sleepy gerbils!

Question
We have recently adopted two gerbils from a rehoming centre. They are adult females but we are not sure as to exactly how old they are. Having kept gerbils many years ago I remember them as being very lively, busy animals. However, our new gerbils seem to do nothing but sleep! They get up occasionally to eat and may run around for a few minutes but are soon tucked up in their nest box and are fast asleep again. We are yet to see any signs of burrowing or gnawing! Do gerbils become much less active with age? Do you think our two 'new' gerbils are actually elderly gerbils taking it easy?! What other ways are there of aging a gerbil?  

Answer
Older gerbils are less active and usually are hard of hearing and have difficulty seeing. You are right gerbils are usually active and lively during the late evening time, your gerbils could also be a wee bit more lazy than normal and may also just be adjusting to their new home. I think your adult gerbils are probably old ones though. :-)