Male Gerbil lost lots of weight.

[psychotherapist]

Just wondering if anyone has some ideas.

1 of my trio of Males recently lost a lot of weight. He's gone very skinny and you can feel his bones easily.

However, his eyes are wide and bright, he's fully alert and he has a massive appetite. He's always first for treats and will even try to steal from the others - as normal.

The only change is behaviour wise, he used to beg to come out of the cage and play, now he doesnt.

This happened a few months back too and I assumed he was depressed. I cleaned out the cage and moved a few things about and after a few days he regained weight and started begging to come out again.

So I'm wondering if it's the same thing this time or if it could be a symptom of something more serious?

[rennmaus]

Do you know how much weight he has lost? I read that a few grams variation in weight is considered to be normal, but anything around 5 grams or more needs to be investigated by a vet.

From what you read I take it he still eats lots & that he gets his fair share of the food you give to the trio?

[psychotherapist]

Not sure how much he's actually lost as I haven't weighed him in a while, I'll have to try and weigh him when he's awake later.

Food wise, yep he eats and eats. We've been giving him extra treats etc and he eats them all.

Though a thought I just had - I wonder if he may be eating too much lettuce. We put a little bowl in each day and the other 2 will have a bit, but he seems to devour the lot of it throughout the day, often to be found sitting in the bowl.

[catnut]

lettuce doesn't have too much in it besides water, I wouldn't give them that very often, if at all.