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Post by New owner on May 30, 2021 17:29:11 GMT -8
I just got 3 gerbils and I’m just looking for more defaulted information on them their really isn’t that much information or gerbil owners on platforms like YouTube. I have 3 female gerbils and I have just got them on the 29 so they are still settling in I have noticed one runs a lot on the wheel and I’m just a little concerned if it’s stress,if she’s switching out with another one on the wheel and I don’t notice? Also I notice that usually they groom each other and it only last a few seconds but it is a little aggressive I do not think it is fighting as their is no blood,chasing,excessive pinning, etc. I’m just really looking for a platform that could help and give me information when I’m worried.
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Post by New owner on May 30, 2021 18:08:41 GMT -8
Also if this is needed they are 3 females I’m not sure if they are siblings or not but they have been together in the pet store when I got them. I have them in the 40 gallon breeder tank and I live in the us.
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Thea
Member
Posts: 1,012 
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Post by Thea on May 30, 2021 23:25:51 GMT -8
Hi! I would suggest making an account - it would be much easier than just using guest. You will find lots of information on this forum and you're welcome to ask any questions. I doubt the going on the wheel is stress - usually that's a good sign that they're settling in, but I'll leave that for someone else to answer. As for the very quick grooming, that could be grooming or just "play fighting". Most gerbils play fight and it's completely fine - just watch out for the signs of a declan. Girls are higher risk for a declan and it isn't recommended having 3 girls as they are pretty prone to fighting, but there are a few people on this forum and on YouTube (such as FinsandWhiskers on YouTube who has three girls) who have had no problem with three girls and I hope it's the same for you  If you have any questions feel free to ask! Thea |
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Post by PipSqueak on May 31, 2021 3:10:38 GMT -8
As Thea said you really should make an account. Gerbils aren’t as common as a pet as hamsters and it can be really hard to find accurate information on them. I would check out the YouTube accounts Fins and Whiskers and Erins Ark if you haven’t already. The forum is also a great place to ask questions and get answers. The running on the wheel is not a sign of stress. Gerbils just run on it to get rid of energy. In the wild they would have lots of space to run around but in a tank they won’t have that space so they will run on the wheel. As for the grooming gerbils will just groom themselves or each other every so often. As long as they aren’t bleeding then it should be fine. They will also play fight occasionally but as long as they aren’t biting or scratching and blood isn’t being drawn it isn’t much of a concern. As Thea said having 3 females isn’t recommend since they have more of a chance of declaning. Of corse there isn’t much you can do now since they are already bonded together. Just be ready in case something happens that you need to separate them for.
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Post by New owner on May 31, 2021 4:15:32 GMT -8
Yes I’ve made an account I’m just waiting for approval but Thank-you for the help I am worried about declanning but they seem to get along fine and they are always together really so I’m just hoping for the best. As much as I know they are not sisters but have been together for a while when I got them in the pet store.
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Post by betty on May 31, 2021 15:15:27 GMT -8
Welcome to the forum - and you really have come to the right place for endless info about gerbil-keeping from real examples of care from our members. Ask us anything and we will do our best to anser with something that we have learned or experienced ourselves.
As long as this gerbil in the wheel is not sitting in there - doing nothing rather than just catching her breath - I wouldn't worry for now - but stay alert to other signs. Sometimes a change in environment can introduce new smells and nooks and crannies that can unsettle some groups more than others. Hopfully if they were already in a three long before you got them (rather than in a 5 or a 2:1) - this should help with their bond stability. A change in clan AND environment can sometimes be too much for some gerbils and the first 3-6 months are crucial in helping to keep that bond in place.
Update us on any behavior changes you notice - no matter how small - and we can help identify what looks good and what possibly doesn't.
Fingers crossed it will all be fine - and it could just be one in heat (which can make them act a bit funny sometimes). You didn't say how old they were already either as this might help down the line.
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Post by New owner on May 31, 2021 17:26:36 GMT -8
I believe they are around 5 months old 2 of them look like sisters and are very hard to tell apart but one is much smaller mad May not be their sister I’m not really sure if she came from somewhere else or what I know they where doing pretty good together when I’m the pet store but they may have been in a larger group. the only problem I see right now is having trouble switching over the wheel and I’m considering getting another one as I don’t see them switching off with the littler one as much and I don’t want the wheel to cause an imbalance with the clan. Besides that and the slightly aggressive play fighting or grooming they seem to be getting along fine.
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Post by gerbilflower on May 31, 2021 17:47:08 GMT -8
Hi this was me I made a post in the member category if you want to respond and look there
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