[Gerbil Tail Slip Prevention Guide]. According to PLoS One, most of these noises are too high-pitched for people to hear. 3. Eventually, the aggressor will get fed up, and will begin chasing the other gerbil. High blood pressure. Gerbils, If you want to breed gerbils or prevent them from breeding, you have to know if theyre male or female. Gerbils can break out in rashes or even become wounded if they over-groom or scratch themselves too much. When they are not play fighting, they will exhibit friendly behaviors such as sleeping together and grooming each other. Each gerbil will periodically move out from the burrow to search for food and come back when its done. People show anger in many ways, from yelling, screaming, and verbal abuse to rejection, physical harm, and even death. Sometimes, though, gerbils fight for real. They will seem content and at ease and spend time together as normal. Either way, a gerbils sleep pattern will stay the same throughout its life. This can cause nasty wounds. Stress may make your gerbil do something over and over for no apparent reason. Its important to know what your pet is trying to tell you because stress is apparent in a lot of different ways depending on the animal. Declanned gerbils that are forced to live together are in a permanent state of stress. Nose And Lip Licking, Yawning, Drooling. This applies both in the wild and in captivity. However, there is one method of reintroducing declanned gerbils that can be successful. Other signs of stress could be excessive scratching, a lack of appetite, fights, any kind of aggressive behavior, illness, or any kind of unusual behavior. Persistent loud squeaking or teeth chattering, in particular, can be causes for concern. In this case, the clan continues as it was. A gerbil that isnt part of a clan wont live in that clans territory. It stands to reason, then, that gerbils can also communicate when theyre unhappy. teeth chattering: a stressed gerbil will usually use chatter its teeth. If you think your gerbil is stressed, the best thing to do is try to calm it down. That alone can fix most problems. This is a sign that it is happy and relaxed. You can help a depressed gerbil to recover by spending time with your pet and showing them affection. If you cant identify any environmental problems, the stress may be illness-related. If they start to fight again, separate them straight away. If this is the case, the best thing would be to keep them in separate tanks permanently. It can be difficult to read the body language of pet gerbils. As soon as you notice that your gerbils have been fighting, remove one of them from the gerbilarium. Most owners learn to spot this language when they keep gerbils for a while. It cant get out of the cage, so another burrow isnt an option. Gerbils are naturally curious creatures. You must do this straight away. How Do I Know My Gerbil is Pregnant? So, for example, your gerbil could damage its teeth on the bars of its cage. The stressed axolotl gills will be forward curled, and this is an early sign that your axolotl is starting to feel uncomfortable with the condition of his tank. This is a normal outcome of a fight over territory. Wounds on the back or tail of a gerbil. All gerbils have their own personalities, so some are more excitable and some more affectionate. If your gerbil is stressed, its crucial that you figure out whats causing it and put it right. Stereotypy is a sign of a negative mood. Theyre stuck in tiny enclosures. from falling, rough handling, or fighting with another gerbil). Playful chasing is quite slow and non-aggressive. Stereotypy isnt a definitive sign of depression on its own. The signs of a depressed gerbil include lack of activity, too much sleep, bar chewing, and floor scratching. If they are small, some gerbils can recover without issue. By doing this, you get each gerbil used to the others smell. They may bite their own tail or any other part of their body, sometimes to the point where they draw blood. After all, stress can negatively affect their health in a variety of ways. From pet gerbils to hamsters, mice, rats and guinea pigs. Most humans do this too when we feel anxious! Gerbils chirp and squeak constantly. One is trying to be dominant over the other, but the other doesn't back down. He chooses to use a wire floor because it is easier to clean and the wire floor: keep the animal from damaging the bottle. If your pet is in or next to its burrow or is in a corner, it may bite. To recognize when your gerbils are play fighting, look for the following signs: Play fighting is often interspersed with cuddling, grooming, and toilet breaks or water breaks. It looks like theyre licking or nibbling at each others fur. When your gerbil becomes sad, you can tackle the problem if you know how to spot the, From observation, it seems obvious that your gerbil can experience emotions for some things, even if those feelings arent as complex as human feelings. We are compensated for referring traffic and business to Amazon and other companies linked to on this site. If you think your gerbil is worried, try to calm it down by speaking softly to it and providing a calm environment. link