Is my gerbilsick?

Question

I just got a gerbil a couple of days ago Tsuki (means moon in japanese)and shes been active like any other gerbil but whenever i pick er up its like shes having a seizure but she keeps moving!she just shakes or shivers is more of what it is every few seconds and she sneezes almost constantly!i want to know if its an allergy to the bedding(which i really think it its)or something else plz answer quickly!

Answer 1

Check on the bag of sawdust or bedding, maybe there are some chemicals in it.

Answer 2

If you are using cedar or pine bedding, then this may be the cause.  This could be an allergy towards the bedding.  Also, if you buy aspen bedding, make sure there is low dust.

Also, do not feed her any food by the brand of Hartz or LM Animal Farms (these two are related)...this has been known to give small animals seizures and illness.

As for the sneezing, it is probably the bedding.  Change the bedding to make sure.

If she is more or less "vibrating" in your hand and not necessarily having like a seizure movement, then that is good.  That is a gerbil's way of being content to you.  I have 5 gerbils and two of them vibrate in my hand.

If you really want to get some GREAT information, go to www.egerbil.com and click on the forum.  You can join and ask questions...I belong to there and they are awesome!

Answer 3

Almost 40 percent of young gerbils actually DO have seizures, so that is very possible.

It sounds more like she is afraid and the handling is causing the seizures- which is very common.

Try looking up "Hand Taming Gerbils", or read up on TwinSqueaks.com on how to get her used to you.

If she came from a pet store, chances are high she has a respiratory infection, or just a cold. I would take her to the vet, and then if she needs treatment, ask the pet store to pay for her vet bills- it is their responsibility to inform you of sick animals.

Also, I would HIGHLY suggest going back and getting her another young female gerbil to be her cagemate- after you find out she is healthy.

Gerbils are social animals and thrive in same s*x pairs. Lone gerbils almost always have shorter lifespans and don't keep quite as clean. They are depressed without a friend.

As long as you are using Aspen, you shouldn't have problems with allergies. Although, if you are concerned, try Carefresh.

If you have any other questions, feel free to send me a message, I would be glad to help. :]

Answer 4

if she only does that when u pick her up she is probably scared to death of you