gerbil illnesses

Question
I have two gerbils,one seems to be very healthy the other started becoming weak and lethargic tuesday.The first symtom was a red discharge from both eyes.That has since gone away but the gerbil is still weak, won't open his eyes,but will eat and drink in small amounts.Do you have any idea what this could be.

Thanks,

John

Answer
How old are your gerbils? The reddish discharge is natural coloring for a gerbils tears, dries a reddish color, but if its running more than normal then my fear is an upper respiratory infection. What type of bedding do you have your gerbils on? Have you tried giving it anything? Do you have a heat lamp you can put beside the cage to warm the little thing?

Ashley