to How to Make Your Hamster Trust You, link to Mongolian Gerbil Care: The Complete Guide. This can lead to problems, as a stressed gerbil can become agitated and even die. Regular vocalizations, including high-pitched chirps, are normal for gerbil pups. There are many signs that a gerbil is stressed. Youll need to put the losing gerbil in another enclosure. However, if your gerbil produces excessive amounts of porphyrins, this is called chromodacryorrhea. Stress leads to stronger feelings of anger and irritability. Then, cup your hands around one of the gerbils and scoop it up from underneath. Some gerbils will have seizures when stressed. Also, if they arent being fed your food, which you should never leave them hungry, then they may also try digging in places in their habitat so as to find food. Gerbils come into heat every 4 days and almost always get pregnant the, Gerbils that are the same age and live together are usually the same size. The gerbils will start spending less time together, and stop sleeping together. TVs, computers, running water, and vacuum cleaners could all stress your gerbil out. When a gerbil is no longer relaxed, they lose their natural energy and glow. When gerbils are frequently thumping their feet on the ground, it could be a sign of stress. House the losing gerbil here and pair it up. Seeking medical attention is important especially during illness because gerbil illnesses progress rapidly and can be life-threatening. Other common signs of stress in gerbils include: Hiding or isolating themselves from other gerbils Shaking or trembling Biting or chewing on cage bars Excessive grooming (which can lead to hair loss) Lethargy or depression If you notice any of these signs in your gerbil, it's essential to take action to help them relax and feel more comfortable. The genes that control the stress response keep most people on a fairly steady emotional level, only occasionally priming the body for fight or flight. Keeping your pet gerbils healthy and safe is the number one responsibility you have as a pet owner. But if you notice this behavior often, something in your gerbils environment is causing stress. Gerbils can also groom other gerbils. Sometimes, you may hear your gerbils squeaking, Gerbils are social creatures that shouldn't live alone. He's been really chill and friendly from the start. However, there are many signs of stress in gerbils, some of which are much easier to understand than others. The most Mongolian Gerbil Care: The Complete Guide. An exercise ball achieves the same thing. One of the best things you can do for your gerbil is to ensure the sand is not dusty. The most obvious sign you should look for is fighting. Some of the group may join it in leaving. The sooner you identify the right one, the better for your little pet (and you, of course). It's normal for your dog to feel stressed from time to time. Gerbils are usually friendly, sociable creatures. Even being able to see cats or dogs can be stressful for a gerbil. Declanning is the term for when a clan split apart. One is trying to be dominant over the other, but the other doesnt back down. This is a sign that they need to calm down and rest. This is something thats similar to the nervous tics that humans experience. Anger is the outward expression of inner stress and is potentially one of the most damaging emotions. Fighting gerbils can be vicious. The gerbil is no exception. You can spot excitement when your gerbil hops up and down, sprints quickly, and makes loud yips. Signs of a gerbil dying can include lethargy, not eating or drinking, bloating, and more. Reasons for Stressed Gerbils. Along with this, extreme stress may cause seizures (fits) or strokes. The winner of the fights gets to stay at the existing burrow, while the losers go off to form their new group elsewhere. Gerbils are meant to be kept in pairs and need a buddy to be happy. Checking for the differences between boy and girl gerbils is, A gerbil can become depressed or unhappy for a variety of different reasons. They stay awake and active for a period, then sleep, then wake for a period, and so on. In the wild, the losers of the declanning fight would go off to form a new group elsewhere. You may notice them running around in circles, but when you look closer youll see that their tails are stuck on the ground or something right behind their backs, hence why they think the room is spinning! Its a hereditary trait that runs in families. This is usually a sign that they are feeling very ill and want to groom themselves. This is one of the important signs where they get stressed or that they are no longer in a calm state. There could be an underlying medical issue causing their stress, and treating the problem could help them feel better overall. After a week or two, buy a split tank. They dont understand the concept of forgive and forget. Once your gerbils have declanned, they wont stop fighting until one of them leaves or dies. The same applies to exercise. But if they are playing, separating them would be a big mistake. The importance of identifying the signs of a stressed gerbil is that you can take steps to help them feel better. Leave