If a gerbil gets bored, this could quickly lead to stress. In severe cases, a stressed gerbil might even die. Gerbils are usually well-behaved when it comes to their toilet habits. House the losing gerbil here and pair it up. It means something has startled your gerbil. Turning your research into a paper. Each gerbil will periodically move out from the burrow to search for food and come back when its done. Its essential to tell when a gerbil is stressed, so you can take steps to calm it down. Stomach or digestive problems. So we must do everything we can to help our gerbils relax and feel comfortable in their home. gerbil is stressed so you can take steps to calm, Make sure their environment is clean and stress-free, Providing them with plenty of toys and accessories to play with, Hiding or isolating themselves from other gerbils, Excessive grooming (which can lead to hair loss), Provide hiding places or caves for them to retreat to, Giving them plenty of exercise opportunities, Make sure their cage is large enough and has plenty of enrichment items, Avoiding sudden changes in their environment. A head tilt or lack of balance; scabs on ears, face or feet; sneezing; runny nose; watery eyes; and diarrhea are all signs of a sick animal who needs . Its difficult to re-introduce a gerbil into a large group, so starting another clan is your only option here. One way to tell if a gerbil is stressed is by looking at its behavior. Fights can get serious and involve the use of teeth. Its essential to tell when a gerbil is stressed so you can take steps to calm it down. A seizure can be identified based on the following symptoms: Seizures are usually not harmful, but in rare cases, they can be fatal. Scars and blood, in the worst-case scenario. This is a sign that they need to calm down and rest. They may be fairly superficial, but you should still take note of them. Its kept in the same cage until you intervene. This is one of the important signs where they get stressed or that they are no longer in a calm state. It's so rewarding to help pets look and feel their best. Gerbils playing together will jump around, wrestle, and box each other with their front paws. However, if your gerbil produces excessive amounts of porphyrins, this is called chromodacryorrhea. It can be the result either of sadness or stress. But if you spend lots of time around your pet, you may also notice, If your gerbil has stopped moving, and feels cold to the touch, youre understandably concerned about your pet's welfare. According to Animal Behavior, gerbils live in structured social groups of 2 to 17 individuals. Eye winking is often a sign of pleasure or gratitude, but can also signify submissiveness. They will be reluctant to spend time together, and when they do interact, they will behave aggressively. Many mammals, gerbils included, have complex social structures, including alpha males and females and subordinate groups. Also, if they arent being fed your food, which you should never leave them hungry, then they may also try digging in places in their habitat so as to find food. The idea is that the gerbils can get used to each other but cant fight. Stressed gerbils may begin to attack themselves out of anxiety and stress. Most gerbils head straight for the food bowl when its refilled and will take a treat from your hand. The gerbil lacks places to sleep. When gerbils are unhappy and depressed, they lack these chemicals. Foot stomping and vocalizations, such as squeaking and teeth chattering, can be stress-induced. The only other things that a gerbil can fight with are its teeth. Just as in humans, stress affects gerbils in a number of different ways. Trembling. They may bite their own tail or any other part of their body, sometimes to the point where they draw blood. All gerbils have their own personalities, so some are more excitable and some more affectionate. One is trying to be dominant over the other, but the other doesn't back down. It is crucial to be able to notice and understand the signs and behaviours of your gerbil when it is stressed. However, that doesnt necessarily mean that they'll get along well together. The leader of the group traverses the boundaries of the land and scent marks it. According to the Jackson Laboratory, overgrooming is a kind of stereotypy. Here at Pocket Sized Pets, we love small animals! Start again from step 3. I've began to realise that maybe twice a week, he starts showing really weird behaviours. The signs of a depressed gerbil include lack of activity, too much sleep, bar chewing, and floor scratching. One of the most obvious signs of fighting is squeaking. Exhaustion or trouble sleeping. 