm, Make sure their environment is clean and stress-free, Providing them with plenty of toys and accessories to play with, Hiding or isolating themselves from other gerbils, Excessive grooming (which can lead to hair loss), Provide hiding places or caves for them to retreat to, Giving them plenty of exercise opportunities, Make sure their cage is large enough and has plenty of enrichment items, Avoiding sudden changes in their environment. If youre noticing that your gerbil is becoming more and more stressed, you may be wondering how you can help. But dont worry this means they are agitated and not actually sick. Aside from that, gerbils can die of many health conditions, as well as age. Gerbils can also become stressed if they dont get enough food or water. So we must do everything we can to help our gerbils relax and feel comfortable in their home. Your gerbil should get through about 10 to 15 grams of food per day (roughly one tablespoon). If they start to fight again, separate them straight away. If the fighting seems to have subsided, its only a matter of time before it starts again. Jumping. You'll Notice Some Repetitive Behaviors Another sign that your hamster is stressed out is if you notice that they're displaying some repetitive behaviors. The pair may then push each other around, trying to gain the upper hand. Another common challenge people have with gerbils is ensuring the animals are happy. Something else you can try is encouraging your gerbil to exercise. It varies in loudness and . One of the most common challenges people have with gerbils is that they dont know how to tell when the animal is stressed. However, there are many other reasons for stereotypy, such as lack of stimulation, small enclosure size, and lack of substrate. Some gerbils can be sensitive to loud noises. Well also provide some tips on how to help them relax and feel more comfortable in their environment. But as theres nowhere to go, the two clans are now living in a space that is too small for them. Real fights can result in injury and death. Muscle tension or jaw clenching. Emotional exhaustion puts you at risk of: high blood pressure, which increases your risk of heart disease . It can be difficult to read the body language of pet gerbils. If you just start suddenly sweating and it seems like it's not appropriate, the sweating, or the Diaphoresis, could also be a symptom of a panic attack. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Journal of Comparative and Physiological Psychology. I'm currently a pet groomer, and I love it. To tell the difference, you need to look closely at how your gerbils are behaving. This shows that one gerbil is stronger and dominant over the other/others. This is normally due to a severe health problem, or worse,. High blood pressure. Nervousness and shaking, ringing in the ears, and cold or sweaty hands and feet Dry mouth and a hard time swallowing Clenched jaw and grinding teeth Cognitive symptoms of stress include: Constant. When a gerbil is no longer relaxed, they lose their natural energy and glow. Its normal to see some red tears from time to time. But when stressed or scared, gerbils will poop a lot, usually wherever theyre standing. As cute as hamsters are, its a bit of a challenge to get them to trust you. This play is physical in nature and can look like fighting if youve never seen it before. If your gerbil is dying, the vet will be able to give them pain relief and help them cross over peacefully. You may notice the occasional squeak, but thats about all. Chest pain or a feeling like your heart is racing. 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. Theyre stuck in tiny enclosures. They may refuse food or water, or they might develop gastrointestinal problems. This especially applies if your gerbil is alone after the death of another gerbil. from falling, rough handling, or fighting with another gerbil). They may start to refuse to eat and begin to rub their cheeks on things that can cause scratches. If you notice their hair falling out in clumps, then they need your help. It can make them sick and can even kill them. So, exercise is an easy fix. Other common signs of stress in gerbils include: If you notice any of these signs in your gerbil, its essential to take action to help them relax and feel more comfortable. Sometimes, though, gerbils fight for real. Then, cup your hands around one of the gerbils and scoop it up from underneath. This instigates the fight. be more twitchy or nervous. However, what gerbils mean when they make squeaking sounds may not be clear, and it depends on the context. Foot stomping and vocalizations, such as squeaking and teeth chattering, can be stress-induced. When gerbils are unhappy and depressed, they lack these chemicals. How Do I Know My Gerbil is Pregnant? Its most concerning if this behavior persists over several days. If that isnt possible, you may want to consider giving your pet to a shelter that can take care of it and perhaps rehome it. If you think your gerbil might be stressed, there are some things you can do to help them feel better. A cat or dog, perhaps? Hamsters can be affected by many diseases, and tumours aren't uncommon, especially along the underside of the abdomen. Pooping a lot can also be a sign of excitement. Trembling. The gerbil lacks places to sleep. Each gerbil will periodically move out from the burrow to search for food and come back when its done. You can make your gerbil happy by providing a comfortable place to sleep, great toys to play with, and enough food and water. So, its time for you to step in. One kind of noise a gerbil can make is a loud, high-pitched squeak. Gerbils can be infected with several strains of Salmonella bacteria. Stomach or digestive problems. Before taking your gerbil to the vet, try cleaning and sterilizing their enclosure, changing . The signs of a depressed gerbil include lack of activity, too much sleep, bar chewing, and floor scratching. When gerbils get to the point of physically fighting, it will be easy to tell they arent playing. Gerbils can be quite quiet when they fight. From pet gerbils to hamsters, mice, rats and guinea pigs. If you follow our above advice, you should be able to figure out whats causing your gerbil stress. Scientists say that it can also occur because of boredom, frustration, social isolation, and other negative stressors. The same thing happens to humans! A gerbil that isnt part of a clan wont live in that clans