the other gerbil(s) that werent involved in the fight with the winner. So, exercise is an easy fix. There are several reasons why gerbil clans split. This is something gerbils do when they are excited or stressed, as a warning to other gerbils. Gerbils communicate their mood through body language and noise. It looks like theyre licking or nibbling at each others fur. So, in captivity, gerbils get lonely if theyre housed on their own. Pooping a lot can also be a sign of excitement. Could it be that your gerbil is stressed because you have another pet at home? Like humans, gerbils digestive systems dont function as well when they are in fight-or-flight mode. 11. Gerbil mothers will collect a lot of bedding material to form a nest, and it's in this nest that she will give birth to and look after her new pups. contract blood vessels so blood is directed to the muscles. What are the Signs Your Gerbil is Scared? According to the Journal of Comparative and Physiological Psychology, gerbils communicate via ultrasonic sound. The other side of the room, or another room entirely, would be fine. In general, if your gerbil is stressed, this means theres something in its environment that isnt right. Both are more protective of their spaces, their territories than before. 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. Put one gerbil in each compartment, along with everything it will need (food, wheel, etc.). You will see this in action when: This gerbil doesnt feel like a part of the clan anymore. Instead, theres a set method of introducing new gerbils that is more effective. But if you cant, take your gerbil to an exotic pet veterinarian. The importance of keeping your gerbil happy and healthy cannot be overstated. When this happens, the challenged gerbil will either: Declanning can happen to pet gerbils regardless of how long they have been living together. So it doesnt necessarily mean anything is wrong. This squeak is the fighting squeak. 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. According to the Jackson Laboratory, overgrooming is a kind of stereotypy. You can do this by providing a comfortable place for it to sleep, big toys to play with, and enough food and water. Before taking your gerbil to the vet, try cleaning and sterilizing their enclosure, changing . The gerbils will hop around together side-by-side or one following the other. It must change. But if you suddenly notice this behavior out of nowhere, stress could be the trigger. They can also give you tips on your gerbils environment and advise you of changes you can make. It is crucial to recognize the differences between gerbils playing or fighting, so you can intervene appropriately. When talking to your parents, try: Presenting your research about gerbils. They may refuse food or water, or they might develop gastrointestinal problems. If youre thinking of adopting new gerbils, you may wonder how many gerbils can be kept in the same cage (gerbilarium). Its not unusual for certain gerbils to be unhappier than others. This article will explore some common signs that our gerbils feel overwhelmed and stressed. A mother will also groom her babies. 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. Gerbils do not want to come out of their house every time they wake up and feel stressed trying to go get their food and water. Whereas normally, your pet would be happy to see you, now its defensive and nippy. This is where the gerbil grooms too frequently or for extended periods. Chest pain or a feeling like your heart is racing. This gerbil could be one of its previous cage mates or a new gerbil. If your gerbil is healthy and its environment isnt causing stress, it may just have an anxious personality. Stress can also be triggered by environmental factors like overstimulation. This will be especially true for the gerbil that has been overthrown and kicked out. When your gerbil becomes depressed, it may stop showing these signs of excitement. Is there plenty of bedding? To make your gerbil happy again, its your job as its owner to identify whats wrong. Gerbils fighting to the death is, sadly, not uncommon. Trouble having sex. You can take it from its enclosure, hold it, cuddle it, let it run around, or even sit next to its enclosure for a while. 3. For example, it might become agitated and gnaw on its fur or cage bars. True gerbil fighting is rare in bonded pairs, but it can happen at any point, often without warning. 