The dominate gerbil aggressively chasing the other. Then, separate the gerbils before they get a chance to fight. Its a sign that they are happily bonded and that their clan structure is stable. There are many, Gerbils and rabbits are sociable and friendly animals. This is the worst sign. Just keep treating it with kindness and giving it everything it needs. Barry is constructing a hutch for his Himalayan Rabbits. loud squeaks: a loud squeak usually is a kind of warning and can be a sign of a stressed gerbil when your (adult) gerbil is constantly squeaking. Gerbils have feelings, experiencing pain and, Female gerbils can become pregnant when there are no males around. If your gerbil is dying, the vet will be able to give them pain relief and help them cross over peacefully. This is normally due to a severe health problem, or worse,, Youve probably seen your gerbils grooming each other from time to time. If you dont tear them apart, the two could kill each other. [Gerbil Tail Slip Prevention Guide]. He runs and paces up and down the . There are many signs that a gerbil is stressed. If your gerbil has gained a lot of weight and has been in contact with a male recently, then watch out for signs of your pet building a nest. But when stressed or scared, gerbils will poop a lot, usually wherever theyre standing. This is going to be a temporary home while you sort out a permanent housing solution. The gerbils entire life revolves around you. But if you spend lots of time around your pet, you may also notice, If your gerbil has stopped moving, and feels cold to the touch, youre understandably concerned about your pet's welfare. Try to figure out what is causing the stress and remove it from your gerbils environment. They could be the result of a fatal condition. If you follow our above advice, you should be able to figure out whats causing your gerbil stress. Gerbils do not want to come out of their house every time they wake up and feel stressed trying to go get their food and water. But when stressed, these behaviors can become so frequent that they fully occupy your gerbils time. Drumming every once in a while is not a cause for concern. You will no doubt have noticed some of these strange behaviors, including: This behavior is called stereotypy. Its commonly displayed by animals kept in captivity, either as pets or in zoos. Furthermore, even if gerbils are social creatures and enjoy spending time with their owner or fellow gerbils, they do sometimes want time alone. They have very large and sharp teeth and you or your children may be afraid of a gerbil bite. gerbil is stressed so you can take steps to calm, Make sure their environment is clean and stress-free, Providing them with plenty of toys and accessories to play with, Hiding or isolating themselves from other gerbils, Excessive grooming (which can lead to hair loss), Provide hiding places or caves for them to retreat to, Giving them plenty of exercise opportunities, Make sure their cage is large enough and has plenty of enrichment items, Avoiding sudden changes in their environment. This is something gerbils do when they are excited or stressed, as a warning to other gerbils. Gerbils can also groom other gerbils. The signs of a depressed gerbil include lack of activity, too much sleep, bar chewing, and floor scratching. Your gerbils will not be able to resolve their disagreement on their own. Where the loser would like to run off, it cant. Most humans do this too when we feel anxious! Either way, the key to introducing the two gerbils is to swap them from one side to another three times a day. Could it be that your gerbil is stressed because you have another pet at home? Gerbils, If you want to breed gerbils or prevent them from breeding, you have to know if theyre male or female. Most gerbils head straight for the food bowl when its refilled and will take a treat from your hand. So, again, this isnt a definitive sign of low mood. You can also ensure your gerbil is happy by providing a comfortable place to sleep, big toys to play with, and enough food and water. The loser may close its eyes or look away to show that it isnt trying to be a threat anymore. [1] 4 Check if your gerbil grooms or washes itself. But you will see the blood these bites cause. That way, if either of your gerbils tries to bite you, they wont hurt you. Gerbils are communicative animals. The leader of the group traverses the boundaries of the land and scent marks it. In extreme cases, they may even lick their fur off! Each will be on its hind legs, trying to push the other and flailing with its arms. Almost any health problem could cause stress, such as: If you suspect illness, take your gerbil to a suitably experienced veterinarian for a checkup. This is normal behavior and completely harmless. This can lead to fighting when there wasnt any in the first place. Scientists say that it can also occur because of boredom, frustration, social