Sick gerbil - should I seperate?

[Joey]

Jerry's brother, Tom, isn't himself today at all. I'm not sure what's wrong with him, but he's sitting still, sleeping in a different area of his cage (ontop of the bedding, instead of inside their hut). Should I seperate the two until Tom's better? I'm not sure if Jerry would kill him - or leave him alone to get better - or if Jerry will take care of him. Any thoughts?

Also, Tom IS eating when I give him food. I gave him a VERY small piece of celery so that he gets some moisture, cause I don't know when he last drank.

Any suggestions would be helpful.

Joey

[squeaksister]

Its hard to say whether he has some contagious or not so I couldnt say whether or not his cagemate will get it. But I dont think he will harm him by being in there with him. I would recommend though t take him to a Vet ASAP to see if you can treat him with antibiotics. Giving him celery was a good idea to keep him from becoming dehydrated.
Good luck and keep us updated

[doomgerbiluk]

No point seperating them unless you see aggression. I think the sick gerbil should see a vet though.

[whitmoregirl]

Agreed.
Often if you split a pair when one is sick, the stress could make the ill gerbil worse (as can be expected, being taken away from the one who grooms you and sleeps beside you)

[maxthegerbil]

Hi Joey. KeepTom with his brother, whatever you do. If you segregate Tom for a lengthy time, he may not recognise his brother when reunited again.

Here`s what to do. Make sure the room they are in is warm, but not stuffy. Allow for plenty of bedding material, hay and ripped up kitchen towel. Take Tom out periodically when he`s awake and not sleeping. Warm him in your hands and talk to him quietly. If he`s enjoying your company, keep him with you for warmth and let him stay there if he wishes. I had one of my gerbils away from his brother recently for half an hour at a time and they were fine when put back together, but no longer than this.

Using a dropper (if you have one) offer Tom the end of the nozzle and squeeze lightly to drop some water into his mouth. A small slice of apple goes down well with gerbils who are ill. Take some bread and dip it into some milk then squeeze out. Offer this too. keep this up until the gerbil recovers enough and your happy that he`s looking better.

His brother knows he`s there and will groom him and keep him company. Don`t worry about anything contageous being passed on as this is highly unlikely.

let us know how Tom is? Good luck. x

[maxthegerbil]

Also meant to add: If you have a hot water bottle, wrap this in a towel and place it next to their tank (on the outside) and let the heat radiate through the glass where he is sleeping. Keep an eye on it though. If Tom appears listless when in your hands, lift him up to your face and warm him through with your soft breath on his back and flanks, gently clapping him to reasure him.