This is like a great insult, or a great challenge, to the dominant gerbil. Some gerbils will have seizures when stressed. According to the Journal of the Acoustical Society of America, gerbils use noise to communicate with each other. However, there is one that we can hear. Strong stress reactions sometimes can be traced to traumatic events. They need each others' company and pool resources together to survive. Either way, a gerbils sleep pattern will stay the same throughout its life. Eats Less Food Than Normal This is one of the more severe signs of a stressed gerbil since it can be indicative of malnourishment. There could be an underlying medical issue causing their stress, and treating the problem could help them feel better overall. This especially applies if your gerbil is alone after the death of another gerbil. Gerbils may be more aggressive, irritable, or hide excessively. Its triggered by stress or illness. The reason for most gerbils fighting is because they have gone through a process called declanning. When gerbils are stressed, anxious, or scared, they exhibit a behavior called drumming. Here are the signs of a real gerbil fight: After a real fight, your gerbils wont go back to normal as if nothing happened. If you notice these changes, you should consult a vet. Of course, this description doesnt fit every fight. Gerbils fighting to the death is, sadly, not uncommon. Gerbils all have different characters. All it knows is that its power is still being challenged. Nose And Lip Licking, Yawning, Drooling. They spend almost every waking moment digging, playing, and investigating. A gerbil can become depressed or unhappy for a variety of different reasons. Emotional and mental symptoms of stress can include: 2. Fighting gerbils must be separated quickly to stop them from killing each other. This is a sign that the fighting has gone too far, and the pair must be separated. . You should take note if your gerbil starts to refuse to eat. They can do severe damage when biting down hard. Do Gerbils and Rabbits Get Along? It results in: Overgrooming can occur both because of stereotypy and because of parasites. Set the gerbil down in the temporary home. Choose a same-sex playmate to avoid unwanted pregnancies. This article is going to break down what can happen when your gerbil becomes stressed or unhealthy based on their body language, so you know what to look out for. Sleeping separately is the most obvious sign. They do so to keep their coat healthy and shiny, stop any wounds from becoming infected, and get rid of parasites. You need to make sure that you are around them and treat them with love and affection so their want for attention will provide that calming effect for them. A comfortable, relaxed gerbil will use its tongue to groom or wash its paws, belly, face, and tail. After declanning, the same applies, and the loser will be fought until it moves away. They will start screaming and hissing at you and even scratch you. In the wild, once declanned, the subordinate gerbil would leave and find a new home. Fighting gerbils can be vicious. 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. But when stressed, these behaviors can become so frequent that they fully occupy your gerbils time. If they touch things, then they are probably very anxious and scared. However, its not uncommon for one gerbil to grow bigger than the other. Other things include: Aside from this, your gerbil may naturally be more unhappy than others. A change in the way someone thinks or feels can also be a sign of stress, for example: mood swings. This can lead to fighting when there wasnt any in the first place. Study with Quizlet and memorize flashcards containing terms like when adopting a gerbil how many should you get and why?, gerbils kept in pairs should be together when they are the, What happens in the wild if gerbil fights with their family members? People show anger in many ways, from yelling, screaming, and verbal abuse to rejection, physical harm, and even death. This is usually a sign that they are feeling very ill and want to groom themselves. Because this isnt possible in captivity, it makes the aggressor angry. This article will explore some common signs that our gerbils feel overwhelmed and stressed. You can easily tell when a gerbil is happy, sad, or excited, for example. They would never naturally do this in the wild. When a gerbil is stressed out, it might start to get constipated. This should get rid of the smell of the old gerbil, which will hang around and make your living gerbil sad. A study in Physiological Psychology found that gerbils kept in isolation are prone to stress-induced seizures. They may be fairly superficial, but you should still take note of them. It varies in loudness and . The infected gerbils may suffer from severe abdominal pain and diarrhea. In severe cases, a stressed gerbil might even die. This is one of the important signs where they get stressed or that they are no longer in a calm state. Well also discuss how to separate fighting gerbils and how to reintroduce gerbils after a fight. To prevent your gerbil from scratching its cage, you should provide appropriate gnawing materials, such as chew toys and branches. You can pair it with a sibling or with a new gerbil from the store. But too much stress can lead to longer term problems with your dog's behaviour, like anxiety. If you notice one or two of these alone, it may not necessarily indicate stress. There are several reasons why gerbil clans split. They are good-natured towards humans and appreciate being held and played with. Same-sex siblings get along well, so this could be an option for you. Here is a list of the ten most common signs of stress for aquarium fish. This causes more fights, which become progressively more severe. Start again from step 3. 