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 . Foot stomping and vocalizations, such as squeaking and teeth chattering, can be stress-induced. Or concede defeat, and leave the clan to find a new home. Every gerbil is different. Just keep treating it with kindness and giving it everything it needs. There are other signs of fighting to look out for, too. According to Physiology & Behavior, captive gerbils are metaturnal, which means they sleep almost equally at night and in the day. Weak immune system. But too much stress can lead to longer term problems with your dog's behaviour, like anxiety. The bacteria that causes this infection, Clostridium piliforme, is spread by the fecal route - gerbils become infected when they ingest the C. piliforme in infected food or water supplies. You may notice: Disturbed sleep indicates that your gerbils mood or health has changed. They can do severe damage when biting down hard. and more. Gerbils become unhappy when other gerbils die if their enclosure is small or they're stressed. Doing so will enable you to take the right kind of action to avoid bad consequences. However, when a gerbil gets depressed, it can overgroom. Establishing the reason behind your gerbil being . Gerbils may be more aggressive, irritable, or hide excessively. The positive effects of exercise are backed up by neuroscience. While this is helpful in the moment, frequent adrenaline surges can lead to: damaged . Up to 50% of gerbils may be affected. Aside from that, gerbils can die of many health conditions, as well as age. This behavior starts when a female gerbil reaches maturity at 8-10 weeks old, while males mature at 10 weeks old. As a first action, change the type of bedding you are using in the enclosure. Some gerbils will have seizures when stressed. If youre noticing that your gerbil is becoming more and more stressed, you may be wondering how you can help. But this isnt possible in captivity because the entire gerbil group is kept in the same cage. In the wild, the gerbils would take care of the situation, but in a cage, they cant. Promising to take care of it yourself. Depression. The only other things that a gerbil can fight with are its teeth. proliferative ileitis. They may be too tense to sleep and spend all day and night awake and active. This is the worst sign. Studies show that gerbils communicate much more than owners realize because people can hear only some of the noises they make. If youre unsure whats causing your gerbils stress, or if they dont seem to be improving, its always best to consult a veterinarian who can offer more specific advice. If you cant feed it, for example, it wont have any food. But as theres nowhere to go, the two clans are now living in a space that is too small for them. For example, they wont be able to eat, refuse to drink water, and so on. 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. Gerbils are not the most demanding pet, but they do need certain requirements to be fulfilled. In the past couple of weeks he started biting, which thankfully he got over quickly. being withdrawn. You can see which one is the rejected one by observing its behavior. According to Behavioral Brain Research, gerbils can learn to distinguish between new noises or different pitches, even from a young age. Is your gerbil lonely? Some gerbils will have seizures when stressed. You should take note if your gerbil starts to refuse to eat. Drumming every once in a while is not a cause for concern. Each will be on its hind legs, trying to push the other and flailing with its arms. Save my name and email in this browser for the next time I comment. They dont take up much room and are always ready to play. Its kept in the same cage until you intervene. However, that doesnt necessarily mean that they'll get along well together. They will start screaming and hissing at you and even scratch you. It will also be excited to leave the cage, more so than usual. How do You Know Your Gerbil is Stressed? Stressed gerbils will often begin to over-groom themselves, which can be an indicator of stress. Digestive issues like bloating, diarrhea, or nausea. You must separate your gerbil group. So its essential to be able to spot the signs and take action if needed. If it resonates with you, take action. Stress generally refers to two things: the psychological perception of pressure, on the one hand, and the body's response to it, on the other, which involves multiple systems, from metabolism to . According to the Russian Journal of General Biology, wild gerbils have complicated social hierarchies, sharing their territories with many other individuals. It looks like theyre licking or nibbling at each others fur. Keeping Them as Stress free as Possible. It is usually quiet and doesnt result in injuries or blood being drawn. This enclosure should be of the same kind as the one your other gerbils live in. They may bite their own tail or any other part of their body, sometimes to the point where they draw blood. A health condition flares up. Occasionally, you may notice that your gerbil has red liquid around its eyes or under its nose. But when stressed or scared, gerbils will poop a lot, usually wherever theyre standing. If you notice these changes, you should consult a vet. It is crucial to be able to notice and understand the signs and behaviours of your gerbil when it is stressed. Signs of infection include diarrhea, dehydration, weight loss, rough hair coat, a swollen or bloated abdomen, or fetal death in a pregnant female. It can be the result either of sadness or stress. Communication is clearly important to them. They are good-natured towards humans and appreciate being held and played with. Move this cage away from the one the rest of your pets live in. Save my name and email in this browser for the next time I comment. The position of your mouse's ears can be a clue as to his mood. . So we must do everything we can to help our gerbils relax and feel comfortable in their home. 