|
|
Post by RyanF on Oct 9, 2004 10:29:44 GMT -8
Here are the 2 little ones. I am now 100% sure that 1 is a DEH and the other is a nutmeg. The DEH has all honey color, but the nutmeg has a large grey patch forming:  Little DEH  Must be nutmeg!!   What a cutie.  |
|
|
|
Post by queenofthenile on Oct 9, 2004 16:39:04 GMT -8
Ryan, it can't be a nutmeg because it has a white belly. It is a DEH. Sometimes you will see weird patches forming because they are moulting.
|
|
|
|
Post by Gwirrel on Oct 10, 2004 2:15:01 GMT -8
As already mentioned DEH have white bellies, and this Gerbil clearly has white feet and is currently moulting. A DEH gets dark ticking on the end of its fur, this is what your grey patch is, originally the DEH was called Sooty Fawn, this is because it looks just like it has walked through some soot and has a thin layer on its fur! Here are some links to a friends' photos of an adult DEH and a Nutmeg moulting. DEH See the slight ticking on the ends of the fur? Nutmeg beginning to moult Dark belly, feet and very dark nose. The under fur begins to darken first and then the real moult starts soon after Nutmeg moult almost complete Again, dark tummy and feet. nutmeg and DEHA picture with Nutmegs, DEH and yellow fox. The three strinking dark colours are Nutmegs, the gerbil second from the top that's lighter, is a DEH and the gerbils on the left and right are the yellow foxes. |
|
|
|
Post by sweetie on Oct 11, 2004 18:16:41 GMT -8
Hey Ryan,
I have both a DEH and a Nutmeg. I will post pictures when I can to show you the difference.
How are the little guys?
|
|
|
|
Post by RyanF on Oct 12, 2004 12:30:58 GMT -8
They look to be doing fine, growing and all, but a little while ago we found one with some diareah.. Any ideas?? |
|
|
|
Post by doomgerbiluk on Oct 12, 2004 13:25:09 GMT -8
How old? Diorreah (spelling??) can be a sign of a food change that disagreed with them or a too much wet food BUT it can also be the sign of more serious illness such as Tyzzers or E Coli Check out the health page at www.gerbils.co.uk ...there are some good sections on the subject and they are well worth reading good luck and I hope everythings ok!! If you are concerned its bad enough to worry about then see a vet. That site will give you good advice on what to do and when. |
|
|
|
Post by RyanF on Oct 12, 2004 17:31:49 GMT -8
I did change their food a little bit recently, that might be the problem. I will see as it goes on. She is probably 6 weeks old.
|
|
|
|
Post by doomgerbiluk on Oct 12, 2004 22:24:57 GMT -8
OK
cple more qustns
have you had any new gerbils recently?
been in contact with other animals especially rodents?
given unwashed fruit and veg?
As the gerbils' 6 weeks the probability is that its the food change but if it doesnt improve quickly (within 2/3 days) or you get other symptoms SEE A VET
One other thing make sure you wash your hands EVERY time you handle the gerbil and anything thats been in contact with it or its enclosure
although its probably nothing you dont want to risk spreading anything to your other animals
anyway emough Doom and gloom ..enjoy your animals and all the best
pps. only give 'wet food' (fruit, veg) once a week at most
|
|
|
|
Post by andrea on Oct 13, 2004 3:51:46 GMT -8
Ryan,
Don't panic about the diarheoa
Keep an eye on the gerbil for a couple of days if it doesn't clear up in a few days or they start to shows signs of being poorly ask the vet for a swob to test for nastie like e.coli, salmenella or tyzzers.
The thing to remember E.coli is present in all of us and is normally good for you, its when a particular strain gets into you that it turns nasty, this is a strain normally carried by chickens. So unless you have contact with poultry or have been giving the egg boxes (this is a small risk but a lot of people advise against egg boxes) there is probably nothing to worry about.
Good Luck
Andrea
|
|
|
|
Post by doomgerbiluk on Oct 13, 2004 9:31:41 GMT -8
Egg boxes can cause salmonella not e-coli
and no I wasnt panic mongering.................but all gerbil owners hould be aware of the risks of these 'hidden' diseases
|
|
|
|
Post by andrea on Oct 13, 2004 10:45:50 GMT -8
Salmonella & Ecoli ..
The nasty strain of Ecoli normally comes from chicken/poultry. The risk of chatching these things is very slim, especially if you are just a pet owner and do not take your gerbils to shows.
I agree we should be aware, but for most people it is something you will never have to worry about. Hense its not mentioned in any gerbil care books, its more of a breeder and exhibitor worry.
These types of problems usually arrise when they have been kept with poultry and/ or you get stock from someone with poultry.
Andrea
|
|
|
|
Post by queenofthenile on Oct 13, 2004 16:30:37 GMT -8
|
|
