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Post by ps25 on Feb 20, 2020 7:39:31 GMT -8
Hi
What are the recommendations for out of cage, play time for gerbil parents? Is it OK to let either or both parents out of the cage to "stretch their legs" and get a break from the pups? Or should we wait until the pups are old enough to come out for a run around as well?
Thanks
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Post by betty on Feb 22, 2020 10:09:47 GMT -8
I don't really have a rule about this - apart from not seperating them for too long during the first few keys days - especially if the mum is nervous or protective. I have had to handle very young pups away from their mums at times and all has seemed fine.
I do however tend to err on the side of caution generally, and I wouldn't have the mum out for full playtime (over 20 minutes) until my pups have their eyes open, but that is just me. And if mum and dad are still a couple, I wouldn't do them seperately either (to make sure I don't upset their scents etc) and I certainly wouldn't put them or the pups in a mixed scent play run (where more than one gerbil clan use the same uncleanable space (bath tubs with new towels and toys would be the only exception) for the same reason. Any clan bigger than one gerbil is more sensitive to new/uneven smells so I avoid at all costs.
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Post by ps25 on Feb 23, 2020 11:25:02 GMT -8
Hi Betty
That all sounds like good advice. I think caution is a good idea in this case, as it is her first litter and she seemed a little in shock to start with. So I've been a little wary of separating her from the pups. She seems more comfortable with her new family now and she's letting me handle them within the tank. I might put the whole tank in the bath and rig up a ramp so she can come and go as she wants and so hopefully wont feel like she is separated from them.
Thanks
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Post by Rockstar Gerbil Clan on Feb 28, 2020 21:32:00 GMT -8
I would have to agree. removing mom from her puppies will stress her out if they are young. They will squeak for her and she won’t be able to get to them. Best to let them open their eyes and start to annoy her a little. As soon as they start getting bigger and more demanding mom will probably really appreciate the break.
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Post by ps25 on Mar 2, 2020 10:51:09 GMT -8
Update - I decided to wait until the pups were 12 days old and then set the tank up with a ramp. So it was completely up to the parents if and when they wanted to get out and back in. Dad was out like a shot (typical!). Mum was a little more hesitant but soon was running around as well. I popped her back in the tank on a couple of occasions to make sure she knew where her pups were and that she could get back. It was fairly brief (maybe 5 mins) but I think both parents enjoyed it and have repeated it several times since then.
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