Marking on belly of gerbils?

Question

I have 3 male gerbils. I got 2 of them from the same litter then i got anonther one from a different litter. they got a long just fine. i have not notice any fighting and it has been 2 weeks and now i see markings on there bellys were there is no fur. is it normal for male gerbils to not have fur on a spot on there belllies? or are they fighting because they are from a different litter? (all 3 of the gerbils have the bald spot)

Answer 1

That bald spot is called a Scent Gland.

They use it to rub on their things to place a scent that other gerbils can smell, but humans cannot.

In time you will see this spot get a yellowish tint to it, that is normal, too.

Keep in mind that since there are two from one litter and one from another, you need to have a backup cage on hand.

You may never have to use it, but it is important.

Gerbils in groups of three or more are prone to something called "Declanning". They may live together for a week, a year, three years, it doesn't matter.

One day something may happen that isn't foreseeable and two of them may turn on the other.

No one knows what causes it, but it is fairly common.

Feel free to email me with any questions you have, Id be glad to help. :]

Answer 2

TOTALLY NORMAL!!!! that is there "scent gland" or as i like to call it "The spot were they rub when i can't smell it, but they can!" only because humans can't really smell that odor that gerbils give off.

(which is another reason why i love gerbils)

It's totally normal. every gerbil in the whole wide world got one. There born with it. Maybe you just didn't notice it? my do, and there doing fine!

Answer 3

This is a scent gland.  All gerbils have scent glands but depending on the color of the gerbil, it may be hard to see sometimes.  Females have this spot too...as I said, all gerbils have it.

This is what they use to show their dominance in their group by rubbing their bellies along their food bowls, houses, toys, etc.