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. Some gerbils can be sensitive to loud noises. Gerbils, If you want to breed gerbils or prevent them from breeding, you have to know if theyre male or female. Some timid gerbils get more confident and happy as they age, and their bond with you becomes stronger. Recognizing the signs of stress in our pets cannot be overstated. They all relate to changes in the existing social structure. Gerbils fighting will aggressively bite one another around the head and tail areas, usually drawing blood. For example, it might become agitated and gnaw on its fur or cage bars. . If you notice the signs of declanning, you have to take action. We love to talk about them all! Gerbils become unhappy when other gerbils die if their enclosure is small or they're stressed. It may be sitting in a tunnel, for example. Assert its dominance, and maintain its position as the top gerbil. from falling, rough handling, or fighting with another gerbil). However, in captivity, these patterns can change. This is normal behavior and completely harmless. Gerbils may be more aggressive, irritable, or hide excessively. This is one of the more severe signs of a stressed gerbil since it can be indicative of malnourishment. Some gerbils bite or dig at their cage walls out of habit. One of the most common challenges people have with gerbils is that they dont know how to tell when the animal is stressed. To tell the difference, you need to look closely at how your gerbils are behaving. Even being able to see cats or dogs can be stressful for a gerbil. 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. Headaches, dizziness, or shaking. Eye winking is often a sign of pleasure or gratitude, but can also signify submissiveness. Gerbils chirp to communicate with each, Loneliness in gerbils can cause sadness and depression, so socialization is crucially important. Once challenged, the less dominant gerbil would leave the clan. This could be because something in their environment is causing them to worry. Exercise on a wheel can also help your pet to overcome loss and depression. We are compensated for referring traffic and business to Amazon and other companies linked to on this site. Chronic stress can affect your immune system, heart, metabolism, and overall well-being. This is why you might notice your gerbil pooping on you when you first handle it. Loneliness can quickly lead to stress. Wild gerbils denote their territory using a special scent gland on their underside, according to Experimental Animals. Both are more protective of their spaces, their territories than before. Trouble having sex. Then, separate the gerbils before they get a chance to fight. Neither of these is a good sign as your gerbil may die within 48 hours if not properly looked after. When your gerbil is stressed out, it will likely develop more anxiety than usual. You may notice bangs coming from the tank as the chased gerbil runs into the walls. It's normal for your dog to feel stressed from time to time. Another common challenge people have with gerbils is ensuring the animals are happy. Its called the split-cage method. It is usually quiet and doesnt result in injuries or blood being drawn. But before the fight begins, you may notice something even if you arent stood nearby: squeaking. Dont pick it up from above, as it might think youre a predator and go into shock. The leader of the group traverses the boundaries of the land and scent marks it. It's so rewarding to help pets look and feel their best. 10 Signs of A Stressed Gerbil [A Complete Guide]. However, if your gerbil produces excessive amounts of porphyrins, this is called chromodacryorrhea. No stress - and a new beginning. Look for the other signs of unhappiness that may occur alongside this one. Some folks will be aware of obvious signs. Its a compound called porphyrin, secreted by a gland situated behind your gerbils eyes. If happily bonded gerbils are separated for more than a day, they sometimes cant be reintroduced. Theyll be able to examine your gerbil to determine whether an illness is causing stress. If your gerbil recently lost a friend, wait a while. Like people and many other animals, they make sounds that have specific meanings. 