Is it true that when a gerbil dies their cage mates eat them

[fraggle]

I've heard that gerbils will eat their cage mates when they die. Is this true?

[johanne]

Well, it's not something they want to do. But gerbils are very clean animals, and dead bodies in their homes stink pretty bad soon enough and would attract predators. If they have enough bedding they'll often bury their dead. But often that's not an option and some gerbils will get desperate and start eating their deceased friend.

[fraggle]

That does make sense I suppose. So I need to either get Bailey out before he passes away & risk them declanning IF he gets better or make sure I keep checking on him?

[Shooting Star]

They won't start eating a deceased cagemate right away. As long as you're checking on them at least once a day, there shouldn't be anything to worry about.

[crittercrazy]

I've had two gerbils die while their buddies were around, and never had any eaten bodies. So as Shooting Star said I think you don't have to worry about that unless the deceased gerbil is in there a long time.

[fraggle]

Oh it's a monumental event if he comes out so I'm checking on them every 15 mins when I'm home. Plus he's on meds. I'm reluctant to have him put to sleep all the time he doesn't seem to think he's ill.

[streetwisegerbil]

I've had 5 pass in their home and never encountered this. They weren't left for hours and hours though.

I've read one person experience this on here but can't remember the details.

[fraggle]

Thanks everyone. This has reassured me. Am hoping it won't come to it but if it does then at least I won't find half a gerbil.