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Post by KatnissUna on Dec 28, 2022 16:26:32 GMT -8
I recently purchased Rue from local pet store as of about 2 weeks ago. I noticed at the store that she had a pretty bald tail. It doesn’t seem any better yet, nothing has grown in. Her sister also appeared to have the same thing, and the last sister had close to nothing. The pet store said it was likely from being picked on by the one who had nothing wrong with hers, but I’m starting to question this more now. I am breeding her currently with Timmy, and I’m concerned if this could be a disease that he could get it too. It doesn’t seem to bother Rue, but why hasn’t her hair grown back in at all yet? Is there anything I should be doing? Could it be from her diet at the pet store perhaps? I’ve enclosed some pictures that will hopefully be of some help. Any advice greatly appreciated! Thanks!  imgur.com/a/RIaV16kimgur.com/a/UywriAu |
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Post by LilyandDaisy on Dec 28, 2022 17:49:51 GMT -8
I'd be a bit concerned about breeding her so soon after purchase for a few reasons. Firstly, she might be too young. Pet shop gerbils are typically sold at about 8 weeks old and while they can often breed from that age, it's better to let them grow up more first. They grow a lot between 8 weeks and 4 months or so, and also mature in behaviour and temperament.
Secondly, when purchasing from a pet shop there's a small risk of a gerbil carrying a contagious disease and you wouldn't want to pass anything on to your other gerbils or on to new pups.
It's also more ideal to get to know a new gerbil's temperament and character and check they are healthy before making the decision to breed them.
When it comes to the tail, it could be barbering from other gerbils in the tank, in which case it should grow back eventually. It could be self-barbering, where she pulls the fur out herself, usually caused by stress, though I think that's quite uncommon in gerbils. It could also be an infection such as ringworm, which would need to be treated, and you might need to treat your other gerbils and yourself as well as it's very contagious.
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Post by Markpd on Dec 28, 2022 18:04:14 GMT -8
How come ringworm can cause tail fur to fall out?
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Post by KatnissUna on Dec 28, 2022 18:49:44 GMT -8
Ok LilyandDaisy, thank you for the advice! She doesn’t seem to be biting at her tail now, so I feel like it’s not ringworm, as it is usually quite bothersome (in humans at least)
I’ve had her for a few weeks now, and there is no change (as mentioned above)
And the pet store said the gerbils were checked out by a vet. Honestly the person we talked to at the store didn’t sound concerned at all, but then again she didn’t seem very knowledgeable with gerbils.
Also, how long would it be before it would grow back, that is if the tank-mates were the ones pulling it out?
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Post by LilyandDaisy on Dec 28, 2022 18:52:59 GMT -8
How come ringworm can cause tail fur to fall out? I don't know how it does, but I had ringworm when I was 4 and it gave me a big bald patch on the top of my head. My mum had to be very creative with hairstyling for a few months to hide it! Fortunately it grew back eventually. |
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Post by LilyandDaisy on Dec 28, 2022 18:54:36 GMT -8
Also, how long would it be before it would grow back, that is if the tank-mates were the ones pulling it out? I'm not sure to be honest. Gerbil fur usually grows fairly fast so I think if it hasn't grown back in a few more weeks, I would assume it's not going to. |
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Post by Markpd on Dec 29, 2022 4:25:07 GMT -8
How come ringworm can cause tail fur to fall out? I don't know how it does, but I had ringworm when I was 4 and it gave me a big bald patch on the top of my head. My mum had to be very creative with hairstyling for a few months to hide it! Fortunately it grew back eventually. Oh nightmare! I bet that was traumatic for a little girl! (although I suppose it would have been worse if you'd been a few years older?) |
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Post by LilyandDaisy on Dec 29, 2022 10:15:07 GMT -8
I don't know how it does, but I had ringworm when I was 4 and it gave me a big bald patch on the top of my head. My mum had to be very creative with hairstyling for a few months to hide it! Fortunately it grew back eventually. Oh nightmare! I bet that was traumatic for a little girl! (although I suppose it would have been worse if you'd been a few years older?) I don't really remember. It was probably more traumatic for my mum than for me! |
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Post by Markpd on Dec 29, 2022 10:25:49 GMT -8
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), late 70s