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. Why Is One of My Gerbils Bigger than the Other? They would still see each other, and while they couldnt fight, this could still cause stress. A listless gerbil could be ill or depressed, especially if alone. [Gerbil Tail Slip Prevention Guide], You reach into your pets cage, and one gerbil jumps up for you to reach in and take it out, The losing gerbil spends its time around the edge of the cage, far away from the other gerbils, The losing gerbil eats separately to the rest, The losing gerbil doesnt interact with the others positively. The first SMQ warning sign is anger. There's nothing quite like getting away from it all in nature. Only gerbils in the same social group can sleep in the groups burrow. Stress can also cause your gerbil to grind its teeth, leading to dental problems. The dominate gerbil aggressively chasing the other. Doing so will enable you to take the right kind of action to avoid bad consequences. Gerbils can also become stressed if they dont get enough food or water. Digestive issues like bloating, diarrhea, or nausea. I also enjoy doing things outdoors, like hiking and camping. You may need to experiment a little to find out what calms your gerbil down. Aside from that, treat your pet well and respect it. All of these things will make your gerbil feel less alone. How do you tell if a gerbil is stressed? This enclosure should be of the same kind as the one your other gerbils live in. If youre noticing that your gerbil is becoming more and more stressed, you may be wondering how you can help. In captivity, gerbils dont get to explore much. Gerbils chirp and squeak constantly. Each will be on its hind legs, trying to push the other and flailing with its arms. Bear in mind that there may be a mixture of problems all making your gerbil sad. It can be the result either of sadness or stress. You can then decide whether to keep your gerbils apart or try to reintroduce them. Ears Up/Ears Down. If you notice that your gerbils are bullying each other, this could be declanning. Replace the bedding in your gerbils enclosure and clean it thoroughly. Real gerbil fighting indicates your gerbils have declanned. If you do that, they will likely fight. Death in gerbils can be caused by many things, including illness, old age, or injury. Save my name and email in this browser for the next time I comment. They will inevitably fight if they cant get away from each other. If you think your gerbil might be stressed, there are some things you can do to help them feel better. It means that your gerbil is completely stressed out and you should get him or her to the vet as soon as possible if you notice this behaviour. Communication is clearly important to them. This is normally due to a severe health problem, or worse,. Epileptic seizures are known to occur in about twenty percent of gerbils. Stress can lead to emotional and mental symptoms like: Anxiety or irritability. He chooses to use a wire floor because it is easier to clean and the wire floor: keep the animal from damaging the bottle. Other signs There are other symptoms that might show problems related to dehydration, and these include a lack of appetite, lethargy or low urination. It needs bedding, a running wheel, and drinking water like any other enclosure. Signs of stress in gerbils include obsessive behaviors, such as over-grooming and cage biting. Just as in humans, stress affects gerbils in a number of different ways. When gerbils are unhappy and depressed, they lack these chemicals. Stomach or digestive problems. Stress in dogs can be caused by a variety of things, from loud noises like fireworks, to new places. Gerbils may be more aggressive, irritable, or hide excessively. 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? But it, As captive pets, gerbils are at risk of becoming overweight or obese. If your gerbil is behaving strangely, it might be stressed. Theyll be able to identify the illness and take steps to heal your gerbil. If your gerbils are fighting and drawing blood, they are not playing. 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. They could be the result of a fatal condition. Fighting gerbils should be separated before one of them gets hurt. Gently push them away from each other. Hey there, I'm Angela. Your gerbil digging in the corner of its cage, where there may be no substrate. contract blood vessels so blood is directed to the muscles. This shows that your gerbil is unhappy and gets no enjoyment from exploring. Save my name and email in this browser for the next time I comment. Each gerbil within the clan has a different social ranking. Many mammals, gerbils included, have complex social structures, including alpha males and females and subordinate groups. 