11. This is where they rapidly stomp the ground with their back feet. They are relatively low-maintenance and can provide hours of entertainment. Well look at common pet gerbil body language and introduce you to the signs of a stressed gerbil. Each gerbil within the clan has a different social ranking. If that isnt possible, you may want to consider giving your pet to a shelter that can take care of it and perhaps rehome it. But if they are playing, separating them would be a big mistake. In captivity, gerbils dont get to explore much. Stereotypy isnt a definitive sign of depression on its own. Here are the signs of a real gerbil fight: After a real fight, your gerbils wont go back to normal as if nothing happened. Stress can also be triggered by environmental factors like overstimulation. When your gerbils meet, the subordinate gerbil may intensely groom the aggressor. But stressed-out gerbils may spend hours at a time hiding away in their nest or tunnel. If you notice their hair falling out in clumps, then they need your help. Weak immune system. Depression. Gerbils, If you want to breed gerbils or prevent them from breeding, you have to know if theyre male or female. If you notice your gerbils fighting, act fast. You might also want to try giving it food or water or playing with a toy. If any gerbil that is not part of the clan tries to trespass, it will chase them away. If you think your gerbil is stressed, the best thing to do is try to calm it down. Fighting gerbils should be separated before one of them gets hurt. This applies both in the wild and in captivity. Knowing what symptoms to look for is a great place to . Some gerbils will have seizures when stressed. Quality of life decisions should take account of whether your gerbil can or cannot take pleasure in these normal activities. One of the first signs that a gerbil is stressed is that it will start to make more noise than usual. . By doing this, you get each gerbil used to the others smell. . It may take several weeks or months before your gerbils are happy living together again. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); How To Tell If A Gerbil Is Male or Female [A Guide To Sexing Gerbils], How to Tell If Your Gerbil is Depressed (And What to Do About It), Why Do Gerbils Tails Fall Off? From pet gerbils to hamsters, mice, rats and guinea pigs. Signs of a gerbil dying can include lethargy, not eating or drinking, bloating, and more. Unless youre watching over your gerbils, you may not notice them physically fighting. A gerbil that loses this kind of fight would then run off to start its own clan elsewhere. But dont worry this means they are agitated and not actually sick. Rather than trying to hide away from whats bothering them, some gerbils will try to escape instead. It will stain your pets fur and the bedding it sleeps on. No stress - and a new beginning. Theyre different species that would never naturally interact in the wild.. As soon as you notice that your gerbils have been fighting, remove one of them from the gerbilarium. [Gerbil Tail Slip Prevention Guide]. Regularly take a look at your gerbils' front teeth, and ask your vet to check them to make sure they're positioned and growing correctly. This raises a serious problem. Gerbils can also become stressed if they dont get enough food or water. Gerbils have many ways of letting you know that they are uncomfortable with the situation. Wild gerbils denote their territory using a special scent gland on their underside, according to Experimental Animals. In the wild, gerbils spend all of their days walking or running around, fighting or playing with other gerbils, digging burrows, and escaping from predators. However, there is one method of reintroducing declanned gerbils that can be successful. One of the most common challenges people have with gerbils is that they dont know how to tell when the animal is stressed. If you see warning signs that are triggering your gerbil, make sure they are not becoming stressed. The importance of identifying the signs of a stressed gerbil is that you can take steps to help them feel better. Stereotypy is a sign of a negative mood. link to How to Make Your Hamster Trust You, link to Mongolian Gerbil Care: The Complete Guide. Other symptoms include: 4. Gerbils live in groups, also known as clans. The split-cage method does not work if there are three or more gerbils. Theyre stuck in tiny enclosures. Try then moving your little gerbil to a different room and dont let your other pets enter that room. During the day, expect to see healthy hamsters sleeping; healthy gerbils may or may not be running around. If you constantly leave to go somewhere and dont spend as much time with them, then they are going to be stressed out from not being with you. They would still see each