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Post by Sara on Apr 21, 2005 12:58:23 GMT -8
Lately I have been having trouble with two of my gerbils, Paco and Pekoe. I think it's because Pekoe got his tail stuck under his wooden house a few days ago. He got a bruised tail, and I took the wooden house out to replace it with a cardboard box. Ever since then, Paco and Pekoe have been going at each other frequently. Pekoe will not let Pakoe enter the cardboard box. I think he's been biting Paco; Paco has a small patch of skin near his ear that's almost furless. This is worrying, since Paco is the smaller one of the group and I don't think he could hold his own in a serious fight. As it is, he squeaks almost every time Pekoe gets too close. I need advice on whether to seperate them and, if not, how to keep the fights to a minimum. Please help!
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Post by sweetie on Apr 21, 2005 13:10:06 GMT -8
Hi Sara,
It sounds to me like they might be declanning. If Peoko is not letting Paco into the box, I would take the box out and all other *housing*. Then there can be no more fights over territory.
Good luck and keep us posted.
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Post by Sara on Apr 21, 2005 13:23:16 GMT -8
I just took the box out a minute ago. Pekoe went for Paco (who immediately started squeaking). Pekoe pressed his face against Paco's, and they stood there for a few moments. Then they started flying around the cage. Pekoe settled at the far side and started standing a bit oddly--he was raising his body up and slightly to the side. They chased each other again, and Pekoe got into the same position twice. I'm afraid this is a big fight, since they were rolling around with each other and everything. I have seperated them now. Paco's with me and Pekoe's still in his cage. I'm really worried about this situation, and I will not let them get together again unless someone here strongly advises against their seperation.
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Post by sweetie on Apr 21, 2005 13:28:51 GMT -8
Hey Sara,
It appears that they have declanned. It may be for health reasons. I am not sure of the origin but I am sure that it is not adviseable to put them back together. Do you have separate housing for them? How old are they? Will you be able to get them both a buddy? I don't think they should be together but it is important for gerbils to have a buddy for company.
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Post by Sara on Apr 21, 2005 13:36:30 GMT -8
This is disturbing. I don't think I'll be able to pair them up again. I already have four gerbils and some other pets. My mom is being firm with the "no more pets" rule, so it is only barely in the realm of possibility that I will be allowed two more gerbils. I think I can rustle up one of my dad's old 10 gallon fish tanks to use as temporary housing, but I don't have any supplies besides CareFresh and gerbil food to outfit the tank, nor do I have the money to pay for extras. I don't know if I would be able to care for an extra tank in addition to the ones I have now, either. But I am too attached to Pekoe and Paco to give either away.
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Post by Sara on Apr 21, 2005 13:45:32 GMT -8
They are both a little more than a year old. And I've just noticed that Pekoe has a floppy ear. I think he only acquired it today. Does anyone know why his ear might be flopping back against his head?
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Post by gerbil on May 1, 2005 15:01:05 GMT -8
Why don't you start all over again and try the split cage method?
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