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? If your gerbil is behaving strangely, it might be stressed. When this occurs, both in the wild and in captivity, the other gerbils can become sad. A stressed gerbil can be unhappy, and an unhappy gerbil is more likely to get sick. Obsessive behaviors are not always a sign of stress. Fortunately, gerbils usually get along well, especially if they were from the same litter or introduced as babies. For example, does your gerbil have a big enough cage or space for digging? The major signs your gerbils are declanning are: One gerbil constantly picking on the other. Why Is One of My Gerbils Bigger than the Other? Remove the loser from the gerbilarium. Introducing two new gerbils isnt as simple as putting them in the same cage. According to Animal Behavior, gerbils live in structured social groups of 2 to 17 individuals. Unless rectified, this will often result in the death of the loser. All it needs is a water bottle, a little food, and a thin layer of bedding. 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 Unless they are separated, your gerbils will have no choice except to fight over their territory. We love to talk about them all! If left untreated, a stressed gerbil may become sick or even die. They may start to refuse to eat and begin to rub their cheeks on things that can cause scratches. When meeting each other again, they may not recognize each other as a member of their clan. It would find a new home to live in and never see the other gerbil again. Its because they are confined to the same cage and cant get away from each other. Chronic stress can affect your immune system, heart, metabolism, and overall well-being. You can then fix whatever the problem is. Living in social groups, they need a way to communicate with each other. The infected gerbils may suffer from severe abdominal pain and diarrhea. 10 Signs of A Stressed Gerbil [A Complete Guide]. A stressed gerbil may begin to twitch its feet or tail out of anxiety and fear. A gerbil with mites or ringworm will groom obsessively to try and get rid of it. It has to stay near the other gerbils it has fought with. Almost any health problem could cause stress, such as: If you suspect illness, take your gerbil to a suitably experienced veterinarian for a checkup. Gerbils are communicative animals. This can lead to fighting when there wasnt any in the first place. Headaches, dizziness, or shaking. If you are stressed, you might feel: Irritable, angry, impatient or wound up Over-burdened or overwhelmed Anxious, nervous or afraid Like your thoughts are racing and you can't switch off Unable to enjoy yourself Depressed Uninterested in life Like you've lost your sense of humour A sense of dread Worried or tense Neglected or lonely Nocturnal is where an animal is active at night, while crepuscular means active at dawn and dusk. Because this isnt possible in captivity, it makes the aggressor angry. Barry is constructing a hutch for his Himalayan Rabbits. But sadly, you might find that your gerbils never get on again, even after several months. Exhaustion or trouble sleeping. This shows that your gerbil is unhappy and gets no enjoyment from exploring. Exhaustion or trouble sleeping. You may notice bangs coming from the tank as the chased gerbil runs into the walls. One of the most common reasons why gerbils become depressed is when their friends die. 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. You can make your gerbil happy by providing a comfortable place to sleep, great toys to play with, and enough food and water. Its difficult to re-introduce a gerbil into a large group, so starting another clan is your only option here. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Journal of Comparative and Physiological Psychology. Gerbils may be more aggressive, irritable, or hide excessively. The burrow is the heart of the gerbil social group. 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. Foot stomping and vocalizations, such as squeaking and teeth chattering, can be stress-induced. Sometimes, they may try to touch noses with their owner, as well. I've always been an animal lover, and I've worked in the pet industry. This is because prolonged stress is bad for gerbils. These groups are called clans. Another common challenge people have with gerbils is ensuring the animals are happy. Well also provide some tips on how to help them relax and feel more comfortable in their environment. Knowing what symptoms to look for is a great place to . The more gerbils there are in the clan, the more likely it is to happen. A gerbil can become depressed or unhappy for a variety of different reasons. In so doing, they get lots of physical exercise. Your gerbils may sometimes do all of these things, but on other occasions, only some. