I think my gerbil has a cold.

Question

I think my gerbil has caught a cold. I had to separate my gerbils a few days ago due to a problem with one of them, and I put him in a separate tank so I could take care of his brother.

I didn't notice how close to the fan his tank was, and I moved it last night. He only spent a day close to a fan.

Now he is cold to the touch, barely eatting, listless, and a little unsteady on his feet.

I put him close to my eye, and his breathing sounds fine. He isn't weezing, and he is breathing normally.

There isn't a vet in this area that knows what to do with rodents, so I have to give them home remedies when they don't feel well.

So far he is in a covered tank (not completely covered so he can still breath) and it had a hot water bottle against the side so he can get some heat.

I am trying to get this out of him so I can do the split tank method and get him reunited with his brother.

Any advice on what I can do to make him feel better?

Answer 1

When my gerbil got sick, i got medicine for him and he got better. Maybe you could try putting a heater next to his cage for a short while.

Answer 2

maybe hes devastated from being away from his brother. haha  

Answer 3

You need to try to warm your gerbil up.  Get a hot water bottle, wrap it in a towel or wash cloth, and put it next time him.  You can also trying holding him in your hands or close to you to warm him up.  If he starts to feel less cold try giving him fluids.  

You could try a heating pad but you would have to put bedding or a towel over it so the gerbil doesn't get too much heat.  

The site below is where I found this information.  Good luck.  I hope your gerbil gets better!