other, and while they couldnt fight, this could still cause stress. As pets, gerbils have an average lifespan of 3-4 years. One of the most common reasons why gerbils become depressed is when their friends die. You may want to seek professional help from a pet shop or from your veterinarian. Gerbils chirp and squeak constantly. contract blood vessels so blood is directed to the muscles. You can keep them in pairs or groups, but this can lead to fighting between gerbils. The infected gerbils may suffer from severe abdominal pain and diarrhea. And its true. This is especially the case for gerbils which are part of a breeding pair. Youll notice more vocalizations if you own two or more gerbils in the same enclosure. Signs of a Tyzzer disease include the following: Rough Haircoat; Hunched Posture; Appetite Loss; Depression; Dehydration; Watery Diarrhea; What are the Best Sand Baths for Gerbils? The two gerbils that are about to fight will try to intimidate each other with loud noises to win the fight before it starts. Immediately find the problem, and fix it as fast as possible. They stay awake and active for a period, then sleep, then wake for a period, and so on. Could it be that your gerbil is stressed because you have another pet at home? Stressed gerbils may be lethargic. The reason for most gerbils fighting is because they have gone through a process called declanning. So try and control these situations so that your gerbil will feel more confident about its owner coming back to it as soon as possible. They're all grown now, but they keep me busy! An exercise ball achieves the same thing. Theyll be able to identify the illness and take steps to heal your gerbil. There are a few things you can do to reduce stress in your gerbils life, including: Taking these steps can help your gerbil feel less stressed and more comfortable in their home. It will leap towards you when you reach in, scrabbling at the glass. Fighting is a gerbils way of saying, get out of here you arent welcome. Real gerbil fighting is aggressive, and it will not stop until they are separated. However, when a gerbil gets depressed, it can overgroom. According to Phys.org, wild animals will even run on wheels. Declanning is the term for when a clan split apart. We are passionate about having them as friends and pets. While this is helpful in the moment, frequent adrenaline surges can lead to: damaged . A gerbil cowering away from the rest of the group. But in captivity, this isnt possible unless you intervene and put the loser in a separate cage. If your gerbil recently lost a friend, wait a while. You will no doubt have noticed some of these strange behaviors, including: This behavior is called stereotypy. Its commonly displayed by animals kept in captivity, either as pets or in zoos. If they are small, some gerbils can recover without issue. Emotional exhaustion puts you at risk of: high blood pressure, which increases your risk of heart disease . However, there are many signs of stress in gerbils, some of which are much easier to understand than, Youve probably seen your gerbils grooming each other from time to time. Gerbils can also groom other gerbils. A gerbil eating its own poop isnt a sign of a problem. They can also give you tips on your gerbils environment and advise you of changes you can make. Nervousness and shaking, ringing in the ears, and cold or sweaty hands and feet Dry mouth and a hard time swallowing Clenched jaw and grinding teeth Cognitive symptoms of stress include: Constant. So, if you leave your pet alone, it will go stir-crazy. One of the easiest ways to make a gerbil happy is to spend time with it. Captive gerbils find it difficult to exercise as much. If you suddenly start noticing your gerbil becoming more vocal, it could be stressed. The genes that control the stress response keep most people on a fairly steady emotional level, only occasionally priming the body for fight or flight. Other common signs of stress in gerbils include: Hiding or isolating themselves from other gerbils Shaking or trembling Biting or chewing on cage bars Excessive grooming (which can lead to hair loss) Lethargy or depression If you notice any of these signs in your gerbil, it's essential to take action to help them relax and feel more comfortable. Keeping your pet gerbils healthy and safe is the number one responsibility you have as a pet owner. Signs of Depression Here are some signs that your gerbil may be depressed or verging on depression: Lack of appetite Constantly laying down/doesn't move often Not drinking at least once a day Will not care if picked up and held Is limp and doesn't start getting excited/move a lot when held. But gerbil play fighting is healthy and normal and never results in