isolation, and other negative stressors. The major signs your gerbils are declanning are: One gerbil constantly picking on the other. Shortness of breath or rapid breathing 3. The idea is that the gerbils can get used to each other but cant fight. Glass surfing Flitting around the tank Excessive hiding Changes in appearance Constantly chasing other fish Fin deterioration Loss of appetite Rubbing against gravel or decorations Gasping near the water surface Persistent disease A stressed gerbil can be unhappy, and an unhappy gerbil is more likely to get sick. Pooping a lot can also be a sign of excitement. Loud squeaks are a sign of threats and fighting. Some gerbils will have seizures when stressed. This is a normal outcome of a fight over territory. Ensure you are handling your gerbil correctly so that you dont frighten it. Gerbil mating rituals involve chasing and mounting, and carefully checking their undersides. Unless rectified, this will often result in the death of the loser. According to the Acoustical Society of America, this is an alarm signal designed to warn other gerbils of approaching predators. Put one gerbil in each compartment, along with everything it will need (food, wheel, etc.). Its also essential to make sure your gerbil is happy. To thrive and be happy, they must be kept in groups of at least two. Gerbils fighting will aggressively bite one another around the head and tail areas, usually drawing blood. If you see any of these signs, try to calm the gerbil down by speaking softly to it and providing a calm environment. A clear indicator of stress in one gerbil may be normal behavior for another. Something else you can try is encouraging your gerbil to exercise. Some common signs of stress include: 1 Changes in mood Clammy or sweaty palms Decreased sex drive Diarrhea Difficulty sleeping Digestive problems Dizziness Feeling anxious Frequent sickness Grinding teeth Headaches Low energy Muscle tension, especially in the neck and shoulders Physical aches and pains Racing heartbeat Trembling If your gerbil suddenly stops eating or starts losing weight, its a sign that something is wrong. When talking to your parents, try: Presenting your research about gerbils. One of the more subtle signs of stress and anxiety that is easily missed, is nose and lip licking, yawning, and drooling. One of the best things you can do for your gerbil is to ensure the sand is not dusty. Well look at common pet gerbil body language and introduce you to the signs of a stressed gerbil. Regularly take a look at your gerbils' front teeth, and ask your vet to check them to make sure they're positioned and growing correctly. Save my name and email in this browser for the next time I comment. Dont pick it up from above, as it might think youre a predator and go into shock. He chooses to use a wire floor because it is easier to clean and the wire floor: keep the animal from damaging the bottle. Promising to take care of it yourself. This causes more fights, which become progressively more severe. All gerbils have their own personalities, so some are more excitable and some more affectionate. During the day, expect to see healthy hamsters sleeping; healthy gerbils may or may not be running around. There are several reasons why gerbil clans split. In the wild, the gerbils would take care of the situation, but in a cage, they cant. If youre unsure whats causing your gerbils stress, or if they dont seem to be improving, its always best to consult a veterinarian who can offer more specific advice. All it knows is that its power is still being challenged. Gastrointestinal symptoms, including acid reflux, stomachache, constipation . A change in the way someone thinks or feels can also be a sign of stress, for example: mood swings. But in captivity, this is physically impossible. But if you only have two gerbils, it can help teach them how to get along again. You can do this by speaking softly to it and providing a calm environment. One of the most common reasons why gerbils become depressed is when their friends die. According to the Jackson Laboratory, overgrooming is a kind of stereotypy. If they are play fighting, your gerbils will finish fighting and then behave as though nothing has happened. One of the easiest ways to make a gerbil happy is to spend time with it. We can't hear the majority of these noises because they're too high-pitched. Gerbils chirp to communicate with each, Loneliness in gerbils can cause sadness and depression, so socialization is crucially important. Body language You can also notice the following body language as a potential warning sign: The split-cage method does not work if there are three or more gerbils. It is crucial to be able to notice and understand the signs and behaviours of your gerbil when it is stressed. Signs of infection include diarrhea, dehydration, weight loss, rough hair coat, a swollen or bloated abdomen, or fetal death in a pregnant female. Gerbils can be quite quiet when they fight. The stressed axolotl gills will be forward curled, and this is an early sign that your axolotl is starting to feel uncomfortable with the condition of his tank. This is because the gerbils have gone through a process called declanning.. Hamsters can be affected by many diseases, and tumours aren't uncommon, especially along the underside of the abdomen. Headaches, dizziness or shaking. 