lizb
Member
Posts: 140
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Post by lizb on Dec 13, 2014 18:06:04 GMT -8
First off, I swear I did research before getting gerbils, but I keep running into situations I didn't anticipate. The dominant gerbil, Christopher, has been harassing/bullying his brothers by taking food, chasing them around the tank, taking their cardboard... They hide all the time when he's out of the nest. I've heard about one gerbil being bullied by another and even some stories of two gerbils bullying another, but never two getting bullied. What would you all do? Remove Christopher or encourage an overthrow?
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Post by daisy on Dec 14, 2014 20:35:50 GMT -8
Unless Christopher is actually hurting the other gerbils, I would leave them alone. I believe that it is natural for one gerbil to be dominant. That is just how things are in gerbil society. Isolating Christopher could cause him to become depressed and even die. Do you take the gerbils out of their tank ever? If so, you could take Christopher out first, leaving the other two for a few minutes without him. During that time, you could give them some extra food. Or you could take the submissive ones out first. But don't separate them too long or they could declan. Also, make sure you have plenty of food in their tank, so there is more than enough to go around. More than one wheel is a good idea also.
I once asked who is happiest - the dominant gerbil or the submissive ones. I don't think the answer is so clear.
Good luck and best wishes,
Daisy
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lizb
Member
Posts: 140
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Post by lizb on Dec 15, 2014 5:37:38 GMT -8
Thank you, Daisy. I was just concerned that it was leading up to a declan as they're exhibiting aggressive behaviors, and I hoped to prevent violence...
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Post by daisy on Dec 15, 2014 20:13:20 GMT -8
When I give my boys treats, such as a sunflower seed, I always make sure that each one gets his fair share. To do this, I give each one the treat at the same time and then watch to make sure there is no stealing. If one finishes first, I may give him a tiny bit more so that the others have a chance to finish or I may just gently shoo him away while the other one finishes. As to regular food, I just leave more than enough in their bowl.
Do your gerbils sleep together? I believe that it is a good sign if they do.
Daisy
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lizb
Member
Posts: 140
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Post by lizb on Dec 16, 2014 5:46:58 GMT -8
Daisy, I had to find the source, but here's a link to the article that made me concerned about the aggressiveness www.shawsheenrivergerbils.com/gerbilpedia.html#AggressionAs for the rest of it, they're never without food, but they don't like/eat all of the ecotrition either. So, I worry about that, too. However I have been supplementing it with Oxbow. And they sleep together about half to two-thirds of the time. Thanks for your help/opinions on this! I want to make sure I'm doing everything I can to make them happy and safe.
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