New gerbil, itchy nose

[taaibah]

Hi all,
Yesterday I purchased a pair of female gerbils (around 8wks old). Since I've got them home I've noticed that one of them (as yet with no name!) seems to have an irritated nose, she keeps 'wiping' it with her paws and I've seen her stratch it with one of her back paws too. Her nose looks red and I'm not sure if it's blood or inflammation. She does seem to scratch her body a little more than normal, though her fur is shiny and healthy.

She is eating normally and is fairly ative, although not as active as her sister. She tends to eat, investigate the tank a bit then go back to sleep. I'm a bit concerned that she may not be getting fluids, as I've seen her put her nose in the water bowl and she jumps back a bit as though it hurts her nose.

In the shop they were bedded on wood shavings. I've put them on Carefresh now.

Please, can anyone help? I'm really worried. It's frustrating as I can't really have a close look at her nose as she isn't tame yet.

Thankyou.
Taaibah.

[meganb52]

It sounds like you're doing the right things, though I would make a few suggestions. As for the water bowl, I wouldn't use one. I would use a hanging sipper bottle on their cage and use that instead. THey will dig in their bedding and foul their water quickly, and it will also help with your little girl's inflamed nose.

Gerbils will get allergic reactions to wodden shavings sometimes, and it causes them to get red, irritated little noses. I would watch her and if the skin looks red, you can try putting a little bit of triple antibiotic ointment on it, but play with her for 10 or 15 minutes afterwards so it has time to work and she doesn't just groom it off. if it doesn't seem to be getting better within the next week or so, I would start thinking about a visit to the vet's. Good luck!

-Megan

[RyanF]

Yeah neosporin should clear it up a bit, if not, take her to the vet. I had the same problem with my Burkie and it was not fixed until I took her to the vet to get some antibiotics. Hope she gets well soon.