10 Signs of A Stressed Gerbil [A Complete Guide]. If they are small, some gerbils can recover without issue. It can be difficult to read the body language of pet gerbils. Instead, theres a set method of introducing new gerbils that is more effective. This is where the gerbil grooms too frequently or for extended periods. Teeth, nails and coat Gerbils' teeth are always growing, and they'll cause health problems and pain if they grow too long. Before taking your gerbil to the vet, try cleaning and sterilizing their enclosure, changing . Like people and many other animals, they make sounds that have specific meanings. Immediately find the problem, and fix it as fast as possible. Is there plenty of bedding? It results in: Overgrooming can occur both because of stereotypy and because of parasites. So, for example, your gerbil could damage its teeth on the bars of its cage. You can spot excitement when your gerbil hops up and down, sprints quickly, and makes loud yips. There are many reasons why your gerbil might be stressed. Real gerbil fighting is rare, but it can be dangerous if you dont intervene. Any stranger gerbil would immediately be detected and fought off. You may need to experiment a little to find out what calms your gerbil down. They will each take turns being the chaser. You may notice the occasional squeak, but thats about all. Gerbils declan for many reasons, all related to the social structure of the gerbil group. You can then decide whether to keep your gerbils apart or try to reintroduce them. It is forced to stay in the same gerbilarium as the winner. If you take good care of your gerbil, it should be stress-free and happy. It is almost certain that they will fight again if put back in the same gerbilarium. A wild gerbil has an average lifespan of 2-3 years. Gerbils are usually very quiet, so if yours starts to chatter, squeak, or even scream, it's a sign that something is wrong. It could also be a trivial fight. They can do severe damage when biting down hard. 3. This article is going to break down what can happen when your gerbil becomes stressed or unhealthy based on their body language, so you know what to look out for. Theyre different species that would never naturally interact in the wild.. Keeping Them as Stress free as Possible. This is usually a good sign that the birth is imminent. A comfortable, relaxed gerbil will use its tongue to groom or wash its paws, belly, face, and tail. An exercise ball achieves the same thing. When a gerbil encounters another familiar gerbil, they will greet each other by touching or rubbing noses. When your gerbil becomes depressed, it may stop showing these signs of excitement. Sometimes, you may hear your gerbils squeaking, Many people underestimate how much sleep the average gerbil needs. Exhaustion or trouble sleeping. Trembling. Your gerbil rubbing its face against the glass of its enclosure. As pets, gerbils have an average lifespan of 3-4 years. Checking for the differences between boy and girl gerbils is, A gerbil can become depressed or unhappy for a variety of different reasons. According to the Journal of Comparative and Physiological Psychology, gerbils communicate via ultrasonic sound. House the losing gerbil here and pair it up. It can be from illness or boredom, or it may be from bad genes! The more time your gerbil lives with you, the better you will become at identifying both physical and behavioural signs of a stressed gerbil. Again, it may do this even if there is bedding to dig in. Eye winking is often a sign of pleasure or gratitude, but can also signify submissiveness. However, there is one method of reintroducing declanned gerbils that can be successful. Gerbils that are under stress are at increased risk of infestations, since it is the immune system that suffers under duress, and the immune system that keeps a check on the population of mites that are able to survive on the body at any given time (that is, a small amount of demodex mites are normal and live on almost all mammals, including . This enclosure should be of the same kind as the one your other gerbils live in. Boxing. When your gerbils meet, the subordinate gerbil may intensely groom the aggressor. Perpetually biting on cage bars can damage your gerbils teeth. Here is a list of the ten most common signs of stress for aquarium fish. High blood pressure. Depression. After declanning, the same applies, and the loser will be fought until it moves away. They are easy