Skinny Gerbil

HI guys. My sister left for college so she gave me her 2 female gerbils. We have no clue how old they are (she has had them for 1 year). Her friend had them before she did and said theyre from the same litter. (Her friend used them as bait for hawks. Their only source of water was cellary and they lived in the xs totes. So I don't think theyll live as long as a normal gerbil .)

My main concern is one of them is starting to lose weight. Is there a way to fatten her up a little? She can't have seeds. Her hands are quite messed up (one is flattened like a pancake and is missing 2 fingers, the othed hand is also missing 2 fingers). They currently eat oxbow pellets and the newer all living things pellet.

My sister hasnt been good at cleaning their tank. She cleaned it once every 2 or 3 months with no spot cleaning. After I cleaned it today she seemed to perk up a little. Could she have gotten sick? The closest vet thatll see her is a 5-6hour drive, I don't know if thatll stress her out too much. Any tips or suggestions?

 

Many years ago I had Gerbils, they did well on high quality pellets and I supplemented with veggies, broccoli, carrot and bits of apple. Mine used to compost all the cardboard in the house, cereal boxes, toilet paper tubes, chewing it entertained them and it also created great bedding. Also great for mulching outside plants. They enjoy chewing on timothy hay and it's good for their digestion. I cleaned mine out every week, they would have a special corner for bathroom that needed more care. I remember putting a glass shallow bowl just high enough to keep some sand in, and put it in their toilet corner. I can't imagine not cleaning them for months... the odour must of been nasty and probably not very good for them either! Clean water is a must for their good health. Could your gerbil perhaps need to be dewormed... a vet would be able to help you with that.

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Many years ago I had Gerbils, they did well on high quality pellets and I supplemented with veggies, broccoli, carrot and bits of apple. Mine used to compost all the cardboard in the house, cereal boxes, toilet paper tubes, chewing it entertained them and it also created great bedding. Also great for mulching outside plants. They enjoy chewing on timothy hay and it's good for their digestion. I cleaned mine out every week, they would have a special corner for bathroom that needed more care. I remember putting a glass shallow bowl just high enough to keep some sand in, and put it in their toilet corner. I can't imagine not cleaning them for months... the odour must of been nasty and probably not very good for them either! Clean water is a must for their good health. Could your gerbil perhaps need to be dewormed... a vet would be able to help you with that.

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Thank you! Ill see if any vets closer by can see her. Shes skin and bone The smell was horrible. I can't believe she didnt clean them sooner. I have them in a 40 gallon with kaytee bedding, orchard grass hay, a 12" wheel and lots of toys. If she does pass would the other female be ok on her own?

 

That's so good to hear. Thank you for looking after their welfare and making them comfortable, you are an angel! Perhaps she is older than you know or could maybe have a cancer? I'm sure I ended up with only one eventually and just gave it more attention to make up for it being by itself.. try checking the forum to if others have shared keeping them solo. Hoping it goes well.

 

That's so good to hear. Thank you for looking after their welfare and making them comfortable, you are an angel! Perhaps she is older than you know or could maybe have a cancer? I'm sure I ended up with only one eventually and just gave it more attention to make up for it being by itself.. try checking the forum to if others have shared keeping them solo. Hoping it goes well.

Little update. I found the little skinny one (Mocha) dead and the other gerbil (havent named) gaurding over her body. She tried to attack me when I removed the body. Would getting another gerbil be a good idea for the lone girl? Or will she be ok? I don't want to lose her either

 

So sorry for your loss, all life means something no matter how small.
If you like caring for them, I think company would be comforting for the other one, just make sure the new one is a girl as well. I've always kept everything more than one.
At least you don't need a school of 6 with Gerbils..