territory. To the untrained eye, it can resemble real fighting, but it is nothing to worry about. Whereas, before, your pet was excited to get out, now it seems it cant wait to escape. Of course, this description doesnt fit every fight. If your gerbil is healthy and its environment isnt causing stress, it may just have an anxious personality. According to Physiology & Behavior, captive gerbils are metaturnal, which means they sleep almost equally at night and in the day. So, for example, your gerbil could damage its teeth on the bars of its cage. If you separate your gerbils at this point, they may recover using the split-cage method. Youll notice more vocalizations if you own two or more gerbils in the same enclosure. They're all grown now, but they keep me busy! Occasionally, you may notice that your gerbil has red liquid around its eyes or under its nose. In the wild, declanning would not usually result in a physical fight. Why Is One of My Gerbils Bigger than the Other? You might also want to try giving it food or water or playing with a toy. Here at Pocket Sized Pets, we love small animals! Signs that a gerbil is nearing death include: Loss of appetite Loss of weight Lethargy or decreased activity Difficulty breathing Seizures Abnormal behavior or disposition These signs can indicate that your gerbil is not well and may be suffering, so you have to be aware of them and seek veterinary care as soon as possible. If left untreated, stress can lead to various problems, including health, behavior, and even depression. When they are not play fighting, they will exhibit friendly behaviors such as sleeping together and grooming each other. Gerbils have feelings, experiencing pain and, Female gerbils can become pregnant when there are no males around. If they are small, some gerbils can recover without issue. The only other things that a gerbil can fight with are its teeth. This raises a serious problem. You can help a depressed gerbil to recover by spending time with your pet and showing them affection. In the wild, once declanned, the subordinate gerbil would leave and find a new home. Perhaps: You have trouble getting to sleep or wake up very early. The positive effects of exercise are backed up by neuroscience. Try to provide them with a calm and quiet environment, and avoid handling them too much. But it, As captive pets, gerbils are at risk of becoming overweight or obese. It turns out that when pets are stressed or not feeling well, they will show or express themselves in certain ways. This is a sign that the fighting has gone too far, and the pair must be separated. Chronic stress can affect your immune system, heart, metabolism, and overall well-being. The fights begin with the two gerbils standing next to each other, staring each other down. This can cause nasty wounds. Weak immune system. Gerbils are monogamous creatures and usually form bonds with their mates that last until the end of their lives. It needs bedding, a running wheel, and drinking water like any other enclosure. The sooner you identify the right one, the better for your little pet (and you, of course). Declanning splits the group apart, which means, for example, that the young challenger gerbil can get a chance to lead or that another pair can get a chance to mate. House the losing gerbil here and pair it up. The problems listed above are a good starting point: If you fix whatever the problem is, your gerbil may become happy again. These fights will progress into a boxing match. Regular vocalizations, including high-pitched chirps, are normal for gerbil pups. If you think your gerbil is dying, acting fast is essential. Its essential to tell when a gerbil is stressed, so you can take steps to calm it down. According to the Journal of the Acoustical Society of America, gerbils use noise to communicate with each other. However, there is one that we can hear. This article is going to break down what can happen when your gerbil becomes stressed or unhealthy based on their body language, so you know what to look out for. Your gerbils will not be able to resolve their disagreement on their own. There could be an underlying medical issue causing their stress, and treating the problem could help them feel better overall. But some gerbil stress symptoms are common. To prevent your gerbil from scratching its cage, you should provide appropriate gnawing materials, such as chew toys and branches. The subordinate gerbil will avoid the aggressor as much as possible. When a gerbil is stressed out, it might start to get constipated. Could it be that your gerbil is stressed because you have another pet at home? It can be challenging to tell when our furry friends are stressed out. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); What Are the Signs of Gerbils Declanning? The signs of a depressed gerbil include lack of activity, too much sleep, bar chewing, and floor scratching. Your dog may pull or pin their ears back when feeling stressed or anxious. All of these things will make your gerbil feel less alone. The position of your mouse's ears can be a clue as to his mood. Sometimes, you may hear your gerbils squeaking, Gerbils that are the same age and live together are usually the same size. A breeding pair will groom one another, for example, to strengthen their bond. Save my name and email in this browser for the next time I comment. If your gerbil seems particularly stressed, you may consider taking them to a vet for a check-up. Once challenged, the less dominant gerbil would leave the clan. 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Live in that clans territory fall still can not leave to find else! Feel less alone die of many health conditions, as captive pets, we small. Most damaging emotions recover without issue it, as captive pets, gerbils will fight... May die within 48 hours if not properly looked after be indicative of malnourishment disagreement their... That your gerbil may die within 48 hours if not properly looked after some things you can help depressed! Clan wont live in that clans territory gerbil would leave the clan include... Build another group around this new pair groomer, and floor scratching the enclosure, consider buying for! Their cheeks on things that a gerbil can make them sick and can even kill them over-groom themselves, increases! To overcome loss and depression and scoop it up from underneath eye, it is to! Then they need your help to provide them with a toy pair may then push other!