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Post by bealina on Apr 27, 2005 23:18:10 GMT -8
Hi,
my gerbil (less than 1 year old) is making chirping sounds so I can hear him. Before last week I rarely heard those sounds (once per month or so). Last Sunday the chirping sounds were very frequent, I also heard him tonight and in the morning. What can it mean? Otherwise he looks ok, drinks and eats as usual, doesn't seem to have problems with balance... He is the only one in his tank (wanted to get another one but then they couldn't tell which one is male and which female and I didn't want to take the risk of having many gerbie babies).
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Post by lpn1993 on Apr 28, 2005 10:34:08 GMT -8
Are the sounds happening with each breath, or is it just happening now and then? If you hear the noise each time he breathes, it could be a respiratory infection and he should be checked at the vet. However, if it just occurs now and then, it may just be that your gerbil is "talking". Here's a link to a discussion on gerbil chirping. www.mail-archive.com/gerbils@listserv.rice.edu/msg09951.htmlI've never noticed my gerbils chirping, but I've heard them squeak. Your gerbil should have a cagemate. They're social and usually do better with a companion. It may be that your gerbil is frightened or lonely, and that may be why he's making noise. If you could locate a breeder and get a gerbil from them, that would be great. They could help you with sexing your gerbils and should be able to guide you on how to properly introduce them. Here's a link for information on introducing gerbils: www.gerbilbreeding.com/intro.htm |
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Post by bealina on Apr 28, 2005 11:53:44 GMT -8
lpn1993, thanks for your reply. My gerbil chirps every now and then, not with each breath. When I first noticed these more frequent chirps on Sunday I called a vet and he gave him antibiotics. I took him to our vet today (he doesn't work on weekends) and he said my gerbil shows no clinical signs of respiratory infection or any other illnesses. I wouldn't describe the sound he makes as "squeaking" - more like a sound a small bird would make. Thanks you for the links you posted.
About a cagemate, I did a lot of thinking and also asked about it on this forum. I found a litter but then nobody was able to tell which ones were females and which males. And then I'm also really worried that they would fight. I read all about the split cage method but I'm still worried.
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Post by lpn1993 on Apr 28, 2005 12:31:38 GMT -8
I'm glad to hear that your gerbil isn't sick.  I understand how you feel, being nervous about introducing gerbils, because I felt the same way. I got a gerbil from a pet store (who had been by himself) and then found out that gerbils should live in pairs. So I worried about what to do and how to do it. I didn't know anything about sexing gerbils or about introducing them. I looked up information online and in books, but I still was unsure of myself. Fortunately, I found a gerbil breeder in my area and she was so helpful! She confirmed that the gerbil I had was a male, and she helped me choose a male to pair with him. She advised me on how to introduce them, and even offered to take him back if the introduction didn't work. Also, she was available by phone and e-mail if I needed additional guidance. I got Patrick and started the split cage method of introducing him to Daryl. Things went smoothly and they didn't show any signs of aggression. After about a week, they seemed curious about one another and were sleeping near the divider, like they wanted to be together. So I felt they were ready to meet. I was so nervous about doing it, but it worked out beautifully. They immediately started checking each other out, and they seemed excited to meet one another. There was no fighting at all, and within a few hours they were sleeping together in the nest. It was so cute! Usually males are easier to pair up than females. So if the one you have is male, and you can get a male companion for him, it'll probably work out well. Here's some information on how to sex gerbils: www.gerbilbreeding.com/sexing.htmI hope you'll be able to get a friend for your gerbil. Good luck! |
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Post by imnotagerbil on Apr 28, 2005 12:41:34 GMT -8
hey, haha i thought of something and here it is myb u bought a cross breed of gerbil and flying squirrel or myb gerbil and bird!! It happens, i mean one day the gerbil is fine, the next hes chirping, and then he flies away! YOu should call him a Birbil....... Just make sure he doesn't grow wings and fly away  That's weird, a gerbil chirping, must sound weird/fun Hope he gets better, and a new companion Fly away gerbil  |
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I understand how you feel, being nervous about introducing gerbils, because I felt the same way. I got a gerbil from a pet store (who had been by himself) and then found out that gerbils should live in pairs. So I worried about what to do and how to do it. I didn't know anything about sexing gerbils or about introducing them. I looked up information online and in books, but I still was unsure of myself. Fortunately, I found a gerbil breeder in my area and she was so helpful! She confirmed that the gerbil I had was a male, and she helped me choose a male to pair with him. She advised me on how to introduce them, and even offered to take him back if the introduction didn't work. Also, she was available by phone and e-mail if I needed additional guidance.
