Whats wrong????

Question
My gerbil has had two litters that weren't very big. They seemed healthy
but none of them have made it past day three! I'm concered that maybe
the mom isn't feedin the pups because when I found them dead they
were still warm and inside the nest, but definitley dead. What is wrong?

Answer
Hello Jessica.

Yes this maybe a possibility. If she is choosing not to feed them this is a hard problem to solve, however it could be she is feeding them but her milk is not of good quality. When she is pregnant and throughtout the time she is feeding the litter i would make sure you are feeding her extra protein. This can be in the form of human baby food, Cow and Gate is a good one to use...use a fruity one they like these best. A powder based one mxed with water to make a paste is fine, or if you want to se a ready made one that is fine!! Also try offering her dried mealworms, which you can find at the local pet shop in the bird section.
Also, make sure you are using the most basic cage possible. If there are distractions in there such as toys and different levels the mother may become distracted. Use a cage with only one level, and don't have lots of toys, this way it gives her more incentive to focus on the young.

If after all this she still does not look after the young i would avod breeding from her as she probably will never look after the babies!!

Good Luck, let me know how it goes,
Charlie