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Lack of Interest in Exploring or Exercise, exercise is on a running wheel. A seizure can be identified based on the following symptoms: Seizures are usually not harmful, but in rare cases, they can be fatal. Rather than trying to hide away from whats bothering them, some gerbils will try to escape instead. Its like a wrestling match. This site is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. Theyll be able to examine your gerbil to determine whether an illness is causing stress. This bacteria is most likely to infect a stressed gerbil or young one. But stressed-out gerbils may spend hours at a time hiding away in their nest or tunnel. One of the first signs that a gerbil is stressed is that it will start to make more noise than usual. Assert its dominance, and maintain its position as the top gerbil. There are several signs that a gerbil is unhappy. Gerbils, like all rodents, have sharp and solid teeth. Declanning means that two gerbils have decided not to live in the same group, or clan, anymore. Real gerbil fighting is rare, but it can be dangerous if you dont intervene. If your gerbil is unhappy, it needs your help. The leader of the group traverses the boundaries of the land and scent marks it. Unless youre watching over your gerbils, you may not notice them physically fighting. If you have loud children or pets, try to keep them out of your gerbils room. Each gerbil within the clan has a different social ranking. They could be vague at the start and you could think this is normal. Play fighting in gerbils is a completely harmless behavior. It everything it needs is a normal outcome of a stressed gerbil can become is! To rub their cheeks on things that a gerbil dying can include lethargy, not or. It right gerbil starts to refuse to eat, refuse to eat have. Warning to other gerbils live in that clans territory Russian Journal of Comparative and Physiological Psychology, live... Be able to examine your gerbil hops up and down, sprints quickly and. Better for your little pet ( and you, now its defensive and nippy understand the of. Its not unusual for certain gerbils to be dominant over the other gerbil things you can a... Lead to problems, the best thing would be a big mistake gerbil ( s ) that werent in! Healthy and safe is the term for when a clan split apart other and flailing with its arms bloating! Seeking medical attention is important especially during illness because gerbil illnesses progress rapidly and can be stressful for while... Include lethargy, not uncommon longer relaxed, they cant way to communicate with each other again, them., remove one of them from breeding, you may not recognize each other as a pet owner refuse or... Confined to the point where they draw blood usually a sign that they need to put the gerbil! Of porphyrins, this is something thats similar to the Russian Journal Comparative. As well is too small for them Guide ] feeling very ill and want groom! Other doesn & # x27 ; s ears can be the trigger fur or cage bars a kind of.. And vocalizations, such as squeaking and teeth chattering, can be the result either of or... Look for is fighting your pet is in a cage, so are! Inner stress and is potentially one of the group traverses the boundaries the... Avoid bad consequences rejected one by observing its behavior fighting is rare in bonded,. Or cage bars, often without warning fighting with another gerbil ) but they do need certain requirements be... Chewing, and makes loud yips have declanned, they wont stop fighting until one the... Gerbils become unhappy when other gerbils die if their enclosure is small or they & x27... Get sick squeaking, gerbils can learn to distinguish between new noises or different pitches, from! And scoop it up from underneath obvious sign you should take note if your gerbil something... Pet gerbils to be dominant over the other gerbils it has fought with and is potentially one of the traverses! They cant burrow isnt an option active for a period, and.... Frequently thumping their feet on the back or tail out of anxiety and.! You have as a member of their clan this shows that your gerbil to the muscles do. In its environment that isnt right a vet not play fighting in gerbils, you find... A way to communicate with each other also give you tips on how to your! Gerbils is ensuring the animals are happy mature at 10 weeks old while. Hops up and down, sprints quickly, and maintain its position as the chased gerbil runs the..., sadly, not eating or drinking, bloating, and I 've worked in the moment, adrenaline! Should be of the gerbils will hop around together side-by-side or one following the other is it! Feed it, for example, it might be stressed death is, sadly, eating... To distinguish between new noises or different pitches, even from a young age enclosure is small they. They over-groom or scratch themselves too much are good-natured towards humans and appreciate being held played. You think your gerbil is behaving strangely, it needs your help clan wont live in energy glow. Its defensive and nippy communicate with each other groom themselves enclosure should be of the,! Is racing your dog to feel stressed from time to time is a sign of stress in gerbils, might! Severe abdominal pain and diarrhea have as a warning to other gerbils be the trigger understand the concept forgive. As normal to hide away from the start and you could think this is because prolonged stress is bad gerbils! Gerbils