Very sick gerbil

Question
Ok so i got 2 new young male gerbils for my birthday and it's been since Sunday since i had them and they were very healthy until recently but 1 of them (the smaller gerbil) yesterday started to become very ill (but that morning he was fine) he has been shaking constantly non stop and when he trys to walk it's like he can't use his back legs and he falls to the side trying to get up! also he stopped eating and drinking today and he just stays in his little bed with his older brother  (who seems just fine). I was thinking it could of been the baking soda i put into the cage but immediately my smaller gerbil went to go check it out and i think he ate some of it... can that be the reason why hes sick (because he ate baking soda?)

Answer
Hi Bianca,

Yes, I would think that the baking soda caused the illness.  It is acting as a poison in your gerbils' systems.  You should go to the vet *immediately* for treatment, as the baking soda could prove to be fatal.

I really hope your gerbils will be okay!

If you have any other questions, please feel free to ask :)

Kelly