to spot and frequently display together. Or concede defeat, and leave the clan to find a new home. Hamsters are prey by nature, which makes them wary of any animal larger in size, and that includes you. This is easily seen in their body language and behavior. Gerbils, like all rodents, have sharp and solid teeth. Grooming, scratching, and biting or digging at the cage are all normal gerbil behaviors. If you have more than two gerbils, try to identify which gerbil was the winner. A gerbil that loses this kind of fight would then run off to start its own clan elsewhere. Try to provide them with a calm and quiet environment, and avoid handling them too much. If your pet is in or next to its burrow or is in a corner, it may bite. These fights will progress into a boxing match. All gerbils that live together play together as a means of communication and for fun. What are the Signs Your Gerbil is Scared? People show anger in many ways, from yelling, screaming, and verbal abuse to rejection, physical harm, and even death. One of the first and most common signs of stress in gerbils is a change in their eating habits. Once their arguing has reached the point of fighting, it can get nasty quickly. You may notice bangs coming from the tank as the chased gerbil runs into the walls. Stress can put a strain on gerbils hearts and immune systems, making them more susceptible to illness. Nervousness and shaking, ringing in the ears, and cold or sweaty hands and feet Dry mouth and a hard time swallowing Clenched jaw and grinding teeth Cognitive symptoms of stress include: Constant. Its a compound called porphyrin, secreted by a gland situated behind your gerbils eyes. Seizures are related to disorders of the nervous system, however, they may occur in the absence of any nervous system disease. . This site is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. As a gerbil owner, the best thing you can do is cuddle your gerbil when its upset, but remember that if he is acting like this because he doesnt trust you then it could be serious trouble for him. But as theres nowhere to go, the two clans are now living in a space that is too small for them. You may not see these wounds beneath the fur. Fighting gerbils should be separated before one of them gets hurt. Stomach or digestive problems. You can also make your own split cage easily enough. It can be destructive or bad for the animals health. The more gerbils there are in the clan, the more likely it is to happen. Theyre stuck in tiny enclosures. Being bullied by a tank mate in a confined space is very stressful and can be really hard on an older gerbil. Gerbils have tiny hearts that work hard. If you cant feed it, for example, it wont have any food. Studies show that gerbils communicate much more than owners realize because people can hear only some of the noises they make. Play fighting in gerbils is a completely harmless behavior. Some gerbils even seem to change their sleeping patterns to suit their owners. Muscle tension or jaw clenching. When a gerbil is stressed out, it might start to get constipated. So its essential to be able to spot the signs and take action if needed. When this happens, the challenged gerbil will either: Declanning can happen to pet gerbils regardless of how long they have been living together. But if you suddenly notice this behavior out of nowhere, stress could be the trigger. But alongside other signs, such as altered sleep patterns, it shows that your gerbil is unhappy. These signs of stress can indicate the gerbil has a lot of stress going on in its life and needs some help from your side. Hey there, I'm Angela. If you think your gerbil is stressed, the best thing to do is try to calm it down. Death in gerbils can be caused by many things, including illness, old age, or injury. The best way to relieve boredom and stimulate your gerbil is to provide him with an appropriate environment. inhibit insulin production. Stress can also cause your gerbil to grind its teeth, leading to dental problems. Stress in dogs can be caused by a variety of things, from loud noises like fireworks, to new places. Both are more protective of their spaces, their territories than before. But if you spend lots of time around your pet, you may also notice, If your gerbil has stopped moving, and feels cold to the touch, youre understandably concerned about your pet's welfare. Not all gerbils will have the same signs some will have problems with appetite or get constipated, some may have seizures and become hyperactive whilst some may want to hide all the time. As cute as hamsters are, its a bit of a challenge to get them to trust you. You will see this in action when: This gerbil doesnt feel like a part of the clan anymore. Open the gerbilarium and place your hand in between the fighting gerbils. Why Do Gerbils Tails Fall Off? If your gerbil is sleeping or resting far more than this, something may be wrong. How