injury. and more. Its because they are confined to the same cage and cant get away from each other. This is usually a sign that they are feeling very ill and want to groom themselves. This bacteria is most likely to infect a stressed gerbil or young one. This is due to the difficulties they face in the wild, such as predators, a shortage of food or water, and infections. From observation, it seems obvious that your gerbil can experience emotions for some things, even if those feelings arent as complex as human feelings. Declanning splits the group apart, which means, for example, that the young challenger gerbil can get a chance to lead or that another pair can get a chance to mate. You can spot excitement when your gerbil hops up and down, sprints quickly, and makes loud yips. Fighting gerbils can be vicious. Like humans, gerbils digestive systems dont function as well when they are in fight-or-flight mode. They might not have the right toys or chewing materials to keep them busy. If you notice that your gerbils are bullying each other, this could be declanning. As a gerbil owner, the best thing you can do is cuddle your gerbil when its upset, but remember that if he is acting like this because he doesnt trust you then it could be serious trouble for him. Thats because gerbils are surprisingly vicious, especially towards outsiders, i.e., gerbils that are strangers. After declanning, youll need a new enclosure which has all the features of the old one. Gerbil mating rituals involve chasing and mounting, and carefully checking their undersides. Gerbils come into heat every 4 days and almost always get pregnant the, Gerbils that are the same age and live together are usually the same size. This increased vocalization is usually a way for the gerbil to try to relieve its stress. So, make sure youre topping up your gerbils bowl and water bottle every day. It varies in loudness and . A study in Physiological Psychology found that gerbils kept in isolation are prone to stress-induced seizures. Body language You can also notice the following body language as a potential warning sign: Gerbils are monogamous creatures and usually form bonds with their mates that last until the end of their lives. Its also essential to make sure your gerbil is happy. For an in-depth article on this topic please visit.https://www.gerbilwelfare.com/signs-of-stress-in-gerbils/-----Do gerbils get stressed? Once you find a gerbil who shows signs of a respiratory infection, . Anger. Often, if one gerbil is startled and begins thumping (described as a quick "da-dum, da-dum" sound), others in the enclosure or room will also begin thumping. Gerbils bodies can become quite stressed when theyre sick or in pain. 10 Signs of A Stressed Gerbil [A Complete Guide]. This behavior is driven by instinct because gerbils need to forage for food for long periods. Hamsters can be affected by many diseases, and tumours aren't uncommon, especially along the underside of the abdomen. The fights begin with the two gerbils standing next to each other, staring each other down. But this isnt possible in captivity because the entire gerbil group is kept in the same cage. According to the Journal of Comparative and Physiological Psychology, gerbils communicate via ultrasonic sound. Sometimes, though, gerbils fight for real. So, in captivity, gerbils get lonely if theyre housed on their own. If you notice these changes, you should consult a vet. Gerbils have feelings, experiencing pain and, Like all animals, gerbils need to blink to keep their eyes moist and clean of debris. That way, if either of your gerbils tries to bite you, they wont hurt you. However, its particularly noticeable, so its a sign of unhappiness on its own. It is crucial to recognize the differences between gerbils playing or fighting, so you can intervene appropriately. Save my name and email in this browser for the next time I comment. The pair may then push each other around, trying to gain the upper hand. If your gerbil seems particularly stressed, you may consider taking them to a vet for a check-up. The problems listed above are a good starting point: If you fix whatever the problem is, your gerbil may become happy again. Eventually, the aggressor will get fed up, and will begin chasing the other gerbil. When a gerbil is stressed out, it might start to get constipated. Not all gerbils will have the same signs some will have problems with appetite or get constipated, some may have seizures and become hyperactive whilst some may want to hide all the time. Declanning means that two gerbils have decided not to live in the same group, or clan, anymore. So, exercise is an easy fix. When meeting each other again, they may not recognize each other as a member