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Post by Jurassic fox on Jul 23, 2018 10:31:11 GMT -8
When I bought my gerbils, the woman at the store told us there were 3 males and 1 female. We bought two more females to keep that one company, and they've been together for a few weeks now. The two more new gerbils are younger than the first female.
Recently, we realized a weight gain in the two females and we were confused because they were always exercising. We then realized the only one who hadn't gained weight was Laura, now Lauren, the one we assumed was a female.
We're afraid that Lauen is a male, which is why we renamed him.
Not just that, but even though Lauren was older that the other two, he was younger than his 3 older brothers, which means he didn't fully develop his "male parts" until later. Which is why we didn't figure out until later that "she" was actually a "he".
That, however, is not our problem. The problem is that we got two potentially pregnant females and only one father.
Can we separate the two females and put the father in with one, and put a different male with the other, or is it too risky? ( Lauren used to be in a cage with his brothers, and the cages are adjacent to each other, so the gerbils are able to smell each other). What would you all recommend?
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Post by Shooting Star on Jul 23, 2018 12:19:59 GMT -8
First things first: are you sure Lauren is a male? Can you get pictures?
If Lauren is male, I would recommend putting each female and Lauren in their own separate cage. You could also leave Lauren with one of the females, but be aware that he will father a second litter immediately after the first is born.
Absolutely do not leave the two females together, or add any new gerbils to either female. Do not attempt to put Lauren directly back with his brothers, either.
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Post by Jurassic fox on Jul 23, 2018 18:09:42 GMT -8
Will they get stressed from seperation anxiety?
I'm definitely sure Lauren is a male.
I'll try to get some pictures up now.
Thanks!
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Post by Jurassic fox on Jul 23, 2018 18:55:41 GMT -8
THANKS! (I hope this works, and if it does sorry about the horrible pictures. He wouldn't stay still so all i have is a picture of his backside and left side.)
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Post by Jurassic fox on Jul 23, 2018 18:56:40 GMT -8
Dear lord these pictures are bigger than I expected! But I hope it's enough!
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Post by Shooting Star on Jul 25, 2018 5:31:07 GMT -8
If you're sure he's a male, pics aren't necessary.
They might get a little stressed, which is why you should separate them now and let them adjust to being alone. Leaving a second adult female in with a pregnant one (especially if the second is pregnant as well) will most likely end with dead pups, possibly serious fighting between the moms too. Trying to introduce a new male to a pregnant female just adds more stress.
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Post by Jurassic fox on Jul 25, 2018 12:37:34 GMT -8
Okay. Thanks, I'll be sure to do so! Thanks so much!
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Post by Jurassic fox on Jul 28, 2018 14:43:24 GMT -8
Yeah...... it was a he. One of the females gave birth today. I'm not sure if the other one is pregnant, but it's a possibility. We'll keep an eye out.
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