Gerbil cold?

[NedIsNotOnFire]

I have just got the 2 gerbils (well about 1-2 hours ago x) and they both keep just stopping what they are doing, going completely still, breathing rather heavily, closing their eyes and falling asleep. Without building a nest or anything just sleeping in the middle of whatever they were doing..? I know they must be exhausted from all this new stuff happening but its just a little odd as i have never seen Giggle or Jess do this… As for the breathing heavily part, i listened carefully and watched them like a hawk and there are no clicks or any signs of discomfort. I know i'm probably just being nervous, sorry x :3

Anything helps, thanks x

[Shooting Star]

Sounds like it might be seizures. What happens if you pick one up while they're "sleeping" like that?

[NedIsNotOnFire]

They open their eyes and look at me as if i invaded their personal space (if that makes sense)They don't act lethargic or anything afterwards either, could they just be tired? They have been 'sleeping' together for about 10 minutes… I'm sure I'm just being silly, but its good to know either way XD Thank you! x
One more thing, they keep making a rubber squeaky sort of noise, is this a type of gerbil call? x

[NedIsNotOnFire]

Also, I was cuddling Ökami when i heard her squeak, but then i realised that she was chirping…? What i mean is that she was squeaking almost continuously, and she keeps making noises like when you blow your nose?  She is also responsible for the rubber squeak sound Is she okay, and am i just being paranoid? x Could it be a cold maybe? Other than this she seems fine, just a little bit sleepy Thanks x

[rhianna]

Is she only squeaking when you hold her? Or is it constant?

If it's just when you hold her, then it's probably because she's afraid and uncomfortable. You shouldn't hold gerbils immediately when you get them. They need time to settle in and then to become tame.

If it's a constant sound with her breathing, then she has a respiratory infection and should either see a vet or be returned to the store and/or exchanged for a healthy gerbil.

[NedIsNotOnFire]

It isn't as constant as when i'm holding her, and she doesn't seem to be doing it now. My main concern is the louder squeaks she does, which she only does when in the cage. I will put up some pictures, as she does look a little scrawny. :/ Thanks for the reply x I'll keep a close eye on her x

[NedIsNotOnFire]

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This is Ökami x

[crittercrazy]

She doesn't look too thing to me, though the only thing I'm going off of is the fact that my girls look just as if not skinnier then her and they're older I'm sure.
She's probably pretty scared, especially when you're holding her. (unless you need to for something else I wouldn't suggest that as Rhianna said) I don't know much about seizures or other things like that that could be causing this; but I did have a gerbil die from something shortly after I got her. She wasn't quite like what you described, not squeaking a lot or making funny noises, but she was nervous. And after a little while she started doing crazy acrobatics (as in literally jumping off the walls and trying to jump out of the cage despite the lid). The next day she died. Not sure if it's the same thing though.
Sorry I don't have any other advice to give, and hope she gets better soon!!!!

[NedIsNotOnFire]

Thanks, I hope she does too!! x I've just realised the rubber squeaks are basically her sneezing…? Do gerbils get colds? x

[rhianna]

Gerbil sneezes are sign of trouble. Gerbils do get "colds," but they're a lot more serious and potentially fatal than human colds. Sneezing is a sign of an allergy or respiratory infection. What bedding to you use? Is it dusty?

[NedIsNotOnFire]

They are pink wood shavings :/

It says:
-coloured with pet safe dye
-dust extracted
-absorbant
-natural odour control
-biodegradable 

Thats it

[rhianna]

It's very, very likely that they contain harmful types of wood in them. Softwood (such as pine, cedar, fir, spruce, etc) is unhealthy for small animals' respiratory. Unfortunately, beddings labeled "wood shavings" usually contain softwood. I recommend switching to one of the following:
-Dust extracted Aspen shavings
-Megazorb, Boxo, or Finacard (assuming you're in the UK)
-Shredded paper
All of these beddings are usually completely safe and rarely cause respiratory problems, such as sneezing and respiratory infections.

[NedIsNotOnFire]

Okay, thank you! x She was sneezing in the box when i got her, so i think she probably had it in the store as well :/ In the meantime would it be okay to just give them cardboard and tissue paper, and take out the wood shavings? Would it make a difference now?

[rhianna]

I'd say just leave the shavings in until you're able to get to the store, assuming you can go today or tomorrow. If it'll be longer than that then you could temporarily use shredded paper or tissue.

If she was sneezing when you got her, then I'd really suggest returning her to the store, unless you've already become really attached. It's the store's fault that she is unhealthy.

[NedIsNotOnFire]

She is adorable, and Giggle seems to like her too x I feel like she's my responsibility now, so i am going to do everything i can x I don't think i can get away tomorrow, and all the shops shut an hour ago where i am, so no going today :/ x Thanks again! xx