Sick Gerbil

Question
Hello,

My name is Ashley and I have a sick Gerbil. I went home on my lunch break and he is just laying in their bed and would not move. Finally I took him out and held him. He moved a little bit not enough to make me not be concerned. I have not changed the type of food or bedding since the day I got them. Titus (the sick gerbil) tends to enjoy chewing on clothing. Last night he was fine and running around like normal. He was chewing on my shirt. Do you think this might have anything to do with him acting ill? I am really worried about him. After I got out of work at 6:30pm he was still not moving.Thank you so much for your time.



Concerned Gerbil Parent,  

Answer
Thanks for asking and taking time to care you for your gerbil.

Gerbils and a lot of rodents like to chew on all kinds of things like cloth, plastic, wood. You name it, they will eat it. This is why it is hard to get them to stay in cages that are not metal. However in you case if he was eating on a shirt or some type of cloth then he was not being himself it may be due to a stomach issue, basically he ate something he shouldn't or ate too much of it. Usually you need only to change their bedding to a new kind if you notice runny nose, itching, or sneezing. In this case that doesn't seem to be the problem so you are doing okay as you are.

My suggestions would be to keep an eye on him and make sure that he is eating and drinking as normal. Try to not allow him to eat things like your shirt, instead give him a carrot or other veggie to detour this behavior when you hold him. If he appears to be acting the same way you may want to take him to your vet just to be safe. Rodents like to hide they are ill as an instinct of usually being prey. It never hurts to be safe and take them for a check up. Make sure your vet knows about rodents so you get one that doesn't just take your money w/o knowing what he/she is doing. Hope that all is well and good luck!




Here is a link with video that may help with gerbil health:
http://www.egerbil.com/behaviour.html