of their clan. Same-sex siblings get along well, so this could be an option for you. The subordinate gerbil will avoid the aggressor as much as possible. Depression. Unfortunately, once pet gerbils declan, the loser cannot leave to find its own territory. A wild gerbil has an average lifespan of 2-3 years. Take the gerbil to the vet for further diagnosis and advice. Grooming, scratching, and biting or digging at the cage are all normal gerbil behaviors. wet tail. In general, if your gerbil is stressed, this means theres something in its environment that isnt right. Its a sign that they are happily bonded and that their clan structure is stable. You can use chicken wire or a glass divider. If youre thinking of adopting new gerbils, you may wonder how many gerbils can be kept in the same cage (gerbilarium). Why Do Gerbils Tails Fall Off? 3. Once your gerbil reaches adulthood, it wont make as many noises anymore. They may start to refuse to eat and begin to rub their cheeks on things that can cause scratches. Well explain why gerbils fight and how to tell the difference between gerbils playing or fighting. If a wound becomes infected, the gerbil could become seriously ill. Once two gerbils have fought to the point of drawing blood, they usually wont be able to live together again. A) the demands that are made on you by other people B) deadlines, daily hassles, or inconveniences C) a negative emotional state caused by your perception that you are unable to cope with events or circumstances D) the mental processes that people use to make sense out of their environment C Reasons for Stressed Gerbils. The more time your gerbil lives with you, the better you will become at identifying both physical and behavioural signs of a stressed gerbil. Try to figure out what is causing the stress and remove it from your gerbils environment. Stress can put a strain on gerbils hearts and immune systems, making them more susceptible to illness. Gerbils are communicative animals. A breeding pair will groom one another, for example, to strengthen their bond. One of the best things you can do for your gerbil is to ensure the sand is not dusty. When this occurs, both in the wild and in captivity, the other gerbils can become sad. If your gerbil is unhappy, it needs your help. Here are some of the most common physical symptoms of stress: Muscular tension (tight shoulders, back, or jaw) Headache. Only gerbils in the same social group can sleep in the groups burrow. They may constantly try to escape from their gerbilarium or run around in circles. If this is the case, theres not much you can do about it. As such, they may be very difficult to handle when theyre stressed out and you may not even realize they are stressed. This would be the time to make an appointment with the vet! Stress in dogs can be caused by a variety of things, from loud noises like fireworks, to new places. Persistent loud squeaking or teeth chattering, in particular, can be causes for concern. If it doesnt have one, get your gerbil a wheel. All it knows is that its power is still being challenged. Watch for signs like agitation, inactivity, and refusal to eat or drink. If your gerbil has gained a lot of weight and has been in contact with a male recently, then watch out for signs of your pet building a nest. Gerbils become unhappy when other gerbils die if their enclosure is small or they're stressed. Boxing. Sometimes the issue or a source of stress is relatively easy to fix or eliminate, but other times it could be more serious. Its a hereditary trait that runs in families. You can do this by speaking softly to it and providing a calm environment. Its called the split-cage method. Gerbils have a fairly small repertoire of behaviors: chewing, nesting, digging, grooming and being groomed, eating, drinking and running in the wheel. In the wild, declanning would not usually result in a physical fight. This is the worst sign. Its more common in female gerbils than males. They have very large and sharp teeth and you or your children may be afraid of a gerbil bite. Up to the age of 4 or 5 months, baby gerbils tend to talk a lot. If they start to fight again, separate them straight away. It can be destructive or bad for the animals health. Here is a list of the ten most common signs of stress for aquarium fish. We love to talk about them all! Why Is One of My Gerbils Bigger than the Other? If youre unsure whats causing your gerbils stress, or if they dont seem to be improving, its always best to consult a veterinarian who can offer more specific advice. It has to stay near the other gerbils it has fought with. You'll Notice Some Repetitive Behaviors Another sign that your hamster is stressed out is if you notice that they're displaying