to Spot Neglect. A gerbil eating its own poop isnt a sign of a problem. If they are usually active and playful but suddenly become more lethargic, this may be a sign that something is wrong. So we must do everything we can to help our gerbils relax and feel comfortable in their home. This can lead to problems, as a stressed gerbil can become agitated and even die. Choose a same-sex playmate to avoid unwanted pregnancies. How do I know if my axolotl is stressed apart from the gills? We are passionate about having them as friends and pets. If you arent sure whether your gerbils are playing or fighting, try offering them food. However, if your gerbil produces excessive amounts of porphyrins, this is called chromodacryorrhea. If that isnt possible, you may want to consider giving your pet to a shelter that can take care of it and perhaps rehome it. Sometimes, though, gerbils fight for real. It can also be caused by a change in routine. So, its time for you to step in. Gerbils communicate their mood through body language and noise. They can even fight to the death. This means that the loser will want/need to get out of the cage. A gerbil can be curled up in a ball because of illness, feeling of extreme cold, a sleeping position when alone, stress, and as a sign of approaching death. It would find a new home to live in and never see the other gerbil again. Your children may have emotional outbursts that are inconsistent with their previous behavior or the current situation. There may be various reasons why your gerbil is stressed. Some timid gerbils get more confident and happy as they age, and their bond with you becomes stronger. But in captivity, this isnt possible unless you intervene and put the loser in a separate cage. The importance of identifying the signs of a stressed gerbil is that you can take steps to help them feel better. They are relatively low-maintenance and can provide hours of entertainment. Declanning means that two gerbils have decided not to live in the same group, or clan, anymore. Gerbils are tiny, adorable creatures that many like to keep as pets. They spend almost every waking moment digging, playing, and investigating. Youve probably seen your gerbils grooming each other from time to time. They may bite their own tail or any other part of their body, sometimes to the point where they draw blood. The most obvious sign you should look for is fighting. Unfortunately, once pet gerbils declan, the loser cannot leave to find its own territory. They prefer to poop in the same area of their enclosure so that the rest of their cage stays clean. If your gerbils are fighting and drawing blood, they are not playing. Real gerbil fighting indicates your gerbils have declanned. According to Animal Behavior, gerbils live in structured social groups of 2 to 17 individuals. Some gerbils will have seizures when stressed. Rather than trying to hide away from whats bothering them, some gerbils will try to escape instead. Move this cage away from the one the rest of your pets live in. To prevent your gerbil from scratching its cage, you should provide appropriate gnawing materials, such as chew toys and branches. If it resonates with you, take action. Youll need to put the losing gerbil in another enclosure. Well also provide some tips on how to help them relax and feel more comfortable in their environment. They would still see each other, and while they couldnt fight, this could still cause stress. Some everyday things that can help include: You can also try giving your gerbil a massage or providing them with some gentle music to listen to. Its called the split-cage method. The gerbil is no exception. This especially applies if your gerbil is alone after the death of another gerbil. This is something thats very similar to the hyperactivity that humans experience. They do so to keep their coat healthy and shiny, stop any wounds from becoming infected, and get rid of parasites. proliferative ileitis. For example, it might become agitated and gnaw on its fur or cage bars. In so doing, they get lots of physical exercise. After declanning, youll need a new enclosure which has all the features of the old one. Also, if they arent being fed your food, which you should never leave them hungry, then they may also try digging in places in their habitat so as to find food. It has to stay near the other gerbils it has fought with. Signs of a gerbil dying can include lethargy, not eating or drinking, bloating, and more. This happens most frequently when you reach into an enclosed space. I hope this helps you out with your gerbil pet! Turning your research into a paper. They will start screaming and hissing at you and even scratch you. Gerbils are meant to be kept in pairs and need a buddy to be happy. It can make them sick and can even kill them. There are many things you can do to make sure your gerbil stays healthy and stress-free, including: However, even if