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Post by sandy on Nov 14, 2004 20:48:15 GMT -8
Yes, I agree that if she is on paper its probably not an allergy but probably an infection. Try the ointment on the nose every day for a while and see if it clears up. Baciguent is non-prescription and the best ointment there is out there. You can also use a bird antibiotic in the water, as well as vitamins, I've heard. Check that there's a good variety of food present also. I guess also check claws and teeth to see they are not too long or something. Finally, some gerbils just "pick" at their noses and do not allow them to heal. Try filing down the claws with a nail file so they are not as sharp for a while and see if it helps. Any other ideas anyone?
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Post by RyanF on Nov 15, 2004 3:06:37 GMT -8
I never thought about the nail thing. She does have long nails, I will file them and see.
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Post by sweetie on Nov 15, 2004 17:48:33 GMT -8
Ryan,
It is getting cold here too!! I use a bunch of toilet paper. Like others have said, the fibers will cause a blockage and then she will really be sick and the vet bill from that will be extensive.
I would try toilet paper again and see what happens. If her nose is still red and you haven't used the paper, then it may not be from the paper at all. Besides, it is better to be warm and a little itchy than freezing cold.
Good luck.
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Post by sprigmom on Nov 16, 2004 6:40:03 GMT -8
Hey, Ryan: Have you tried putting one of the little stick-on thermometer strips on the outside of the tank? (They're used for reptiles, fish etc.) They're only a couple buck at PetSmart, etc. I have them on all my tanks. Then I know whether it's warm enough in the tank or not. Our room gets REALLY cold in the winter. It's started already, but I've found that a combination of t-paper, being in a solid tank and covering the tank w/something warm at night (blanket, etc) keeps them cozy. They'll generate some of their own body heat, multiplied by snuggling up together, and that helps keep it warm in there too.  I agree that the cotton/polyester stuff is not a good idea. It's got to be pretty indigestible and would easily catch in the twists and turns in their little intestines.  Bowel blockages are REALLY dangerous for anyone, but especially little critters. Heck, we even have to watch that we don't feed crickets that are too large to our geckoes and frog or they'll die from the blockage created!  I also have read that you can put a light w/reflector on top of the tank, w/a low wattage bulb in it, to warm things up. You could try a red or black light bulb so it won't be so bright, if you wanted. Just keep it on through the day, then turn it off and cover the tank w/a blanket for the night. Should keep the heat in. (Safety note: make sure the bulb is inaccessible to their little noses, etc to avoid burns and keep flammable items from touching the light fixture.) I use the lamps for our reps and they're great at adding heat! So are the heat mats you can stick to the back or bottom of the tank. Good luck!  |
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Post by sweetie on Nov 17, 2004 17:01:18 GMT -8
Excellent ideas Sprig,
I was trying to think of how to keep the babies warm. I put a blanket over the cage for Mom's privacy. I am glad I did since now I know it keeps them warmer. We keep the house at 70 degrees but it kicks on at 68 1/2 degrees.
Is the warming pad adjustable for heat levels or is it one setting? I knew they had them but have never seen any.
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Post by doomgerbiluk on Nov 17, 2004 18:01:20 GMT -8
most are just a single temp but you can add a thermostat i believe
for herps you heat one area only
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Post by sprigmom on Nov 17, 2004 19:31:31 GMT -8
Excellent ideas Sprig, Is the warming pad adjustable for heat levels or is it one setting? I knew they had them but have never seen any. Now that you mention it, I remember my friend at Savanna Exotics told me she uses a regular heating pad (human-type) for her critters (from snakes to mice.) She pointed out that it has a temp control on it. I'll have to dig mine out!  |
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Post by sweetie on Nov 18, 2004 17:00:45 GMT -8
Thanks great idea if the temp in the house drops or gets drafty. I am unsure if I want to use one now on the little ones since they seem to be doing just fine.
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Post by paws on Nov 19, 2004 9:00:25 GMT -8
Hey, whats all the fuss about? I gave mine a facecloth and that was that. They're very happy!  |
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Post by queenofthenile on Nov 20, 2004 5:18:06 GMT -8
Well, cloth has long fibers that canpotential cause an intestinal blockage if ingested. I wouldn't give my gerbs anything other than toilet/facial tissue, or paper towel.
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Post by sweetie on Nov 21, 2004 19:21:23 GMT -8
Paws,
If that was that, then you may want to reconsider since your "that was that" will turn into "that was $80" for the vet bill!!
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Post by paws on Dec 1, 2004 9:11:42 GMT -8
Ugh...... good point! I stopped as soon as I red that post. I bou8ght this digestible stuff, they really like it. The sleep in it. ;D I have some cute piccies of it, will post soon! My vet charges something like $125 (converted from sfr though!) I don't want to be having to go back there soon.... nice as she is!
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Post by paws on Dec 1, 2004 9:13:12 GMT -8
p.s I like the "that was 80 dollars!" conversion
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Bowel blockages are REALLY dangerous for anyone, but especially little critters. Heck, we even have to watch that we don't feed crickets that are too large to our geckoes and frog or they'll die from the blockage created! 