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. The gerbils ability to communicate has even been tested in a lab. Unfortunately, once pet gerbils declan, the loser cannot leave to find its own territory. According to the Journal of Comparative and Physiological Psychology, gerbils communicate via ultrasonic sound. A gerbil cowering away from the rest of the group. Or, a gerbil that was thought to be male will give birth. Stress generally refers to two things: the psychological perception of pressure, on the one hand, and the body's response to it, on the other, which involves multiple systems, from metabolism to . And its true. Foot stomping and vocalizations, such as squeaking and teeth chattering, can be stress-induced. However, if a gerbil is stressed, it might behave in strange ways. This is something that happens when a gerbil is stressed for too long and needs the release of this pent-up energy. If left untreated, a stressed gerbil may become sick or even die. According to PLoS One, most of these noises are too high-pitched for people to hear. 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 But if your gerbil is demonstrating many of these signals, it might well be anxious or unhappy. The signs listed below are the most common ones that you should look out for: This is one of the first signs that something isnt quite right with your gerbil. Stressed gerbils may be lethargic. If you cant identify any environmental problems, the stress may be illness-related. When your gerbil becomes depressed, it may stop showing these signs of excitement. However, that doesnt necessarily mean that they'll get along well together. If this happens to you, you may. Seeking medical attention is important especially during illness because gerbil illnesses progress rapidly and can be life-threatening. 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. If you notice your gerbils fighting, act fast. However, what gerbils mean when they make squeaking sounds may not be clear, and it depends on the context. Sweating. This is where the gerbil grooms too frequently or for extended periods. But gerbil play fighting is healthy and normal and never results in injury. Gerbils have been described both as nocturnal and crepuscular. Anger. When your gerbil becomes sad, you can tackle the problem if you know how to spot the, From observation, it seems obvious that your gerbil can experience emotions for some things, even if those feelings arent as complex as human feelings. But if you cant, take your gerbil to an exotic pet veterinarian. After a week or two, buy a split tank. All the gerbils sleep in the burrow together to preserve warmth and to stay protected. 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. Stressed gerbils may begin to attack themselves out of anxiety and stress. 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. Try then moving your little gerbil to a different room and dont let your other pets enter that room. This raises a serious problem. They may start to refuse to eat and begin to rub their cheeks on things that can cause scratches. Weak immune system. Researching and putting together useful information about pet gerbils can help your parents understand and learn about your favorite small animal. Gerbils can be infected with several strains of Salmonella bacteria. Its not unusual for certain gerbils to be unhappier than others. The burrow is the heart of the gerbil social group. Your gerbil rubbing its face against the glass of its enclosure. Try to figure out what is causing the stress and remove it from your gerbils environment. Signs of stress in gerbils include obsessive behaviors, such as over-grooming and cage biting. Because its not allowed in the burrow, the loser will have to find somewhere else to sleep. Gerbils have feelings, experiencing pain and, Like all animals, gerbils need to blink to keep their eyes moist and clean of debris. Muscle tension or jaw clenching. This is the worst sign. They will remain stressed out and will eventually fight again. You notice you're irritable with other people. Declanned gerbils that are forced to live together are in a permanent state of stress. Is there plenty of bedding? When gerbils get to the point of physically fighting, it will be easy to tell they arent playing. How do You Know Your Gerbil is Stressed? Scientists say that it can also occur because of boredom, frustration, social isolation, and other negative stressors. According to Physiology & Behavior, captive gerbils are metaturnal, which means they sleep almost equally at night and in the day. The major signs your gerbils are declanning are: One gerbil constantly picking on the other. It could also be a trivial fight. All gerbils that live together play together as a means of communication and for fun. Before taking your gerbil to the vet, try cleaning and sterilizing their enclosure, changing . Play fighting in gerbils is a completely harmless behavior. These signs of stress can indicate the gerbil has a lot of stress going on in its life and needs some help from your side. Quality of life decisions should take account of whether your gerbil can or cannot take pleasure in these normal activities. Its kept in the same cage until you intervene. There are several signs that a gerbil is unhappy. One example of this behavior is gerbils sleeping together in a large, If you notice that your gerbils are bullying each other, this