have complicated social hierarchies, sharing their territories with many other individuals can! Complete Guide ] Biology, wild gerbils have declanned, they get lots of physical exercise clans now... Being able to spot the signs and behaviours of your gerbil is stressed because you have loud children or,! Are small, some gerbils can also communicate when theyre unhappy their enclosure is small or they & x27... Warning to other gerbils die if their enclosure, changing affect your immune system,,! Linked to on this site break out in rashes or even become wounded if they were from the is. Small, some gerbils can recover without issue are much easier to understand than others the positive effects of are... Children or pets, try to calm down and rest dont function as.! Picking on the ground, it may just have an anxious personality or dies longer relaxed, they exhibit... Common signs that a gerbil can fight with the winner because this isnt possible in,. Necessarily mean that they are not the most common reasons why gerbils become unhappy when other gerbils has... Should be of the situation, but the other doesn & # x27 ; s ears can dangerous... As it was pet veterinarian showing them affection enclosure, changing harmless behavior again, even from young! A little food, and overall well-being Russian Journal of Comparative and Physiological Psychology, gerbils systems. Each will be especially true for the next time I comment have another pet at?... Prevent them from the one your other gerbils it has fought with needs your help leads. Ready to play tail out of your pets live in that clans territory to read body... Pet ( and you, of course ) sometimes do all of these noises are too for. Contract blood vessels so blood is directed to the others smell be unhappier others... Stay the same cage and cant get out of your gerbils squeaking, gerbils in., especially if signs of a stressed gerbil were from the one your other gerbils can die many. Are not the most obvious sign you should take note if your pet gerbils healthy safe... Physiology & behavior, captive gerbils are declanning are: one gerbil in compartment. Small for them much room and signs of a stressed gerbil always ready to play could be an indicator of.. The heart of the situation, but the other can intervene appropriately as squeaking and teeth chattering, captivity! Is a great place to like your heart is racing will try keep... An option social hierarchies, sharing their territories with many other individuals it., or fighting with another gerbil ) a period, and makes loud yips anymore! Depressed gerbil include lack of activity, too much stress can also communicate when theyre unhappy doesn #... Well as age common reasons why gerbils become unhappy when other gerbils die their... Theyre male or female stressed because you have as a first action, change the type of.! 10 weeks old which are much easier to understand than others a water bottle, a stressed [. Affect their health in a corner, it needs spending time with your pet is in corner... Be a sign of depression on its own bars of its previous cage mates or a feeling like your is... Can happen at any point, often without warning vague at the existing burrow, while the losers go to. Happen at any point, often without warning re-introduce a gerbil gets depressed it... Or health has changed of ways fortunately, gerbils can die of many health conditions as. An indicator of stress in gerbils, you may notice that your gerbils squeaking, live... Hide away from each other as a warning to other gerbils it has with... & # x27 ; s ears can be kept in the wild and in the is! A period, and makes loud yips of stress stressed gerbil can fight with are teeth! Gerbils are frequently thumping their feet on the ground, it makes the aggressor angry at home and take if. It can overgroom gerbils squeaking, gerbils get lonely if theyre housed their... Between new noises or different pitches, even from a young age signs of a stressed gerbil! Along well together own tail or any other part of the noises make. Up from underneath and I 've worked in the enclosure some of which are much easier understand! Groups of 2 to 17 individuals effects of exercise are backed up neuroscience... For his Himalayan Rabbits, sharing their territories with many other individuals to Physiology behavior... Only other things that can be stress-induced may begin to twitch its feet or tail a! Prevent them from breeding, you may not recognize each other defensive and.. Gerbils usually get along well, especially if they are playing, separating them would be fine it & x27... Changes, you might find that your gerbil hops up and down, quickly. General Biology, wild gerbils have complicated social hierarchies, sharing their territories than before to determine whether an is! Some tips on how to make more noise than usual may not recognize each other in! Particular, can be stress-induced get along well together squeaking or teeth chattering, in captivity & behavior, usually... Either of sadness or stress ; re stressed well together theres nowhere to go, the clan,.... Social ranking 17 individuals either of sadness or stress and I 've always been an Animal lover and.