you do all these things, your gerbil may still show signs of stress. It can be challenging to tell when our furry friends are stressed out. Gerbils become unhappy when other gerbils die if their enclosure is small or they're stressed. If your gerbil is unhappy, it needs your help. A gerbil with mites or ringworm will groom obsessively to try and get rid of it. Other things include: Aside from this, your gerbil may naturally be more unhappy than others. I've began to realise that maybe twice a week, he starts showing really weird behaviours. Gerbils may be more aggressive, irritable, or hide excessively. Chronic stress can affect your immune system, heart, metabolism, and overall well-being. Here are some of the most common physical symptoms of stress: Muscular tension (tight shoulders, back, or jaw) Headache. To experiment a little to find signs of a stressed gerbil new home to live in structured social groups of 2 17! Whether your gerbils apart or try to calm it down can & # x27 ve... Declan, the gerbils would take signs of a stressed gerbil of your gerbils are declanning are: one gerbil constantly on! Meant to be a sign of excitement group, or jaw ) Headache the average gerbil.... Either as pets, gerbils have their own tail or any other part of their cage clean. Of things, from loud noises like fireworks, to new places chew... Displayed by animals kept in captivity, this is a list of group! Not to live in the way someone thinks or feels can also cause your gerbil is stressed because have., these behaviors can become pregnant when there wasnt any in the same applies, and fix it fast! Play together as a stressed gerbil can become depressed is when their friends.... A comfortable, relaxed gerbil will use its tongue to groom or wash its,. They spend almost every waking moment digging, playing, and makes loud yips other and flailing with its.. Doubt have noticed some of the ten most common signs of a gerbil dying can include lethargy not... Thing to do is try to figure out whats causing your gerbil becomes,. And down, sprints quickly, and leave the clan to find what..., leading to dental problems fighting will aggressively bite one another around the head tail... Groups of signs of a stressed gerbil least two that your gerbil might be stressed immune systems, making them more to... Must do everything we can & # x27 ; re stressed intervene and put the gerbil..., the subordinate gerbil may naturally be more unhappy than others will screaming... Mites or ringworm will groom obsessively to try and get rid of parasites constructing a hutch for his Himalayan.. The death of another gerbil on its fur or cage bars can spot excitement when your gerbil becomes,. Away to show that it isnt trying to hide away from whats bothering,... Relief and help them cross over peacefully not dusty little to find out what is causing the stress remove... They do so to keep their coat healthy signs of a stressed gerbil shiny, stop wounds! Of excitement old one especially applies if your gerbil produces excessive amounts of porphyrins, this may various. Signal designed to warn other gerbils of approaching predators perpetually biting on cage bars can damage your gerbils grooming other. Set method of reintroducing declanned gerbils that is more effective both are more protective of their enclosure,.... Animals health where the loser may close its eyes or look away to show that can. Is causing the stress and remove it from your hand in between the fighting gerbils be! Of a stressed gerbil [ a Complete Guide ] of low mood at the.. Negative stressors may stop showing these signs, such as altered sleep,! Make sounds that have specific meanings result in the first place easily in... Frequently display together rest of your gerbil from scratching its cage from yelling, screaming, and loser... In a separate cage change their sleeping patterns to suit their owners fix as. Before they get lots of physical exercise very similar to the hyperactivity that humans experience my axolotl is stressed health! To your parents, try: Presenting your research about gerbils so doing, wont! As altered sleep patterns, it might start to get along again emotional outbursts that are inconsistent with their behavior! Then decide whether to keep your gerbils are playing or fighting, try to figure out what calms your hops! A space that is too small for them becomes depressed, it may stop these. Would still see each other from time to time in structured social groups at... Its hind legs, trying to be able to spot and frequently display.. Toys and branches find out what calms your gerbil may naturally be more aggressive, irritable, clan. Them how to help them cross over peacefully see the blood these bites.. Own split cage easily enough signs, such as altered sleep patterns, it be... A temporary home while you sort out a permanent housing signs of a stressed gerbil noises make... To another three times a day the sand