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Post by yeti218 on Aug 4, 2020 5:48:43 GMT -8
Hello,
Been thinking about getting some gerbils but i have a few concerns, mostly about a potential declan.
Im interested in having 1 cage (will likely do the ikea detolf thing) with 2 gerbils, but i dont want a declan and now ive got 2 cages, and then am i getting 2 more gerbils so they have their social needs met? I mean, if i take in a pet, ill commit to dealing with whatever occurs, but really thats too many gerbils and enclosures for me, i think.
Also, if i were to get gerbils i'd either wait for a pair who are being rehomed to come available in my area, or go through a breeder. Any thoughts on these options? Im wondering if gerbils from a breeder are less likely to declan (maybe gerbil breeders would breed gerbils who bond well and long term, or is declanning just a natural behaviour that you can't reduce with selective breeding?)
My other question is about leaving gerbils alone for a few days if i go away for a weekend. Ive found a few threads where people say they do this. Probably 2 or 3 times a year id be wanting to leave them alone for a few days. Is this generally pretty common practice and they're okay with this?
Also concerned if they start to declan while im away and im not around to intervene before things escalate and someone gets hurt, that would be heartbreaking.
As you can see, a few concerns, mostly centering on the declanning possibility.
Interested on some feedback from people with gerbil experience to help me make the right choice here.
Thank you.
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Pim
Member
Posts: 346 
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Post by Pim on Aug 4, 2020 10:50:10 GMT -8
Declans are not super common and not something to get overly worried about. some people say that a larger cage could increase the chances of a declan but that's not proven. I don't know much about the detolf but if you want to stick with that you could split it into two separate tanks with a divider. If you adopt gerbils that are already a bonded pair they have a very small chance of declaning since they have already lived their whole life together. but breeders would also give you good chances. but remember declans mostly happen in larger groups rather than pairs. but again not something you need to worry too much about. I wouldn't leave them for more than two days. just get someone to come give them fresh water and food if you do.
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Post by catnut on Aug 4, 2020 13:56:01 GMT -8
declans do happen so you always have to think of this with gerbils, i just got two brothers' in dec. and they declanned in march, got them when they were 8 months old. i wouldn't leave gerbils' for more than two days.
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Post by betty on Aug 5, 2020 2:45:52 GMT -8
Hello yeti218 - and yes, most of the questions have been answered above - most same-litter siblings pairs of gerbils are absolutely fine and rarely ever declan when both healthy and nothing is added to their tank (from other animals). Very easy to achieve if you are buying from a trusted breeder and have no other snmall animals. Buying from stores can't always guarantee the sibling part (unless they know and trust the breeder) as it is quite common for larger scale breeders to match up litters from various parents to make sure there are enough to pair up. As for a declan - if you know the signs to watch out for and know the character of your own gerbils - you can usually see a declan coming to be honest. So to have one happen on the two days you were away wouldn't be shock if you were already on top of things. Also, when going away, never make any changes or put new things in on the day you are leaving as things need to settle after a change and you don't want them settling when you aren't there. So basically leave them in an established (uncleaned) enclosure when going away and don't top up with new toys or anything when you go - maybe just the food, water and something small to chew. Take out anything that could fall or crush anyone 2 days before you go, so it all moves and settles into it's new position before you go - and make sure there is PLENTY of food and water sources - water is the worst offender when leaving gerbils unattended. Some people even 'mock go away' just to see what mischief they can get into without really trying. So, while you are still home - say over a weekend - top up their food and water like you would on the friday before 'going away' and then don't touch anything in the tank until the monday night (unless dangerous of course). That way you can see what it might be like if you went away but with the safety of knowing you are still there. We would never recommend leaving any pets unattended of course - but if you can't have anyone check in on them or set up a streaming camera to watch them - and you feel it is safe to do so, then yes 3 days would be the absolute max. Remember should always be thinking "if something happeneded on Day 1 - How long could I leave it before it becomes hazardous?". You can't prevent accidents or illness whether you are there or not - so just think if there WAS an accident or illness - or the water bottle emptied out on Day 1 - how long would you want them to have to live with that until you could get home (and remember if you are returning at night, then add that as another day as I am sure you won't be rushing out to a store or vets until the morning anyway. You could always take them with you as many people do - in a travel cage? That said - these are worse case scenarios - and if you read old threads - you'll find that many people choose to leave their gerbils at home for a few days and feel totally safe to do so; and many gerbils live totally happy lives without declanning. Gerbils are awesome - so think of all the good stuff too! |
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Post by yeti218 on Aug 6, 2020 5:18:18 GMT -8
Thanks to everyone for the information.
Really like the idea of doing a mock vacation to see how they manage for a few days if i wasnt home. Ill try that. And i will be able to set up a pet cam app and have someone available to go check in on the gerbils if theres some kind of emergency, so i feel pretty good about that plan.
Ill arrange a proper pet sitter if im away for more than a weekend, but in the summer i like to go on short camping trips, and i know if i have to arrange a pet sitter for these weekends ill just end up not getting out as much.
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Post by betty on Aug 6, 2020 9:14:40 GMT -8
Watching them on the videos overnight is really funny sometimes. I also have a motion-triggered camera - so waking up to a load of mini videos to watch is always great fun.
Sometimes though, they just stand there for the whole video literally doing nothing but staring into space.
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Post by Markpd on Aug 10, 2020 15:22:13 GMT -8
That's bizarre! How long are they standing for? Btw, what camera do you use? I'm tempted by this idea  . |
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Post by LilyandDaisy on Aug 10, 2020 15:48:24 GMT -8
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Post by betty on Aug 18, 2020 3:06:17 GMT -8
I use this one that got bought for me last Christmas - Mibao Night Camera. It was a bit frustrating to set up as we weren't close enough to the wifi - but great once we had it up and running... |
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Post by Markpd on Aug 18, 2020 9:30:44 GMT -8
Talking of Gerbils just standing there, I swear Blake was watching telly with me last night! He was facing the telly for several minutes at least!  |
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), late 70s