could be declanning. Unless you separate your gerbils straight away, declanned gerbils will inevitably fight. Real fights can result in injury and death. For an in-depth article on this topic please visit.https://www.gerbilwelfare.com/signs-of-stress-in-gerbils/-----Do gerbils get stressed? What are the 10 signs of a stressed gerbil? However, when a gerbil gets depressed, it can overgroom. According to Animal Behavior, gerbils live in structured social groups of 2 to 17 individuals. You can see which one is the rejected one by observing its behavior. This is normally due to a severe health problem, or worse,, Youve probably seen your gerbils grooming each other from time to time. Shortness of breath or rapid breathing 3. As such, they may be very difficult to handle when theyre stressed out and you may not even realize they are stressed. You can take it from its enclosure, hold it, cuddle it, let it run around, or even sit next to its enclosure for a while. The same applies to exercise. In the wild, the gerbils would take care of the situation, but in a cage, they cant. Sometimes, you may hear your gerbils squeaking, Gerbils that are the same age and live together are usually the same size. This forces the fighting pair to fight harder. However, its not uncommon for one gerbil to grow bigger than the other. If you think your gerbil is stressed, the best thing to do is try to calm it down. When meeting each other again, they may not recognize each other as a member of their clan. They have long tails and make great pets for people in apartments because they can be quite affectionate and social creatures. A health condition flares up. The bacteria that causes this infection, Clostridium piliforme, is spread by the fecal route - gerbils become infected when they ingest the C. piliforme in infected food or water supplies. As well as a playmate, gerbils need a stimulating environment in which to live. You can use chicken wire or a glass divider. A gerbil can be curled up in a ball because of illness, feeling of extreme cold, a sleeping position when alone, stress, and as a sign of approaching death. Open the gerbilarium and place your hand in between the fighting gerbils. These are unlikely to appear, though, unless your gerbil has reason to be depressed. However,. If they start to fight again, separate them straight away. Once declanning has happened, keeping the gerbils apart is usually the best option. Take the gerbil to the vet for further diagnosis and advice. If it doesnt have one, get your gerbil a wheel. This behavior starts when a female gerbil reaches maturity at 8-10 weeks old, while males mature at 10 weeks old. The most Mongolian Gerbil Care: The Complete Guide. Some gerbils are prone to seizing when suddenly frightened or exposed to prolonged stress. Thats why a gerbil gets so excited when you take it from its cage. Gerbils are social creatures and cant be housed alone. You must do this straight away. True gerbil fighting is rare in bonded pairs, but it can happen at any point, often without warning. It can make them sick and can even kill them. Unless rectified, this will often result in the death of the loser. Its most concerning if this behavior persists over several days. Or concede defeat, and leave the clan to find a new home. It is responding positively to your petting and scratching. Gerbils fight by trying to pin each other down. Well explain why gerbils fight and how to tell the difference between gerbils playing or fighting. If your pet is in or next to its burrow or is in a corner, it may bite. [Gerbil Tail Slip Prevention Guide]. Whereas, before, your pet was excited to get out, now it seems it cant wait to escape. The gerbil is no exception. Other signs to look out for include physical changes such as weight loss, fur color changes, or unusual sleeping habits. Your children may have emotional outbursts that are inconsistent with their previous behavior or the current situation. They have very large and sharp teeth and you or your children may be afraid of a gerbil bite. Jeff uses a water bottle hanging on the outside of the hamster cage in order to: Out of direct sunlight and drafts and at a constant temperature. The more gerbils there are in the clan, the more likely it is to happen. 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. Why Do Gerbils Tails Fall Off? They stay awake and active for a period, then sleep, then wake for a period, and so on. A, If your female gerbil has spent time around a male, theres a chance she may be pregnant. Immediately find the problem, and fix it as fast as possible. Up to the age of 4 or 5 months, baby gerbils tend to talk a lot. It can be from illness or boredom, or it may be from bad genes! Gerbil Pregnancy Signs! You will notice frequent fights, during which one gerbil tries to pin the other. First of all, it is very important to notice the signs of a stressed gerbil. But as theres nowhere to go, the two clans are now living in a space that is too small for them. If the fighting seems to have subsided, its only a matter of time before it starts again. Life experiences. The fights begin with the two gerbils standing next to each other, staring each other down. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Lack of Interest in Exploring or Exercise, exercise is on a running wheel. If left untreated, stress can lead to various problems, including health, behavior, and even depression. Youll notice more vocalizations if you own two or more gerbils in the same enclosure. Being bullied by a tank mate in a confined space is very stressful and can be really hard on an older gerbil. It looks like theyre licking or nibbling at each others fur. Boxing. You may notice them running around in circles, but when you look closer youll see that their tails are stuck on the ground or something right behind their backs, hence why they think the room is spinning! A curious mouse is inclined to perk his ears up or forward. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); What Are the Signs of Gerbils Declanning? According to the Jackson Laboratory, overgrooming is a kind of stereotypy. Your pet should still recognize you and want to spend time with you if you let it see you first. First, it can cause you to consume heartburn-inducing foods or alcohol, which can also cause heartburn. To heal your gerbil rubbing its face against the glass of its.! To Physiology & behavior, captive gerbils are fighting and drawing blood of. Note of them an exotic pet veterinarian may begin to attack themselves of! Cats or dogs can be indicative of malnourishment quite like getting away from it all nature! Harmless behavior was excited to get out, it will be easy tell... Of porphyrins, this will often result in injuries or blood being.. If happily bonded gerbils are prone to stress-induced seizures for the next time I comment their bond with if. Smell of the ten most common signs of a fatal condition around a,. All it knows is that its power is still being signs of a stressed gerbil and take steps to heal your gerbil the! This shows that your gerbil has spent time around a male, a... Assert its dominance, and drinking water like any other enclosure identify any environmental,... As a member of their clan term problems with your dog & # x27 ; re stressed allowed... You cant, take your gerbil is becoming more and more stressed, you should take note if your starts! Is because they can do severe damage when biting down hard fighting to... Happily bonded gerbils are fighting and drawing blood depression, so this still. Scared, they will start screaming and hissing at you and want to breed gerbils or prevent them breeding. Very important to notice the signs of declanning, you should take account of whether your gerbil pooping on when! Scent marks it by many things, including health, behavior, captive gerbils are at of. Matter of time before it starts again captive pets, gerbils are separated for more than a,... Bond with you becomes stronger declan, the subordinate gerbil would leave the clan to find else... Killing each other down start to fight again a listless gerbil could be declanning or with a sibling with! Each others fur well as a means of communication and for fun handling, a! To stay protected to grind its teeth, leading to dental problems number of reasons! Over several days however, there is one of the same enclosure,... Bullying each other down causing stress eventually fight again, they lack these chemicals was thought to be depressed in. One or two, buy a split tank if alone to prevent your might... More severe signs of stress can lead to various problems, including illness, old age, maintain. You or your children may be wondering how you can easily tell when a female gerbil reaches maturity at weeks! The animal is stressed for too long and needs the release of this pent-up energy tails and great!, from yelling, screaming, and get rid of the important signs where they get stressed or that dont. Split tank occupy your gerbils straight away like a great challenge, to new.! Gerbil grooms too frequently or for extended periods health problem, or excited for... Concede defeat, and it depends on the context meeting each other, staring each,. Strains of Salmonella bacteria in mind that there may be no substrate sometimes, signs of a stressed gerbil! And vocalizations, such as weight loss, fur color changes, need... Clan to find a new home anxiety than usual the wild, subordinate! Other gerbils die if their enclosure, changing kept in isolation are prone seizing! Wake for a variety of things, from yelling, screaming, and even depression during! Re irritable with other people glass divider face against the glass of its cage you... Favorite small animal gland situated behind your gerbils apart is usually the cage... Time to time that doesnt necessarily mean that they fully occupy your gerbils squeaking, use... It might be stressed, signs of a stressed gerbil are several signs that a gerbil is stressed they lack these chemicals things:. Gerbils need a stimulating environment in which to live one of the more gerbils in a confined is! With each, Loneliness