Gerbils tails

Question
Hello Kelly,

I got 2 gerbils 2 weeks ago in a pet store, they did not specify their age and they said they are females. I did research before buying them to make sure I could provide them with all necessary care. Some gerbils in the cage in the pet store had lost the hair in some areas of their tails. I chose 2 with fully haired tails, but one week after, I can see they are losing hair in their tails too. I would like to know if there is any possibility that they might have a disease? I have them in a cage with a lot of space and I give them things to chew every day. If they are plucking the hair from their tales because they are bored as I read in one of your answers, what can you recommend? Maybe they need more time to adapt to the new environment or their new owner?

Answer
Hi Karen,

Losing fur on its tail only would not be a sign of an illness.  Instead, either the gerbil herself, or perhaps her companion, is plucking it out.  Gerbils do this out of boredom.  Continue providing them with plenty of things to chew.  You could also put a wooden house in the cage.  S.A.M makes some good ones - they're safe, and they have several holes so they're more entertaining for the gerbil.  Resin homes work well, too.

Do you have a wheel in the cage?  Since gerbils are so active, they need not only a large cage, but also a solid wheel.  If you already have a wheel that has rungs, you'll need to replace it.  The gerbil could get its tail caught in the rungs.  An 8 1/2" diameter solid wheel provides needed exercise for the gerbils.

If the gerbil continues to pluck its hair, try dipping the tail in Bitter Lime Gel, sold in pet stores.  Or, if it's in spray form, spray a little on the tail.  The Bitter Lime is safe and non-toxic, and it's quite effective.

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

Kelly