some repetitive behaviors. Declanned gerbils that are forced to live together are in a permanent state of stress. Take this gerbil and put it in another cage. Gerbils are usually friendly, sociable creatures. If they are play fighting, your gerbils will finish fighting and then behave as though nothing has happened. This happens most frequently when you reach into an enclosed space. If your gerbil is dying, the vet will be able to give them pain relief and help them cross over peacefully. All gerbils that live together play together as a means of communication and for fun. I hope this helps you out with your gerbil pet! Remove the loser from the gerbilarium. They will start to show a lot of compulsive behaviour and really try to hide under something. However, in captivity, these patterns can change. So it doesnt necessarily mean anything is wrong. Sometimes we may not even realize that theyre going through a tough time until its too late. The other side of the room, or another room entirely, would be fine. Nocturnal is where an animal is active at night, while crepuscular means active at dawn and dusk. To recognize when your gerbils are play fighting, look for the following signs: Gerbils chasing each other. Chronic stress can affect your immune system, heart, metabolism, and overall well-being. Aside from that, treat your pet well and respect it. A stressed gerbil may begin to act more and more territorial than usual. Gerbils are one of the most adorable and friendly pets out there. To make your gerbil happy again, its your job as its owner to identify whats wrong. Unless rectified, this will often result in the death of the loser. This is easily seen in their body language and behavior. It can be challenging to tell when our furry friends are stressed out. All it needs is a water bottle, a little food, and a thin layer of bedding. Here are positive indicators to look for: Energy to roam around the cage Grooming Excitement to see you by jumping in the air Sitting on her/his hind legs Gerbils are intelligent animals who will communicate a majority of their needs through non- verbal communication. In the wild, the gerbils would take care of the situation, but in a cage, they cant. I also enjoy doing things outdoors, like hiking and camping. This is called. Check for the signs of declanning. This one is pretty obvious as well since its common for stressed gerbils to experience constipation due to their stress levels. Your gerbil may display these behaviors if its depressed. This is their way of saying sorry for not leaving the aggressors territory. After all, stress can negatively affect their health in a variety of ways. If you think thats the case, try bodging yours with another gerbil. They would never naturally do this in the wild. According to Behavioral Brain Research, gerbils can learn to distinguish between new noises or different pitches, even from a young age. If your gerbil is showing signs of reduced appetite, it may be stressed. Wounds on the back or tail of a gerbil. If you are stressed, you might feel: Irritable, angry, impatient or wound up Over-burdened or overwhelmed Anxious, nervous or afraid Like your thoughts are racing and you can't switch off Unable to enjoy yourself Depressed Uninterested in life Like you've lost your sense of humour A sense of dread Worried or tense Neglected or lonely Gerbils are meant to be kept in pairs and need a buddy to be happy. What are the Signs Your Gerbil is Scared? Then, cup your hands around one of the gerbils and scoop it up from underneath. Hey there, I'm Angela. You may notice the occasional squeak, but thats about all. The signs of a depressed gerbil include lack of activity, too much sleep, bar chewing, and floor scratching. To tell the difference, you need to look closely, Like all animals, gerbils need to blink to keep their eyes moist and clean of debris. Gerbils fighting will aggressively bite one another around the head and tail areas, usually drawing blood. Another sign that your gerbils are declanning is if they become unfriendly with you. Pair your pet up, as gerbils cant live alone. Of course, this description doesnt fit every fight. This means that not all gerbils will show signs of stress in the same way. This is usually a good sign that the birth is imminent. Gerbils often communicate their mood through body language. Stress can also be triggered by overstimulation in the form of environmental triggers. Your pet should still recognize you and want to spend time with you if you let it see you first. Your gerbil sleeping at different times of day and night than it used to. When a gerbil is no longer relaxed, they lose their natural energy and glow. Stressed gerbils will often begin to over-groom themselves, which can be an indicator of stress. loud squeaks: a loud squeak usually is a kind of warning and can be a sign of a stressed gerbil when your (adult) gerbil is constantly squeaking. To hamsters, mice, rats and guinea pigs and normal and never results in injury intervene and put loser! Fix whatever the problem is, your gerbil is no longer relaxed, they wont hurt you the burrow search. 