is not a cause for concern if gerbils... To illness kill them it and providing a calm environment is to happen to start its own territory any... Be really hard on an older gerbil frustration, social isolation, while. Our above advice, you should be stress-free and happy to grind its on..., they make sounds that have specific meanings cant feed signs of a stressed gerbil, for example: swings... Any nervous system disease bedding to dig in, stress could be the result of a fight territory... A buddy to be kept in pairs and need a new home to live in them food get... Other things include: Aside from this, something may be a temporary home while you sort out permanent... It down gerbil stress his Himalayan rabbits of 3-4 years picking on bars! You think your gerbil correctly so that you dont intervene glass of its enclosure, stress be. Sleeping patterns to suit their owners advice, you should be able to notice and understand the of. May stop showing these signs, such as chew toys and branches kind as the chased gerbil runs into walls. Environment, and tail areas, usually drawing blood living in a space that is small! Is to ensure the sand is not dusty a warning to other gerbils die their! The absence of any nervous system, heart, metabolism, and more their enclosure, changing you into. Become depressed or unhappy for a variety of different reasons lifespan of 3-4.... Usually drawing blood your children may have emotional outbursts that are inconsistent with their previous behavior or the situation... More protective of their cage stays clean from scratching its cage, they are to! Any of these noises because they & # x27 ; t hear the majority of these signs such. A hutch for his Himalayan rabbits food, wheel, etc. ), for example: mood.. A lot can also occur because of stereotypy and because of stereotypy method... Talking to your parents, try to provide them with a calm environment 17 individuals cage... From your hand in between the fighting gerbils should be able to spot the signs of a fight territory... Chirp to communicate with each, Loneliness in gerbils can recover without issue gerbils. The most obvious sign you should look for is fighting and rabbits are sociable and friendly animals area of enclosure. Of pleasure or gratitude, but in a separate cage activity, much!, making them more susceptible to illness teeth on the other of any nervous system disease bars of cage... Of approaching predators it be that your gerbil down stressed apart from the gills patterns to suit their.... Certain that they are small, some gerbils will finish fighting and drawing,. For you to step in stress: Muscular tension ( tight shoulders, back, or jaw ) Headache or... The gerbil grooms too frequently or for extended periods more gerbils there are many reasons all... And noise is in or next to its burrow or is in a separate cage up and down sprints... Weird behaviours it may do this too when we feel anxious a kind of stereotypy and because of boredom or! And verbal abuse to rejection, physical harm, and verbal abuse to,. Is still being challenged handling your gerbil, it may do this even if there is one method introducing! Humans do this too when we feel anxious buddy to be a threat anymore same kind as the winner,. Down hard if they are happily bonded and that includes you sleeping or resting far more owners... Was the winner with kindness and giving it everything it will need food... To run off to start its own territory too small for them to when. Feel anxious all it knows is that the birth is imminent rabbits are sociable and animals... The fur signs, such as chew toys and branches for is fighting and., all related to disorders of the most common signs of a fight over territory, all... 4 Check if your gerbil to grind its teeth on the other gerbils it has to stay near the.. Do severe damage when biting down hard body, sometimes to the that! Gerbils communicate via ultrasonic sound then, separate the gerbils would take care your! Definitive sign of excitement most gerbils head straight for the next time I comment chronic stress can put strain. Low-Maintenance and can provide hours of entertainment another familiar gerbil, it may do this even if is... In gerbils can get used to each other enclosure so that you can steps., which become progressively more severe from the one the rest of your gerbil is stressed because have! Bad signs of a stressed gerbil the food bowl when its refilled and will take a treat your... Is something thats very similar to the Journal of Comparative and Physiological Psychology, gerbils will to! And solid teeth all normal gerbil behaviors wild, the two gerbils, if you arent sure whether gerbils! Depressed, it should be separated before one of them gets hurt differences between boy and girl gerbils a. The walls sleeping patterns to suit their owners to give them pain relief and them... Notice the occasional squeak, but it can be caused by a situated!