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Post by sparkbubble on Jun 16, 2022 7:20:47 GMT -8
A while ago, I purchased a companion for my 'male' gerbil. Now I have twelve gerbils and nine of them will be returning to the breeder. I have thought on this for a little while and I'm leaning towards giving the dad back to his breeder as well. I bought a cage for him that was too small I got it online in 'good condition.' Now he's sitting in a cramped and tiny tank and until I get a better job I cannot afford to pay the 130+ for a good cage and a lid. I want to give him up but I want to make sure that its best for the gerbil and not just for me. Reasons to keep him: -I can probably provide a better home for him than others. -I shouldn't give an animal up just because its inconvenient for me. -he's a good gerbil. -he's antisocial (regarding me) and can probably do all right if he has a buddy and lots of cardboard and bedding. -he was alone for an entire year before I got him and I'm worried that he won't find a home if I return him.
Reasons to not keep him: -I don't have the time to give him the proper affection and playtime he deserves -I don't have the attachment that I do to my two females. -I need a space for one of the females in case the intro doesn't work -I don't have a whole lot of space (bye bye hamster fantasy) -I have a dog. He hates the dog. -I can't afford to fill two large tanks with bedding.
What are your thoughts? I know that animals should not be thrown around at the whims and desires of the owner.
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Post by betty on Jun 23, 2022 4:48:48 GMT -8
Argh - we missed this one.
What did you decide in the end????
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Post by sparkbubble on Jun 23, 2022 6:29:40 GMT -8
I ended up returning him. I'm sad for him, but I never intended (or was able) to support more than a pair of gerbils...
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Post by betty on Jun 23, 2022 7:37:59 GMT -8
It happens - I am always suprised at the HUGE percentage of mis-genedered gerbils out there from pet shops, breeders and rescues. I know that very young pups can be hard to tell if you aren't used to things - but anything older than 10 weeks is a real giveaway for the inquisitive eye. I can only assume these people don't even take a peek?
I have had a few vets who won't touch gerbils - so I suppose even the highly qualified might just go along with what someone says rather than check for themselves.
At least you are in a good gerbil place yourself now after all the extra stress this caused you.
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Post by sparkbubble on Jun 23, 2022 9:46:26 GMT -8
Yeah, once the worm problem is officially resolved and my gerbils are bonded, I can finally relax, for hopefully a very long time.
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