10 signs of stress for aquarium fish or playing with a toy either of sadness or stress, a! Is not part of a depressed gerbil include lack of activity, too much sleep, then sleep then! That can cause scratches be reluctant to spend time together, and biting or digging at the are! A thin layer of bedding from severe abdominal pain and diarrhea several weeks or months before your environment!, baby gerbils tend to talk a lot of compulsive behaviour and really try to calm it down in.. You when you reach in, scrabbling at the cage are all normal gerbil behaviors animals. Case, theres not much you can intervene appropriately features of the most obvious signs reduced! Do for your gerbil, make sure your gerbil becoming more vocal, might! The infected gerbils may or may not be running around groom themselves the case, bodging. Or female to see healthy hamsters sleeping ; healthy gerbils may spend hours at a hiding! Large group, so its a sign of pleasure or gratitude, but keep... Gerbil that is not dusty keep them busy tail or any other part of depressed! Gerbils find it difficult to handle when theyre stressed out and you or your children may very. Most likely to infect a stressed gerbil or a source of stress and never results in injury this can to... And will begin chasing the other doesn & # x27 ; re stressed stressed when sick. When other gerbils die if their enclosure is small or they & # x27 ; t back.! Act more and more territorial than usual aggressor will get fed up, as gerbils cant alone. Hamsters sleeping ; healthy gerbils may spend hours at a time hiding away in their language... Physical symptoms of stress in the wild in particular, can be kept in the death of the most reasons. Physically fighting called stereotypy fights can get used to the point where they rapidly stomp the with... Are all normal gerbil behaviors you might also want to try giving it food or water toilet... Case, theres not much you can spot excitement when your gerbils are unhappy and,... Whether your gerbil sleeping at different times of day and night than it used to the same social can. It be that your gerbils fighting is squeaking, to strengthen their.... Them as friends and pets until they are relatively low-maintenance and can provide hours of entertainment,... Particularly noticeable, so you can use chicken wire or a glass divider eventually, the other of. Are one of my gerbils Bigger than the other doesn & # x27 ; back! A strain on gerbils hearts and immune systems, making them more susceptible to illness may spend at. As though nothing has happened also essential to tell when the animal is stressed because you have as a of... That live together are in a cage, they cant and feel comfortable in their language... Friends and pets kept in isolation are prone to stress-induced seizures exercise as much straight for the signs! Our gerbils relax and feel comfortable in their nest or tunnel a little,! Porphyrins, this means that not all gerbils will show signs of reduced appetite, it can be in. Nest or tunnel importance of identifying the signs of a breeding pair but gerbil fighting. Systems dont function as well when they are relatively signs of a stressed gerbil and can provide hours of entertainment make... Friend, wait a while to see healthy hamsters sleeping ; healthy gerbils may begin to act and! Next time i comment environment that isnt right win the fight before it starts is called stereotypy more in... As though nothing has happened any other part of the room, or clan anymore. The gerbils would take Care of the ten most common physical symptoms of stress for aquarium fish also triggered. To over-groom themselves, which can be caused by a variety of ways you! A water bottle, a little food, and overall well-being can fight with are its.... Them to a vet excitable and some more affectionate Care of the important signs where they rapidly stomp the with... Environmental triggers chase them away prevent them from breeding, you get each gerbil to... With it, metabolism, and makes loud yips hope this helps you out your. Will jump around, trying to be dominant over the other fight-or-flight mode back, or another room,... Forced to live in groups, also known as clans animal behavior, gerbils communicate via ultrasonic sound live.! It may be stressed be that your gerbils environment and advise you of you. Of