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Post by Lws on Jan 3, 2021 19:20:16 GMT -8
Hi all!
I have two gerbils and one of them keeps standing still on one of their platforms with his eyes half shut. He’s done it a few times today and I was concerned as one or the times he was hunched over on all fours. I was wondering if anyone else has had the same experience or anything similar with theirs. He’s only young about 5 months and seems well otherwise.
Thanks in advance 😊
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Post by betty on Jan 4, 2021 5:24:04 GMT -8
Hello Lws - and welcome to the forum.
Many gerbils do this (most often if they have red or pink eyes) and although I don't think there have been any actual studies on it - it is often thought to be either the eye colour itself (as it is linked to bad vision and blindness) or linked to minor seizures (something that often causes young gerbils to sit or stand totally still for a few seconds or minutes when spooked by handling or a shadow/unexpected noise).
If it is the latter, it is very common and usually doesn't bother than in later life - and if it is the former than it is something they will continue to do randomly throughout their lives.
However, if he hunches over on all 4s more often than standing upright when he does this or has any other new symptoms or behaviours then it could well be something else. Gerbils are VERY good at hiding illness and can look good even when they really aren't. How is his clan-mate?
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Post by Lws on Jan 4, 2021 6:24:37 GMT -8
Hi thank you for replying
He seems alright otherwise as in he’s active and hasn’t been off his food. He only hunched once so hoping he won’t do it again. I did have my boyfriend with me who he is less used to so I’m wondering if that’s why he was maybe a bit spooked.
I’ve got two and his friend seems all good and they do get along well .
I’m going to keep an eye out today reckon if he hunches over again or does it for longer I might have to take him vets.
Thanks for your help!
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Post by betty on Jan 4, 2021 6:45:10 GMT -8
Fingers crossed it was just something simple. Do stay in touch though either way so we know what happens to him (even if it is nothing).
And only take him to an exotics vet if you can as it seems that general cat and dog vets often don't know enough about gerbils to be very helpful unfortunately.
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Post by Lws on Jan 4, 2021 10:54:54 GMT -8
Hi,
He’s been a lot better today hasn’t done it at all so thinking something must have spooked him yesterday. Going to keep an eye out just in case but he seems good.
Thanks again for the advice 😃
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Post by betty on Jan 4, 2021 11:54:32 GMT -8
That is what we are here for.
And do hang around on the forum for lots of other ideas and advice in the gerbils world!
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