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Post by daisy on Sept 15, 2014 18:45:22 GMT -8
My gerbils, Nick and Brad, seem to be overweight. I cut out pumpkin seeds, their favorite, but am concerned that I am giving them too much regular gerbil food. I keep their bowl full at all times, as they did in the pet store. Is this wrong? Should I have a set feeding schedule? If so, how much do I give them
I never see them eating the food, but it does disappear.
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Post by qtoffer on Sept 15, 2014 20:15:58 GMT -8
They may or may not actually be overweight. Gerbils can puff out their fur if they're chilly - making themselves look quite pudgy. Only way to tell is to weigh them on a kitchen or postage scale. Adult females generally weigh between 70 and 100 g. Adult males typically weigh between 90 and 120 g.
I've never heard of gerbils becoming overweight by eating too much regular food - they're pretty much self regulating in that regard. However, they can become overweight if they get too many sugary or fatty treats. Older gerbils can be expected to gain a few grams as they become less active and sleep more.
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Post by daisy on Sept 16, 2014 18:33:07 GMT -8
I think that they might have been puffy out their fur. I looked at them closely today and their fur was flat and they didn't look fat. Thank you!
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