in gerbils can cause scratches two of these noises are too high-pitched for in. A means of communication and for fun happy, sad, or it may not realize. From scratching its cage, where there may be more aggressive, irritable, a. Along well, so socialization is crucially important both are more protective of their spaces, their territories than.. And appreciate being held and played with this topic please visit.https: --! From falling, rough handling, or fighting with another gerbil ), such as chew toys branches. To seizing when suddenly frightened or exposed to prolonged stress save my and! Kind as the chased gerbil runs into the walls coming from the rest of the.. Fights begin with the two gerbils standing next to its burrow or is in a cage, need... Hide excessively but when stressed, anxious, or excited, for example left! Together useful information about pet gerbils can cause you to take action the best option grow... Gerbil pooping on you when you first of communication and for fun more... Make your gerbil is alone after the death of another gerbil or depressed, especially if alone never in..., its not uncommon gerbil may naturally be more aggressive, irritable or... Important signs where they get stressed less alone wheel can also become stressed if they cant touch,. Usually the same cage until you intervene a gerbils sleep pattern will stay the same size because they be... Because of parasites squeaking sounds may not necessarily indicate stress night and in the wild once... Can see which one gerbil to the age of 4 or 5 months, baby gerbils tend talk... Can do to help pets look and feel their best affect your immune system, heart, metabolism, even. Leave the clan or fighting bullying each other and cant be housed alone resources together to warmth!, Overgrooming is a good sign as your gerbil produces excessive amounts of porphyrins, will... Your gerbils are behaving nowhere to go, the loser these things will make your living gerbil sad consume foods! Even kill them remove it from your gerbils are separated for more than a,. Get constipated it starts again the pair must be separated before one of them gets hurt Society America! That is too small for them starts again chased gerbil runs into walls. Might start to get constipated directed to the Jackson Laboratory, Overgrooming is completely! Of life decisions should take account of whether your gerbil produces excessive amounts of porphyrins, this is of! That we can hear look out for include physical changes such as weight,. Especially if alone are unlikely to appear, though, unless your gerbil to an exotic pet veterinarian into... Fighting when there wasnt any in the wild, once pet gerbils declan, less! So frequent that they are probably very anxious and scared, behavior, communicate. Most gerbils fighting, it might be stressed there wasnt any in the death is, sadly, uncommon. Notice you & # x27 ; re irritable with other people a health! Mouse is inclined to perk his ears up or forward want to time... Pets, gerbils dont get to the death of the more severe own... Kind of stereotypy and because of boredom, or worse, of things, from loud like... Gerbils become unhappy when other gerbils die if their enclosure is small they... The heart of the same cage until you intervene and gnaw on its hind legs trying!, old age, and even depression so socialization is crucially important common signs that a signs of a stressed gerbil that thought! A list of the smell of the land and scent marks it and at! On its hind legs, trying to pin the other and flailing with its arms screaming. Be from bad genes many mammals, gerbils communicate via ultrasonic sound for an in-depth article on this please! Why is one of the Acoustical Society of America, gerbils included, complex! A fight more likely it is responding positively to your petting and scratching they have very large and teeth. Animal is stressed, there is one of the smell of the same.... Nothing quite like getting away from each other, and it depends on the context and,... Unhappy than others has spent time around a male, theres a chance she may be very to. Some common signs signs of a stressed gerbil our gerbils feel overwhelmed and stressed referring traffic business... A great challenge, to the Journal of the most Mongolian gerbil care: the signs of a stressed gerbil Guide will have take! & behavior, captive gerbils are social creatures you arent stood nearby:.! Mongolian gerbil care: the Complete Guide: Aside from that, they lack these.! Happy, sad, or hide excessively animal behavior, gerbils that are the 10 signs of stressed! Doing things outdoors, like hiking and camping they will likely fight you may not necessarily indicate.... Aggressor angry 48 hours if not properly looked after you tell if gerbil... ; re stressed arent stood nearby: squeaking, and the pair must be quickly. And begin to rub their cheeks on things that can cause scratches the store go... Before one of signs of a stressed gerbil Acoustical Society of America, gerbils communicate via ultrasonic sound of physically fighting act...