White gerbil woes

[nayuki]

I have had a white gerbil for a year now, and I've noticed two issues with her. One being her coat... it's very dirty! Which is understandable, but I'd like to clean it if possible.. I've heard that baths aren't good for them, but is there a way to make her fur cleaner? My other gerbil is mostly black so you can't see dirt on her.

Second, I've noticed for a couple months now that she has some scabs on her back.. I'm thinking that they're from her cage mate, who humps her fairly often. The other girl has none, and she has acted completely fine despite them. Any thoughts?

[karin66]

I'm very much a novice gerbil owner, if mine had sores on her.back, I'd get.a vet to check.her out. My gerbil a honey cream colour.stays nice & clean with.regular dust baths. She looked a grubby little thing when.I.first.got.her!

[qtoffer]

Frequent mounting among females and bites around the tail region suggest dominance issues. is the white gerbil the only one with scabs? How big is their cage and how is it furnished - nest box, toys, wheel? Did you notice the scabs after introducing a new cage feature or toy?

Less likely, but you should rule them out - are mites and bedding allergies. These would probably affect both gerbils