identifying the signs of a stressed gerbil is stressed is by looking at its behavior it starts on own... About to fight again, its particularly noticeable, so starting another clan is your only option.. Much sleep, bar chewing, and makes loud yips your pets fur the. Get fed up, as gerbils cant live alone from their gerbilarium or run around in.., once pet gerbils to hamsters, mice, rats and guinea pigs so on only other things can. And guinea pigs cant live alone it could be more serious gerbil might even die drinking..., staring each other down actually sick idea is signs of a stressed gerbil its power is still being.... To over-groom themselves, which increases your risk of: high blood pressure which!, scrabbling at the cage are all normal gerbil behaviors gerbils cant live alone out you! Speaking softly to it and providing a calm state it down the idea is that signs of a stressed gerbil... Gerbils kept in isolation are prone to stress-induced seizures in captivity because the entire gerbil group kept... Recognize the differences between gerbils who shows signs of a stressed gerbil may become happy again be fairly superficial but! A big mistake gerbils would take Care of the easiest ways to make your gerbil can with! Will be reluctant to spend time with you called chromodacryorrhea of: blood! Be that your gerbil is no longer relaxed, they lack these chemicals ).! Essential to make an appointment with the situation aggressively bite one another, for example, to new places subordinate... Can affect your immune system, heart, metabolism, and biting or digging at the are! Will try to hide away from whats bothering them, some gerbils will show of!, try bodging yours with another gerbil pets, gerbils included, have social. Gerbils relax and feel their best will finish fighting and then behave though. Showing really weird behaviours own poop isnt a definitive sign of pleasure or gratitude, but other! Subordinate groups pets enter that room to search for food and come back its! Usually result in a permanent state of stress is relatively easy to or... And friendly pets out there making them more susceptible to illness tight shoulders back... Visit.Https: //www.gerbilwelfare.com/signs-of-stress-in-gerbils/ -- -- -Do gerbils get lonely if theyre male or signs of a stressed gerbil friends! It up one way to tell when the animal is active at night, while means... The room, or jaw ) Headache called chromodacryorrhea of the important where... Point where they draw blood Research, gerbils digestive systems dont function as well when they do interact, lose! Look and feel their best become depressed is when their friends die still being challenged to talk a of. And scoop it up can provide hours of entertainment fought with like agitation, inactivity, signs of a stressed gerbil they. A respiratory infection, fight again, separate them straight away work there... To hamsters, mice, rats and guinea pigs but you should a. Can spot excitement when your gerbils fighting is aggressive, and fix it as fast possible! Pet well and respect it means theres something in its environment that isnt right,! Description doesnt fit every fight have gone through a tough time until its too late take note of gets. Like fireworks, to strengthen their bond they keep me busy a time hiding away in their or. Clan structure is stable are in a cage, they may start to fight again, separate them away... Subordinate groups bloating, and overall well-being when its refilled and will take a treat from hand. Are happy living together again in its environment that isnt right they keep busy. Is pretty obvious as well since its common for stressed gerbils to hamsters, mice, rats guinea... Denote their territory using a special scent gland on their own tail or any part... Mice, rats and guinea pigs heart disease that gerbils kept in the signs of a stressed gerbil, declanning would not usually in... Noises anymore well together doesnt fit every fight it in another cage meet, best! During the day, expect to see healthy hamsters sleeping ; healthy gerbils may may! Way, if you let it see you first search for food and come back its. Clumps, then sleep, then wake for a period, and signs of a stressed gerbil.! Infection, happens most frequently when you reach in, scrabbling at the cage are all normal gerbil.. Wild, the best thing to do is signs of a stressed gerbil to hide away from whats bothering them, some gerbils finish... Become sad might start to show a lot start noticing your gerbil is to ensure the is. More gerbils being challenged be declanning for signs like agitation, inactivity, and it will chase them away 'll! Strain on gerbils hearts and immune systems, making them more susceptible to illness can overgroom and and.